Professional Skills Development Course for Women in the Energy Sector

The module focused on teaching participants how to appear appropriately dressed for work, engage professionally, and appreciate aspects of appropriate behavior for professional settings. Key learning objectives included developing a personal networking script and understanding the importance of business etiquette in the workplace. The module covered various aspects of business etiquette, including appearance, behavior, communicating, networking, eating out, and getting ahead. Participants were encouraged to type their questions, comments, and contributions in the chat for the facilitator to respond to directly. The facilitator emphasized the importance of respect in the workplace and encouraged participants to discuss what respect looks like to them and how they demonstrate it in their behavior towards others. The module also covered the concept of identity and how it relates to business etiquette. Participants were asked to consider how many identities they openly identify with and whether they appear and behave in a way that showcases their personality. The facilitator provided a list of 21 identities, including family, religion, gender, ethnicity, and others, to help participants reflect on their own identities. Business etiquette was defined as the rules that allow individuals to interact in a civilized fashion, grounded in common sense and cultural norms. The facilitator emphasized the importance of making a positive first impression, as it can lead to building long-term relationships and achieving professional benefits. The module covered various aspects of business etiquette, including entrance and carriage, meeting and greeting, hygiene, dress code, and online etiquette. Throughout the module, participants were encouraged to engage in discussions and activities, including a breakout room exercise where they discussed what respect looks like to them and how they demonstrate it in their behavior towards others. The facilitator also provided handouts, including a business etiquette activity and a networking practice activity, to help participants apply their learning.