Defining professionalism can be an individual pursuit.
The dress code for a computer programming course at an HBCU in North Carolina recently got more attention than student attire when it went viral on Twitter. While the dress code has been removed from the syllabus, this incident has left me with a feeling that once you’re out of college and into the workforce, the professional definition of what you dress will change who you ask and, in many cases, who you are. It shows that it differs depending on the
A dress code from a class syllabus at North Carolina Agricultural Technology State University quickly garnered three million views when it was there. Post to TwitterThe professor has included bonnets, durag, hoodies, booty shorts, “coochie cutter shorts” and “twerk shorts” on the banned list.
“If you wear it in bed or at the club, don’t wear it in class,” he wrote.
For college students, the definition of workwear is vague. Given that the history of professionalism has been equated with white prejudice. The syllabus left me, a middle-aged BIPOC woman working on talent acquisition, scratching my head.
FYI, the bonnet and durag protect the hair and keep the hairstyle in place overnight. For centuries, the public debate about black women and headgear has been hotly debated.
In the 1700s, in Louisiana, the Tignon Act prohibited black women from baring their hair. Enacted by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodriguez Milo of Louisiana, the law was intended to link freed black women with enslaved black women who wear tignons (scarves or handkerchiefs) on their heads. . The tactic backfired when black women turned oppressive laws into fashion trends by embellishing fabrics.
For many people, keeping up with the modern black policing is a struggle.
As reporter Darien Simone Harbin put it in a public hooded Allure article, “Being a black woman feels like an act of resistance. I feel like I’m being watched and never able to please people. Harvin says wearing a hood in public is “a personal choice. should not affect the treatment of
So how can you dress professionally and still be authentic?
Consider workplace cues
A longtime Master’s Lecturer/Fulbright Scholar at the University of Florida, Dr. Edmund Kellerman has helped prepare thousands of students for the job market over the past 30 years. “There has always been a perception that mainstream professional dress is based on white Anglo-Saxon Protestant standards,” he said.
Most professors still recommend “standard preppy attire for men and women,” says Kellerman. For example, he takes a crop top. “Class-leading crop, no problem. Wear a crop top to work only if you’re wearing a blazer.”
But in the days of Zoom meetings, make sure you’re actually wearing clothes. Kellerman kindly added.
Decide how you want to be perceived
According to Julie Pettle, executive director of Dress for Success Indianapolis, taking into account your audience and work environment, “deciding what you want to achieve” will determine what type of professional dress is right for you. This is the first step in determining whether
“First and foremost, if you want to be recognized for your skill and experience rather than your fashion, a more traditional look won’t overshadow it or create a confusing first impression,” Petr said. First and foremost, if you want to be recognized from a creative and daring perspective, traditional methods may not be for you.”
make an effort
Employers tell us at the first interview that attire is important, even though different industries have different dress codes. We meet regularly with employers to discuss policies and expectations of candidates.
“Our corporate partners say first impressions make a difference and clothing still matters. “The words we hear from our image consultants are knowledgeable, neat, and calibrated.” This standard leaves a lot of room for self-expression.
In an evolving landscape, we can define professional attire as individuals. As you enter a new role, your everyday workwear often becomes more relaxed with varying degrees of freedom.
If you haven’t decided what to wear to a job interview yet, think about what will make you feel most confident. Getting a new job is about the right fit between employer and candidate. Showing confidence is very important in the interview process. It helps you land on a company that appreciates everything you bring to the table.
