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

ZIPD Level I

(Freshman/ Sophomore Year) 0-60 Credits

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

REQUIRED CORE- Proof of Attendance / Submission  

• ZIPD Elite Edition Success Session – (1 Point)  
• Intro to Business (BUSED101)/ Transfer Equivalency – BIC & Career Assignment (2 points)  
• Annual Business Conference- Attend 2 sessions minimum each Fall (4 points)  
• Dining/Business Etiquette WKSHP – Attend 1 or complete Business Etiquette Module (1 point)  
• Networking Event – Attend three (3) (3 points)  
• Career Fair/Expo– Attend two (2) (2 points)  
• Complete PDA (Professional Development Assessment) – FR1st semester (1 point)  

SO2nd semester (1 point) 

REQUIRED - Self Report Documentation  

• Resume Basics WKSHP – Attend 1 & submit resume to Resume Assignment-I drop box (1 point) 
• Submission of Resume to drop box earns the core point  
• Community Service - Complete 6 hours & submit to Com. Serv. Assignment drop box (6 points)  
• ZCOB Professional Club or Organization – Active membership 3 semesters (3 points)  

Award of the 25 Points above will complete ZIPD Level I. Students are encouraged to complete Level I before beginning Level II ZIPD core requirements.  

ZIPD Level II

(Junior/Senior Year) 61+ credits  

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

REQUIRED CORE- Proof of Attendance / Submission  

• Annual Business Conference- Attend 3 sessions minimum each Fall (6 points)  
• Networking Event – Attend four (4) (4 points)  
• Career Fair/Expo– Attend two (2) (2 points)  
• Complete PDA (Professional Development Assessment) – SR2nd semester (1 point)  

REQUIRED - Self Report Documentation  

• LinkedIn Profile Session - Attend 1 & submit LI Profile Link to LI Assignment drop box (1 point)  
• Submission of LI Profile Link to drop box earns the core point  
• Resume Critique - submit Revised Resume to Assignment-II drop box (1 point)  
• Submission of Resume to drop box earns the core point  
• Professional/Mock Interview-submit to Interview Assignment drop box (1 point) 
• Submission of interview experience to drop box earns the core point  
• Community Service – Complete 6 hours & submit to Com. Serv. Assignment drop box (6 points)  
• ZCOB Professional Club or Organization – Active membership 3 semesters (3 points)  

Completion of the 25 Points above results in ZIPD CERTIFICATE notation - “Met Expectations”

Point Booster - Internship and/or Work Experience Aligned with Major (50 points)

Completion of the 26 Points above in addition to a 50-point internship/work experience results in ZIPD CERTIFICATE notation - “Exceeded Expectations”

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.