Being back in Los Angeles isn’t all about fun and games, it’s also about getting back down to business! Although my internship starts next week, I had a short meeting with my supervisor. Even though I was told during my interview that they have a casual dress code, I always tend to dress semi-formal in certain work environments. It’s never embarrassing to wear a nice pair of black pants and a dress shirt, especially within the first few days. Not only do I feel more relaxed, but I am also presenting myself in a professional manner and showing that I want to be taken seriously.

After I become more familiar with the dress code at a company, I slowly adjust to my surroundings. So for my second meeting, I decided on a gray Ellen Tracy dress that falls just at my knees. It has side pockets and a button design on the front with a square-shaped cut. The dress is a plain gray, no extra bling or sparkles to enhance the look. I wore a pair of black heels that gave an extra boost to my height.

Sure, I get nervous before meeting new co-workers, but I try to hide it with a positive attitude. After all, first impressions are extremely powerful, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. As for me, I always try to greet new people with a smile and a firm handshake. Who would want to have a conversation with someone who starts the meeting with a bad attitude and looks as if they don’t want to be there? Once I have a successful greeting, I try to be cautious of every word that comes out of my mouth. The problem I usually have is rambling on about a topic that I am asked about. I try not to give too many details unless I’m talking about a certain project that I once worked on, but overall I try to get straight to the point and keep it short. Sometimes I get carried away, but that’s a mistake that I’m trying to fix.

Today’s meeting mostly consisted of meeting other employees and discussing what I want to get out of the internship. A company that asks about what I want to learn or hope to experience is definitely promising. Overall, I had a great meeting and I’m even more excited to start next week! As I looked around the company, I realized that my supervisor wasn’t lying when he said that the dress code is casual. I saw most people in jeans and collared T-shirts; a very laid back atmosphere. I didn’t feel out of place in my formal business attire, but looking around the room gave me a pretty good idea of how I should dress when I start working there. Definitely a successful meeting!

Love always, Mia