Freshly Brewed Babble: Fashion Fixes for Internship Imposter Syndrome

Dear anyone who dare enter the dark world of the internship search,

Here’s a little something people usually forget to tell you: the experience of trying to get experience is more challenging than the experience itself. Let me break that down for you. The process is often long, exhausting, discouraging, redundant, self-deprecating, draining, must I go on? I required dozens of applications and months of anxiety-spiking waiting periods to wind up where I’m happiest to pursue my dream job in (drum roll please) food and beverage PR at M Booth. I’m forever grateful that one of my top choice agencies so graciously opened up its office doors—scratch that, computer screens—to me. ME?! Thanks, M Booth.

It took a lot of heartache for six months. Yeah, half a year, no biggie. At my very core, I’m a writer, hence why I’m here. I poured my heart into every single cover letter, fingers hovering over my keyboard for days. Early on, I received some light, expected rejections from the big dogs of the agency world. I learned very quickly that nepotism is frequently far more valuable than merit in this industry. It’s the sad truth. I got radio silence from many other companies. Some graced me with an optimistic first-round interview paired with and a hefty load of imposter syndrome. I even landed one five-round process complete with numerous interviews, writing tests, references, and even an office placement all just to be rejected in the final round. Yeah, it’s cutthroat, and I admittedly shed some dramatic tears. Desperation called for some perusing of unpaid opportunities. Never again. Then came my saving grace, M Booth. I logged off each virtual interview forgetting that I hadn’t just been on FaceTime with a friend. That’s the culture you should strive to find. Don’t settle.

Now, I’m here and about a month into my virtual internship. It came at me fast and furiously, but I’m soaking up every drop of knowledge I can. So, what’s the day-to-day like, you ask? (Or maybe you don’t care. That’s fine too.) It all starts with the outfit. Seriously, it’s not Shalom! Confession: I’ve never been the trendiest, most fashion-forward, style-obsessed person. Let’s be real here. I had my phases of convincing my mother to let me wear the same Justice ribbed tank top for a week straight or finding myself most comfortable in the baggy basketball shorts I wore for middle school gym class. Regardless, clothes have had such a meaningful purpose in my life beyond the fads and trends. They speak to the milestones I’ve reached and the identity I hold in the passing years of my life.

Today, as I continue to figure out this dream job of mine, my clothing choices share a lot more about my personality than I might have once thought. Do I want to be biz cas with a pop of color to show off my balance of sophistication and fun flare? Should I go with basic neutrals and layer accessories to let them know I obsess over details? Is pattern too much, or is it so me? Am I overthinking the significance of my outfit when I’m trapped inside a shoulders-up view box of a Zoom call? Most definitely. However, it helps me feel the part and fill the role I’m meant to be in.

Thanks to Revolve and @superdown, I can throw on my white leather jacket over a plain top with a cute silk scrunchie to put together a structured, stylish look without a drab, basic blazer (ugh, as if).

Why not rock some hot pink tie dye and black jeans to my virtual 9-to-5?! Hey, Fun Fridays were created for a reason.

A professor once told me that ripped jeans are wildly inappropriate for the office. Well, good thing my knees aren’t quite high enough to be seen on my webcam.

It’s old news that virtual work can be a bit unmotivating. Dressing the part truly helps me feel like there’s more purpose to me clocking in at 9 o’clock from my kitchen table. Even if you love that ratty, 10-year-old, Gildan sweatshirt, let it go for some nice @superdown pieces. They’ll go a long way in making you feel like you’re dressed for success.

Oh, and network a ton on LinkedIn.

#superdown #ad @superdown