Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD)

ZIPD Benefits

• 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 Focus

• 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

Required Core/Skill Building - Proof of Attendance / Submission  

• 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)

Personal Development - Proof of Attendance / Submission
(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

Networking - Proof of Attendance / Submission
(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

Professional Development - Proof of Attendance / Submission
(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

Bonus Points

• Internship (50 points)
• Work Experience Aligned with Major (50 points)
• Study Abroad (50 points)
• CIBC (Career Intensive Boot Camp) - (10 bonus points)

Completion of all ZIPD points = 50 points

Must be completed prior to Graduation. Suggested timeframe - 4 Semesters

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

Preparing for Success

Source: Job Outlook 2018, National Association of Colleges and Employers.
*5-point scale, where 1=Not essential, 2=Not very essential, 3=Somewhat essential, 4=essential, 5=Absolutely essential.

Dress for Success

• 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

Make a Positive Impression

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

Connect with Class

• 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?

Dining Etiquette

• 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

Networking and Finger Food Etiquette

• 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

Don’t Forget the Follow Up!

• 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.