On Thursday, May 19, 2022, Stefanie D.W. Sewotaroeno, an analyst at Futureproof Besloten Vennootschap, Netherlands, from Suriname joined Applied Foreign Languages students as a guest lecturer on Professional Ethics. This activity held through the Zoom platform was moderated by Ajeng Noer Olivia, a third-year student of Applied Foreign Languages.
Stefanie explained that there are several things related to professional ethics in companies that must be considered. For example, in the financial sector where customer perception is very important, employees need to be formal. This attitude can be shown starting from how to dress, speak language, and also gestures. In the NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) sector, it tends to be relaxed, less formal, and also more flexible.
She said that there are different ways of behaving in different sectors. For example, there are two things that need to be considered in the consulting i.e. results and innovation. On the other hand, education sector tends to be casual, informative, a mix of formal and casual. Why is it important to understand professional ethics? Because you will get ease in navigating yourself in a company that will happen in the world of work.
What are some tips for navigating yourself in a company? Some of them are understanding the employee’s code of ethics through the manual, not hesitant in asking questions, the importance of observing and paying attention, and not afraid to be yourself. Stefanie shared her experience in navigating oneself through the differences in calling co-workers. He does this by asking colleagues or starting with a term of address that tends to be formal. Note that if you find someone using first name calls with co-workers it is important to consider their relationship. Lastly, building relationship is trial and error, this is unavoidable.
Stefanie reminded, “Differences in etiquette are possible. Every sector, company, country, or even individual sometimes has different rules of behavior. Therefore, stay true to yourself, don’t limit yourself, and use all you can to be the best version of yourself.”
Author: Vania Elisha Br Ginting
Translator: Aditya Nur Patria