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Professional Buzz

Professional Buzz

Professional Buzz is a blog warehousing relevant information, tips and tools for students and professionals looking for career development and advice. Topics range from leadership and management skills to interpersonal communication and innovation in the workplace. The blog is written and curated by Associate Dean of the Graduate College, Anne Converse Willkomm – drawing on her academic and professional experience to provide insight into the latest professional trends, challenges and skills needed to thrive in today’s everchanging workplace.

Categories

Professional Development & Career TipsLeadership & Management SkillsInterpersonal CommunicationInnovation in the Workplace
Black & White image of doodles: hearts, squiggly lines, etc.

How Drawing & Doodling Boost Creativity

I’m a doodler. I doodle during meetings. I doodle while I’m on the phone. I doodle when I I’m trying to think. Are you a doodler, too?

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Initials W F H which stand for Work From Home.

WFH? When is it okay to Work from Home?

What do you need to know if you are considering working from home? First, it is important to note that working from home is not for everyone. To be effective, you need to have good project management skills, be disciplined, and have reliable technology and access to the internet. And it is important to note that working from home is not right for all businesses.

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How to deal with device distractions

Advice for the Device Dependent

Mobile devices have transformed how we work and live — mostly for the better. Still, there are some side effects to relying too much on our devices during the workday, including a decrease in productivity.

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Image of a young women speaking into a microphone

Three Essentials to Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

I recognize public speaking on any level causes some great anxiety. While some people exude confidence with they speak from a podium or up on a stage, I can assure you, they developed that confidence over time. Let's look at three key elements to public speaking.

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Veteran carrying an American Flag

Happy memorial day

For many across this country, this weekend signals the start of summer. There will be pool parties, cookouts, and trips to the beach to welcome the warmer weather and the lazier days that will follow. And while I enjoy all of those things, I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon the holiday and what it represents.

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Computer keyboard with a clear fingerprint on the return key.

Juggling Security Concerns and Employee Privacy

There are a more than a dozen companies that offer various employee security and monitoring software. While they may differ slightly, they all monitor emails (content and destination), file usage and access, inactivity, social media usage, websites visited, and even keystrokes. The intention is to ensure employees are productive and efficient with their time. According to CNBC, the amount of time employees across the world “wasted” on Facebook totaled $3.5 trillion (in US dollars).

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Selection of company logos

Think Like an Entrepreneur: Seven Strange Business Ideas that Worked

Ever wonder who thought of Crocs? Beanie Babies? The Go Pro? Or the newest trending teenage craze- the Fidget Spinner? Or what about diaper delivery services, dog walkers, food delivery services?

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Image of Republican Elephant and Democratic Donkey

Politics at Work

What happens when a political debate unfolds in the office? If the colleagues are of similar mind, then little of any consequence, but what if, especially in this political climate, the colleagues hold different beliefs, voted for different candidates, support different causes?

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Oxford Comma

Why You Should Care About the Oxford Comma

I get asked every so often what all the hullabaloo is about the Oxford comma, also known as the serial or Harvard comma. I not only use it but am an adamant supporter. Why?

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Smiley face

Are You Happy?

Most of us spend eight hours a day at work. When you add in commuting time, it means we spend nine to ten hours – on average – away from home, family, friends, hobbies, and pets. This translates to almost half of every 24-hour period, and when you account for sleeping, it means the majority of our time is spent at work.

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Influencing Others

Influence, Part II

Spotting influence around us means that we need to be open about what and who influences us. Think about the times you yielded to the group and the times you separated yourself; this will give you an idea about what influences you and how.

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Influencing Others — New Car

Influence, Part I

Last week, I attended the 2017 Philly Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Symposium, themed "Ignite Your Influence." It was a great day, full of information and networking, but it was the keynote speaker, Jonah Berger, a Wharton professor and best-selling author, whose message resonated most for me.

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