Texting is a great way to quickly communicate with people without having to make a call or meet face to face, but what has this done to communication personally and professionally? 

Many go back to school to gain skills for a new career or to excel in their current field.  Students learn skills such as how to draw blood, or climb a wind tower, or the most recent efficiency standards for HVAC, but are they presenting themselves in a professional manner? 

The age of texting has hidden people behind virtual walls where eye contact isn’t necessary, grammar has gone by the wayside, and abbreviations have become their own language.

To make sure you graduate with not only your degree and new skills, but also with a professional demeanor, practice these things while still in school:

1. Spell Words - Whether texting or emailing or instant messaging, spell your words.  Using abbreviations like “u” for you, or “ty” for thank you are not appropriate in a professional setting.  However, use of these abbreviations has become the norm rather than the exception. 
2. Call First - Rather than hiding behind a text, call your recipient.  Verbally speaking to people helps you practice verbal communication and tone. 
3. Double Check Autocorrect - Smart phones think they’re smarter than we are.  Make sure your phone hasn’t changed your sentence of, “Sorry, I am going to be late” to “Soppy, in gong to the lake.”  It happens!  And we’re so quick to send off these messages, that we often look foolish and once you hit send, that message is gone.
4. Know When to Put the Phone Down - When in a verbal conversation with someone, put your phone down and give full attention to the person you are engaging.  If you have your face in your phone and reply with a random “uh huh” you are not only being rude, but you’ve most likely missed the message.  When you get into the workplace, colleagues, clients, and supervisors will expect your undivided attention as you should expect theirs.