CAREERLIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

Becoming Confident in a Professional Setting

Let’s be honest: It's completely normal to feel nervous about being in a professional setting. Whether you're going into an interview, a career fair, a networking event, or even starting a new work opportunity, it can be intimating to put yourself out there and do new things for the first time. As a current college student, I understand the struggle and have been on my own professional growth journey. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way that have helped me increase my confidence in these professional spaces.

Be Prepared

One of the most effective things you can do to help build confidence is work on preparation. No matter what the situation, make sure to take some time to do the following:

• Research the companies you’re interested in.
• Come up with thought-provoking questions or conversation starters.
• Be aware of key details, such as dress code and start time.
• Make sure your resume and other documents are all up to date.
• Solidify your elevator pitch.
• Practice anything necessary for whatever situation you are in. For example, take the time to come up with responses to commonly asked interview questions if you have an interview for an internship coming up.

Remember Your Previous Wins

It can be easy to get in your head and convince yourself that you can’t do something. I’m here to tell you that you can do it. You are capable and deserve to excel in a professional setting. Something I do when I’m not feeling super confident is reflect on my previous wins, no matter how big or small they are. Often, we only focus on our weaknesses and mistakes but intentionally acknowledging growth can help increase your belief in yourself and your abilities. Take the time to write them down somewhere to fully emphasize how much you have truly accomplished.

Always Arrive Early

Arriving on time in situations like this means you’re late. Make sure you show up at least 15 minutes early and give yourself extra time. Anything can happen — unexpected delays to traffic to finding your way around the building — so create a buffer to ensure you make a great first impression.

Take a Deep Breath: You Got This

The big day has finally arrived, but you’re still feeling nervous. Don’t worry! The best advice I can give is to just breathe. Take time before the event to ground yourself. Do something that will prepare you to showcase the best version of yourself, such as listening to your favorite music or taking a little walk beforehand. One practice I personally do involves power posing. Think about standing in a confident posture of confidence kind of like Superman (chin up, chest out, hands on your hips, standing tall). While this may feel silly, it can allow you to take up more space and enhance feelings of self-confidence.

The more you push yourself out of your comfort zone, the more comfortable you will slowly become in your professional skills and abilities. Use these tips to be the best version of yourself for your next professional event to guide you down the path to reaching your career goals!

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/real-women/202508/15-practical-ways-to-build-more-confidence-at-work?msockid=09913986cfac6c2e30af2fd5ce1a6d28

https://www.careeraddict.com/be-confident-interview