Dress for success
I believe that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So I tell my students that every day they should look as if they were going to a paying job.
Hi Rachelle,
Well said. Students need to prepare themselves for the future not only with skills but with career skills, such as dress as well.
Gary
In order to succeed in their career, soft skills such as dressing for success, the way the student communicate , positive attitude, discipline ,ability to get along with a team is just as important as knowing the technical skills.
As an instructor, I believe in providing a model for the students and in also emphasizing throughout the course, the importance of improving these skills.
Totally agree with you. Students need to know that dressing is also a big part of being successful when applying for a job.
Rachelle, I wholeheartedly agree. When you dress the part you can picture yourself as actually being in the position you are working so hard to be in. It also makes you feel good to get compliments because of being dressed professionally.
I definitely agree with you. Not only is dressing the part important but learning how to behave in a professional environment as well as how to address other professionals is key! Many times I have refused to hire someone based on these issues. These are things I tell my students. Also, I tell them that their classmates could be the ones to hire them so professionalism starts in the classroom.
Erin
Same goes for my class. Dress as if you would on the job in the field being taught. For mine it is offshore oilfield diving and industrial inspection. It breaks some of my students hearts when they realize they have to power wash test parts in their nice slacks and dress shoes because that is what they decided to wear to my class that day. Them not wearing the right clothes for the job is not getting them out of doing the dirty work needing to be done and if they don't participate in the daily task, they don't get counted as being present for the day. i.e They don't get paid for that days work. Yes, I do get alot of whining and complaining, but I am a "tough love" kind of instructor. I hold them accountable for their choices and actions, which is how I feel anyone, especially adults, should be treated. Me not being the exception either.
Hi Gary,
Well said. As a model for your students you are reflecting the field in which they will soon be entering. They need to know what the "true" requirements are and how to prepare for them. Sometimes it is hard for them to understand they really are adults and as a result will be treated as such.
Gary
by teaching your students to dress professionally throughout school will make their transition to their first job much easier
Not only do i tell them the importance of looking professional, I try to model that for them.
Hi TJ,
You are right on with your comments. You are not only talking the talk but you are walking the walk with your modeling of positive behavior and dress.
Gary
We as well as students need to be prepared as if we were going to meet the customers everyday. First impressions are the most important 10 seconds we have during a greeting. This includes our boby language as well as our speech. Softskills need to be a part of every class everyday.
Awesome!
I have instituted a strickter dress code in my classes than the school requires.
There are several reasons to this.
1. I explain to them that I already have a job and from my semester on they will be looking for internships.
2. I do everything in my power to get at least 5 industry professionals walking through my classroom throughout my 15 weeks. Again, possible future employers.
3. Although my industry is very casual I find that dressing above the norm helps students feel a little better about themselves even when they are absolutely against it.
Great Topic. Dress For Success.
Hi James,
Well said and well practiced. You are giving your students a model to go by plus positioning yourself as the confident leader of their educational experiences.
Gary
Hi Chris,
You outlined very clearly your strategy of making professionals out of the students that are coming through your classes. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I agree with your statement to a point. I feel that the students should be as comfortable in possible while in class while using me as an example for how they should dress.
Hi Anthony,
This is why being a model, manager and motivator is so important for keeping students enrolled in courses.
Gary
Agreed! I also believe you should begin behaving as the professional you want to become. The more your mindset and appearance resemble what you want to become, the easier the transition. I also believe you never know when an opportunity to work in your selected field (even if you are still in school) might come along and if you are not in proper attire, the opportunity will probably pass you by.
Hi Bruce,
You make a number of very good points about professionalism. One that I would like to highlight is the professionalism while still in school. I can share many experiences as I know you can about how a "chance" meeting with a employer occurs on campus that leads to employment due to the fact that student looked and acted professional. One never knows who they will come into contact with, nor when. Always be prepared! Great message to get across to your students. Good job in doing it.
Gary
I often forget that while my students are adults they are young adults that have not fully developed the skills and understanding for professionalism in the class. This is something that I need to remind some of my students more consistantly then others. Other then modeling professional behavior how else can we inspire our students to reach the line of professionalism in the classroom?
