Focus: Mindset Monday – Professional Habits & Workplace Readiness

Learning Intention

We are learning how to build professional workplace habits that prepare us for internships and future jobs.

Success Criteria

• I can describe one workplace habit I will practice during my internship.

Why Are We Learning This?

Internships are the bridge between school and the professional world. Employers don’t just look for skills — they look for reliability, professionalism, and communication. Learning these habits now will help you succeed in real work environments.

Warm-Up (Tech Journal Prompt)

• “If you started an internship tomorrow, what would you be most nervous about — the technical skills or the professional habits (like communication, showing up on time, etc.)? Why?”

Formative Lecture & Discussion (10 minutes)

• Quick discussion: “What do professionals notice most in interns?”
• Mini-lesson on 3 key habits for internships:
  1. Punctuality & Reliability → showing up on time, prepared.
  2. Professional Communication → clear emails, asking good questions.
  3. Proactive Learning → taking initiative when you don’t know something.
• Example: An intern who emails their mentor weekly with a progress update vs. one who waits silently for feedback.

How This Applies to Certifications 🔑

• Certifications prove you have the skills, but internships prove you can apply them professionally.