Behaviour - Student vs Professional

As a university student, you're expected to be dirty, messy, slack, irresponsible and outspoken. It is a welcome change when students are motivated and well behaved. The expectation is low, so it's easy to impress or stand out above the crowd. It's also easy and comfortable to act like a student, coming to class in your tracksuit, or hung over, or half asleep because you were up all night doing your assignment at the last minute. You especially don't have to be neat and tidy - chipped nail polish, smudged make up, torn jeans. It's all part of the student persona.

As a professional, you are working with adults who expect you to act like an adult. You aim to impress so that you can keep your job and hopefully get a promotion or a bonus once in a while. The expectations are high, because you're a qualified adult who's being paid to contribute to the company. You represent your company when you're out and about. You even represent your company when you're out and about online, and as we've seen in the news lately, you may be held fully accountable for things you do and say in your spare time.

I feel it's a whole other ball game, now that I'm considered a professional. I'm careful to wear appropriate clothes, because I want my colleagues to view me as smart and capable. And because I want to avoid the impression that I'm slack, unorganised, or the worst - a ditsy girl. I don't swear or whinge or put my feet on the table if I know anyone can see.

I've welcomed these changes, I feel like I'm stepping up to my responsibilities and earning my respect. I find it very interesting though, observing the people in each situation. now that I have experienced both (I had a long time ago, but I feel more immersed this time), I can see so clearly the differences between them.