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 John,
What is the student reaction to the dress code? Do they see the value of dressing the same way the industry for which they are training does?
Gary
I defiantly see a difference in students when there is a dress code.
We have a dress code at the school that I teach at, and yes we have uniforms. It show the students a respect for the industry and what the are studying. It also gives them a great platform for going to look for jobs.
I make it a point to emphasize the value of going to work well-dressed and ready to start the job. Looking professional and being professional in the way you dress, speak and relate to your co-workers works wonders. Patients and their families will react to the way you conduct business and the appearance you project to them. If you wear the hospital uniform sloppy, people tend to judge you about it. It's always important to be early than getting in late to work or school. Everything depends on teamwork and cooperation, so when one staff member or trainee is late the whole team suffers.
we have potential employers walking our halls and by our classrooms on a consistant basis. we stress the need for good appearances.
The only acceptable dress is industry standard for the particular field. The only exception, your instutution's dress code.
Hi Joseph,
Yes, you can. As an instructor you need to dress for the career that the students are training for. If an uniform or lab coat is worn then that is what you should wear. All clothing should be neat and clean this way you will reflect a professional appearance for the students.
Gary
more and more schools are trying to go to uniforms this is to prevent students from the feeling on not fitting in. not wearing the right brand. my question is can you be over dressed and in turn turn off students?
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?
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
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 Anthony,
This is why being a model, manager and motivator is so important for keeping students enrolled in courses.
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 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
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
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.
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.
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
Not only do i tell them the importance of looking professional, I try to model that for them.
by teaching your students to dress professionally throughout school will make their transition to their first job much easier
