Appearance
Appearance is important to the students. Professional appearance, not only of the instructor, but also the classroom, notes, materials, etc., give the student confidence in the quality of their education.
H Ingrid,
You make a very good point and one that we need to remember as we work with these students. This is why it is so important to have former students/graduates to come in and speak to classes. The students will listen to them as they tell the beginning students how it is in the real world. It reinforces what we have been saying to them.
Gary
With the MTV era of students, especially the ones right out of high school, the last one they are going to listen to on professional attire is the instructor. It is usually the senior that finally "listens" and regrets the tattoos and piercings acquired.
Hi Janet,
You give two very good examples of how dress and first impressions are critical to career success. I am sure these examples will be used by other instructors as they develop their own first day strategies.
Thank you for sharing.
Gary
This is an intriguing idea. This thread is "preaching to the choir". Those of us who do dress professionally get it. We understand that we only get one chance to make that first impression. People do judge a book by it's cover.
The trick here is how to persuade the student who views success as demonstrated by someone who has a less than lack luster appearance to change. Of course, there is also the student who has a very limited ability to maintain a good appearance. Both types need different approaches to insure that the first step to achieving their career goals starts with the image one presents to the world.
Hi Scott,
Good point. The "hearing" is the critical part and each student has to "hear" it him/herself in order for action to be taken.
Gary
I teach Graphic Design students and they have a style of dress and appearance all their own. Our role as a model is especially important here. It can be tough to tell someone that the piercings and hair styles have to be tamed down, but it is important that they hear it. Its up to the student to 'get it' though.
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, you are the standard against which the students measure what they perceive a person in the food service industry should be like. As a model all aspects of your dress and conduct are under the eyes of the students.
Gary
Working in a culinary school, we are all about uniformity. However students definitely find ways to not meet the criteria. So I feel that as an instructor I have to model how to be in proper uniform and instruct how to clean. Having the kitchen supplies and tools organized and clean is important not only for the sanitation and efficiency, but also to convey a professional appearance for our sake and for the benefit of future employers. I know I feel better when things are organized.
Hi Michelle,
Great approach! Your students get to see exactly what they are studying in relation to design. You are a walking billboard for your designs. As you say that is inspiring for your students because you are demonstrating the designs that have come from your mind. Talking keeping students engaged! Keep up the good work.
Gary
As an instructor in Fashion Design, I try to wear clothing that I have designed and made myself. This always impresses the students! I also try to tailor my clothes to the subject of the day, so I can point out design features, fit, etc., right on myself. I have even worn an Indian Sari. The students always look forward to what I might wear next.
Michelle
Hi Erika,
This point cannot be emphasized too much. Instructors may be the first individuals that these students have seen in their chosen career area so they are looking to that person for an example of how they should dress and conduct themselves.
Gary
Having a great apperance for your students its very important. Most of the students look at their instructor as a role model. And having a good apperance shows them a way of having professionalism, at work or at school.
Hi Cassie,
Exactly! We have to be professional in all that we do so our students will see in us the professionalism of the field. You are right about appearance because I have selected the Vet Clinic for my animals based upon my impression of staff.
Gary
I agree with Alesha as someone who is also coming from the veterinary field. The dogs and cats may not care what you are wearing, but the clients that bring them in do. It is a direct reflection of how you practice and the type of clinic you are working for. If your staff is not professionally dressed what does that say about the rest of the clinic. If your staff has on dirty or stained scrubs, what does that say about the surgery suite that is in the back; is it dirty or clean? The way the staff presents themselves shows indirectly how you will be treating their animal, which is usually a part of the family. You wouldn't want to go to a human hospital where the staff was not dress profressional attire would you?
Hi Laura,
Such a simple concept but one that many students miss. Their appearance and manners will dictate often times the opportunities they get in their future career selections.
Gary
I have always found in the culinary world, how you present yourself to your customers (clean, pressed uniform, hair in a cap or toque...) influences how they feel about your food and their over-all impression of your product. I try and pass this idea to my students so they always present themselves in the most professional manner possible.
Hi Jodi,
I really like your professional approach with your students. This is how I try and conduct my classes. I work to move the thinking of my students from entitlement to earned respect. They need to take pride in their accomplishments as well as their environment.
Gary
I agree that professional appearance is important. I would find it hard to chastise a student for looking unprofessional if I didn't myself. I also stress the appearance of the classroom to my students. I expect them to help restock and pick up at the end of class, as they would if they were in the workforce. I am their instructor and not their maid.
Hi Brad,
I like your approach in dress. To inspire your students through your dress is professional and helpful. The key is to present yourself through your dress, language and conduct as a professional educator. You are doing that in relation to the subject you teach. Good work!
Gary
