Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD)

ZIPD recognizes students dedicated to building their professional skills through exclusive networking opportunities, special graduation honors, grant eligibility, and formal program credentials that highlight their commitment to career‑ready development.

ZIPD recognizes these achievements through:

• Graduation Stole
• Transcript Notation
• Appreciation Award Breakfast
• Exclusive Networking Invitations
• Program Certification of Completion
• Recommendation Letter for Internships/Jobs
• ZCOB Graduation Awards Ceremony and Recognition
• High Point Earners = Professional Development Grant Money
• ZIPD Business Conference Networking Reception — ZIPD Core Requirement

ZIPD empowers students to grow personally, academically, and professionally by developing strong leadership abilities, self‑confidence, communication skills, and a clear sense of purpose. The program strengthens career readiness through reflection, collaboration, ethical awareness, and real‑world problem‑solving while fostering a commitment to community, diversity, and global citizenship.

ZIPD focus areas include:

• Leadership
• Independence
• Sense of Self
• Collaboration
• Clarified Values
• Community Service
• Intellectual Growth
• Enhanced Self-Esteem
• Social Responsibility
• Business Career Choice
• Effective Communication
• Appreciating Diversity
• Realistic Self-Appraisal
• Interpersonal Communication
• Personal and Educational Goals
• Global, Cultural, Ethical Awareness
• Satisfying and Productive Lifestyle
• Meaningful Interpersonal Relationships
• Business Functions Interconnectedness
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Initiative and Drive

• ZIPD Orientation Session
  1 point
• Dining/Business Etiquette Workshop
  1 point
• LinkedIn Profile Session
  1 point
• Resume Workshop
  1 point
• Professional / Mock Interview
  1 point

Must complete items from at least 2 categories. 5 points needed.

• Wellness
  1 point for each program attended
• DEIB
  1 point for each program attended
• Community Service
  1 point for each hour of unpaid community service
• Volunteer Work
  1 point for each hour of any kind of unpaid volunteer work

Must complete items from the first 3 categories. 30 points needed.

• ZIPD Annual Business Conference
  1 point for each session attended
• Networking with Alumni and Employers
  1 point for each session attended
• Career Expos
  1 point for connecting with 3 employers. 2 points max per Expo
• Clubs and Organizations
  2 points per semester; 1 additional point for being an officer

Must complete items from at least 2 categories. 10 points needed.

• Professional Conference Attendance
  1 point per session attended
• Professional Conference Presentation
  5 points per presentation
• Career Related Competitions
  5 points for participation
• Career Intensive Bootcamp
  20 points + 10 bonus points
• Professional Trainings
  1 point per session attended
• Road Trip
  5 points

• Internship
  50 points
• Work Experience Aligned with Major
  50 points
• Study Abroad
  50 points
• CIBC (Career Intensive Boot Camp)
  10 points
• Completion of all ZIPD points
  50 points

• Make a positive, professional first impression by leaving your jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, flip flops and sneakers in your closet.
• Remember, professional dress is required for this event
• Men: dress pants, dress shirt, tie and blazer
• Women: suit, dress, or skirt and blouse
• Avoid strong cologne or perfume — many people have allergies
• Neat hairstyle; trimmed facial hair
• Conservative jewelry, make up and cover tattoos

• Turn off your cell phone
• No side conversations
• Listen actively by looking at the speaker
• Stay for the entire presentation
• Ask questions

• Offer a firm handshake
• Make and maintain eye contact
• Do not chew gum or mints when talking with others
• Take the initiative and introduce yourself — include your name, year, major and career interests.
• Focus on what the other person is saying and ask questions such as:
  • What interests you in this type of work and how did you get started?
  • Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain this necessary experience?
  • What are the most important personal satisfactions and dissatisfaction connected with your occupation?
  • What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying?
  • Most challenging?
  • What do you like and not like about working in this industry?
  • To what professional associations do you belong?

• Work from the outside in — the first courses will always use the outer silverware
• Always rest silverware on a dish — never on the table
• Your drink glasses are to the right of your plate; your bread plate is on your left
• Place your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down
• Take small bites and chew with your mouth closed; don’t talk until your mouth is empty
• Say please and thank you
• Do not begin eating until everyone at your table has been served

• The focus is meeting people, not eating
• You want to keep your right hand free so you can shake hands as you meet alumni
• Choose simple foods and fill only half your plate; make sure to grab a napkin
• To be safe, eat first, put down your empty plate and then get a drink; you will then not have to worry about trying to balance two things in your left hand

• Reach out to the alumni you met or whose presentation you attended and thank them for their time.
• Mention what you learned and how the information was helpful to you.
• If you have alumni business cards, send an email or a hand-written thank you card to each person.
• If you don’t know how to contact alumni, email gazipd@commonwealthu.edu for assistance.

Becoming a professional is a process that takes time. The ZIPD Elite Program helps students gain a competitive advantage in today's job market by allowing them opportunities to practice professionalism in a "safe" environment where they can develop qualities employers' desire.

"I'm noticing students are using ZIPD on their resumes; it tells me they believe it's a selling point worthy of mention on the one page they have to talk about themselves. ZIPD provides so many real-life tangible business experiences and connections. I'm a fan, and I thank you so much for all you do."
— Crystal Skotedis, director of Boyer Ritter, LLC

No other PASSHE school offers this type of comprehensive, holistic, high-impact program for students to learn, experience, grow, and demonstrate professionalism.

Some characteristics of professionalism are:

• Grit
• Empathy
• Enthusiasm
• Responsiveness
• Positive Mindset
• Emotional Intelligence
• Depth and Breadth of Knowledge

Employers Rate the Essential Need of the Career Readiness Competencies

Based on 5-point scale:

• 5 – Absolutely essential
• 4 – Essential
• 3 – Somewhat essential
• 2 – Not very essential
• 1 – Not essential