Dr. Stephanie Diana Eubank DBA

In my work mentoring undergraduate students on securing internships and workplace readiness, a recurring concern surfaces: many college graduates today are perceived as ‘less polished’ in both demeanor and presentation. Hiring managers often flag issues such as inattentiveness to professional norms and a lack of constructive initiative—qualities traditionally associated with polished leadership (Crist, 2025). This perception influences students’ success in earning mentorship opportunities and career placement.

The Professionalism Gap

A 2025 HR Dive survey revealed that over 50% of hiring managers believe recent graduates are unprepared for the workplace, citing excessive phone use, poor time management, and unprofessional behavior as key issues (Crist, 2025). Additional data from Calibre Careers found that 46% of employers ranked unprofessionalism—including inappropriate dress and communication—as a top concern with Gen Z hires (Calibre, 2025). These attitudes can discourage organizations from offering internships or mentorships to undergraduates deemed as lacking customary workplace polish.

Attire & Image: A Generational Shift

Traditional business dress (suits, blazers, ties) symbolized formality and authority through the Boomer and Gen X eras. Yet Millennials and Gen Z have introduced a broader, more flexible notion of professionalism, favoring comfort, authenticity, and sustainability (Warnasuriya, 2024; Style To Impact, 2025). Millennials often bridge formality with smart casual—blazers with tailored pants—while Gen Z blends comfort with expression: clean sneakers, sustainable pieces, and mix-and-match outfits suited for both remote and in-office settings (Warnasuriya, 2024; Style To Impact, 2025). For many younger professionals, corporate dress codes feel prescriptive rather than connective—and their comfort can actually enhance focus, creativity, and performance.

Balancing Tradition and Authenticity in Mentorship

Here are strategies mentors and internship coordinators can use to prepare students for workplace expectations without dismissing generational differences:

Frame professionalism broadly: Discuss professional presence through behavior, adaptability, communication, and respect—not just appearance.
Introduce contextual dress: Help students tailor attire to setting and audience—formal for finance, business casual in creative fields.
Practice communication styles: Coach confidence in voice, email etiquette, meeting participation, and social media conduct.
Share generational insights: Explain shifts toward authenticity and sustainability in attire norms.
Simulate real-world scenarios: Use mock interviews and office simulations to build adaptability.
Normalize incremental feedback: Provide supportive feedback on wardrobe, tone, posture, and demeanor.
Emphasize confidence over conformity: Authenticity paired with respect and readiness can be the most impactful form of polish.

Conclusion

The professional polish traditionally expected in workplace readiness is evolving. While students may not fit the old mould of dress and demeanor, they can still radiate professionalism through mindful communication, adaptability, and presence. Mentors play a crucial role in guiding them toward that polished, values-aligned leadership—preparing them for success in a generationally diverse, evolving workplace.

References

Calibre Careers. (2025, April 7). Why 60% of employers are firing recent college graduates. https://calibre.careers/editorial/insights/gen-z-hiring-challenges-xxv

Crist, C. (2025, May 12). Over half of hiring managers say recent grads are unprepared for the workforce. HR Dive. https://www.hrdive.com/news/recent-grads-unprepared-for-workforce/747746/

Style To Impact. (2025, March 19). How to define ‘work-appropriate’ dress code across generations. https://styletoimpact.com/2025/03/19/work-appropriate-dress-code-tips/

Warnasuriya, W. (2024, January 3). Dress code revolution: Millennials & Gen Z transforming business attire. LinkedIn Pulse. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dress-code-revolution-millennials-gen-z-transforming-warnasuriya–n15cf

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