STORY BY MADISON OTTENBACHER
We’ve all been told how important internships are. Since the first week of classes at Drake University it has been ingrained in us to find an internship.
You’ve heard the spiel: Find an internship. Impress business professionals, stand out among your peers and dress professionally.
But does dressing professionally mean wearing your suit and tie all the time?
Whether you’re allowed to wear jeans on Fridays is a valid question.
Isn’t the existence of Fridays purely for the denim family? Why can’t I wear jeans on Fridays? Everyone else is wearing jeans —my boss and even my boss’s boss.
Yes. It is fine to wear jeans on Fridays. But don’t let that be your go-to look for the entirety of the internship.
Go that extra step to look professional. People will notice. Especially if you want a recommendation down the road or want to work at the company in the future.
Besides, you never know whom you will run into and if you’ll have to make a good first impression.
According to Forbes Magazine, “a study by Frank Bernieri, an associate professor of psychology at Oregon State University, within the first 10 seconds of meeting your interviewer — otherwise known as the meet-and-greet — that person has decided whether or not you’re right for the job. Those who come across as polished and pulled together are quite simply more likely to be hired than those who are seen as putting in less effort.”
I believe if you dress like a college student who doesn’t care when going to work, you will be treated as such. If you dress like you just got out of bed that is how your boss and co-workers will think of you – as someone who just got out of bed.
The way you carry yourself in the workplace is just as important as the quality of work you perform as an intern. People will take you seriously if you carry yourself in a professional manner, and maybe just maybe you will be able to call the shots one day because of the quality of your work, professional manner, responsibility and continuity with how you dress.
Let’s talk a little bit about what exactly dressing professionally entails. Having personal style does not come from telling your mom which kind of wash to buy from Old Navy when their back-to-school jeans sale comes around.
So what exactly does this all mean? First of all, make sure your clothes are clean and fitted — no more button-down shirts that are three sizes too big or three sizes too small. Dress according to your build.
Secondly, stick to the classics. They will never go out of style.
Lastly, finish off your look by adding some personal flair. Make it your own.
For any wardrobe staple, “the hunt” for the right piece can be a long process.
The reality of the situation is you might have to try on 20 suits to find the one that is right for you. But do not give up.
When you find the sleek suit, wrinkle-free button-down, comfortable slacks or slimming blazer that reflect your style, think of it as an investment and don’t hesitate to purchase it.
It’s important to pay attention to the cut of the garment. If you are between sizes simply go up a size and get it tailored down.
One of the greatest parts about internships is the dress. Who doesn’t love feeling totally fly in business casual attire?
You can dress in a way to express your personality and your career path.
Dressing in a way that makes you feel confident helps you become the best version of yourself. It might just give you that extra edge above the competition.
As Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and Artistic Director of Condé Nast Publications, said. “If you can’t be better than your competition, just dress better.”
