by Ian Black

Created on: February 10, 2009

As I hadn't ever been on a work experience in my entire life; I was eighteen, and had been refusing to work out of fear that I'd mess everything up, that'd I'd be mocked and laughed at by fellow colleagues. I was so frightened of doing something wrong, I was panicking, feeling light-headed and nauseated. Sick to the bone. Wanting to run away. But if I ran away from something important as work experience, then I'd never be able to do anything!

However, even though I had determintion to do well in my work experience, I made a very, very serious error: I came dressed like a little kid; long-sleeved T-shirt, jeans and trainers. I felt like I was being eyed up with revulsion from customers and co-workers, like I was letting them down even though I was trying my hardest. My manager had said that it was Okay to be dressed like this, considering I had only been given a days' notice of this temporary work-placement, but the feeling of humiliation and embarrassment was still as clear as a misty fog in front of my eyes.

Even though the day had been successful - in the manner of working, whereas to the manner of being looked down upon - I felt oddly relieved. I had seemed to make some aquaintances, done my best to carry out the appropriate tasks, I still felt like I had let them down by wearing inappropriate clothing in an adult-working environment.

The next day I felt anxious. I had fetched out a black shirt, black trousers and matching shoes. These items of clothing felt alien on me. I felt vulnerable, stupid, silly. "Much better," was all that my manager said to me that morning.

I suddenly understood why I felt so uncomfortable the previous day: I was wearing the wrong clothing! Dressing appropriately got you noticed, not just by your customers, but also by your fellow co-workers. People started cohersing with me; sharing information about themselves. That eerie suspicion of being looked down upon had evaporated. I felt a little less anxious, relaxed, almost. It felt like everything was going to be all right.

I just thought I should share a little experience that really happened to me when I was participating in work experience. The lesson here is: Depending on what type of job you are starting, most places require you to wear black shoes, black trousers (ironed), and a shirt. If you wander into a job, dressed in T-shirt, jeans and trainers, people will look at you oddly, like you're a nothing, worthless, and you don't belong there.

For woman, it is generally the same thing: black shoes, black trousers or skirt and a shirt. Just make sure you dressed appropriately and behave accordingly.

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