Sweet & Short: Grinnellians Weigh in on Professional Branding

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Students were invited to participate in a 30-second professional development game outside the dining hall at lunchtime. In this highly scientific poll, a total of 77 students weighed in on matters of professional branding and summer readiness. Here’s what they had to say.

This or That: Do you think ties are a fashionable accessory or out of style?
This or That: How do you feel about LinkedIn?
This or That about summer plans. This asks are you ready or would you like to get some help from the CLS?

Ties are in: 57 (74%)

Ties are out: 20 (26%)

Love LinkedIn: 33 (43%)

Meh!: 44 (57%)

Summer ready: 51 (66%)

I need a CLS appointment: 26 (34%)

While some of the “summer ready” votes said they would have liked a third “in progress” option, others took a moment to make a CLS advising appointment on the spot. Everyone who participated received a professional develop-mint!

Springtime is busy. Nonetheless, it’s worth taking time to make a CLS appointment. Your CLS adviser can help you build a summer strategy or polish your LinkedIn profile and start getting the most out of the platform. Walk-in during open hours or make an appointment to score a new outfit for your summer opportunity at the Career Clothing Closet. We look forward to seeing you.

Sherman the Squirrel wearing a plaid tie
By Robin Bourjaily
Robin Bourjaily Assistant Director, Exploratory Career Community
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