Dressing For The Job

The rules of dressing are as individual as the workplace, and what is considered "professional," "business casual," and "appropriate" vary.

Consequently, it is a good idea to ask your manager or a human resources representative at your organization for guidance before you start, but, if that is not possible (or if their advice is unclear), experts recommend that you dress conservatively on your first few days on the job as a precaution.

After you've started the job, take a look around at your co-workers to gauge what you should - or shouldn't - wear. If you're dressing one way and it's not how your co-workers dress, then you're projecting that you don't understand the culture.

Ultimately, your workplace dress should be guided by your aspirations. Look at the people who are in the roles that you want to have someday and model your dress after theirs. Dress for the job you want.

Job Choices for Business & Liberal Arts Student: 2010

Career Connections: Preparation for Success
Brenda Barnes Chairman & CEO, Sara Lee Corporation

At Sara Lee, when we find employees that share our values, there is no end to what we can accomplish. And when an employee finds a company that shares their values, they will be happy and committed to that organization. Some tips for success include:

1. Have passion for what you do. If you enjoy what you do, and have passion for your hard work, people will take notice.
2. Do good work! Being the best at something will open more doors for your career than anything else.
3. Take an active role in your career. Find things you are interested in. Get started on your internship for next summer. Take classes in areas that will benefit you down the road. Study abroad to gain language skills and international exposure.
4. Take risks. Do something you have never done before. Get out of your comfort zone and you may discover talents you never knew you had.
5. Treat others with respect. Live by your values and treat others with respect. Value the input of others.

Career Connections Fall 2009

The Best Advice I Ever Received
Julie Hamilton, President, Global Walmart Group, The Coca-Cola Company

Julie leads the customer team that is responsible for growing and managing the relationship of The Coca-Cola Company's business portfolios and brands with Walmart, the organization's largest customer.

Named on of the "Top Women In Grocery" by M Magazine and Nielsen in 2008, she serves on the boards of the Network of Executive Women in Retail, Children's Miracle Network and SIFE.

She says, "The most important lesson was to treat people the way you would want to be treated and don't ask people to do something you wouldn't be willing to do yourself. That's been an important foundation for how I learned to build, work with and lead teams as well as my approach with customers.

"Another valuable piece of advice I had was to always keep learning and challenging yourself. That might mean picking up an extra assignment or taking on extra work. You will benefit by learning new skill sets, gaining new perspectives, and meeting new people, all of which will help you grow personally and professionally.

For detailed information see Career Connections Fall 2009