Requirement 1: Create a list of the five things you feel best describe professionalism in todays environment. These can be internal (work ethic, personality, etc.) or external (dress code, punctuality, etc.) qualities or a mix of both. Be creative as you think of traits/behaviors you deem the ideal employee, co-worker, boss, etc. would demonstrate.

Requirement 2: Next, choose just one out of your top five to discuss. For the trait you choose, give an example of an experience you have had, heard of, or can imagine where someone has demonstrated that trait. Did that individual live up to your expectations of a professional in the long run? Please discuss.

Requirement 3: Finally, give an example of someone who did not appear professional but came through to surprise you as a highly professional individual. Or, if you have not experienced that scenario, discuss an example of someone in business demonstrating an unprofessional behavior or attitude.

Here is an example: Suppose Mark shows up the first day to a new job thirty minutes late, you may assume that he is unreliable or a slacker due to this act of unprofessionalism. Was your impression correct? Was he less than ideal in the professional world over the long term or did he turn out to be a model employee that just happened to have a bad first day due to car trouble or something else?