Articles by Karen Tei,Rhodaline Naa Oboshie 58pm

World

Dress the part: Your image speaks before you do

The sun had barely risen over Accra when Kweikuma stood before her mirror, tucking her shirt into her skirt for the third time. Her newly printed identification card, which hung around her neck, gleamed faintly in the morning light, proof that after years of lectures and late-night group work, she was finally stepping into the real world. Across Ghana, thousands like her were ironing shirts, polishing shoes, and rehearsing polite smiles, all bound by the same quiet anxiety: How do I fit into this thing called the workplace? The 2025/26 national service year has begun, a yearly rite of passage where Ghana’s graduates trade textbooks for daily tasks. It’s more than a posting; it’s a test of maturity, discipline, and identity. For many, it’s the first real taste of professionalism, office politics, and the unwritten rules that define the world of work. Dress the Part: Your Image Speaks Before You DoOn her first day at a government agency in Cape Coast, Rakiatu walked into the reception area, her neatly pressed trousers and modest blouse catching the approving nods of her supervisors. Around her, a few colleagues looked less prepared; tattered jeans, wrong colour combinations, and sneakers meant for weekend hangouts. In the modern workplace, your appearance is your first introduction. Dressing well isn’t about luxury labels or designer wear; It’s about respect for yourself and your work, a quiet declaration that you take both seriously. Your outfit tells your story before you even say a word. In the professional space, dressing appropriately signals readiness. It’s not about being stiff or overly formal; it’s about understanding your environment. For male personnel, that means clean, ironed shirts, decent trousers, and well-kept hair or beards. For females, modest yet stylish outfits, clean shoes, and minimal makeup make a strong impression. The point is not to suppress individuality but to express it with polish and intention. Work Ethics: The Real Test of CharacterThe shine of a new posting fades quickly if it’s not matched by attitude. The workplace rewards more than competence; it values reliability, humility, and initiative. At another office in Kumasi, Baffour, a service personnel assigned to an accounts department, has already made himself indispensable. He arrives before his supervisor, volunteers for extra tasks, and treats every file like it’s his business. His secret? “I came to learn, not just to earn,” he discloses. Every employer notices the difference between those who merely clock in and those who show up with purpose. National Service may be temporary, but the impression you leave can be permanent. During your service year, show discipline, respect deadlines, and stay teachable. Someone in that office is watching how you handle small things; that’s how big opportunities are born. Respect the Workplace and YourselfWorkplaces, whether in Accra or Zabzugu, thrive on culture, unwritten codes that make teamwork possible. Respect hierarchy, maintain professionalism in speech, and avoid gossip or office cliques. Keep your phones on silent during meetings, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly. Professionalism isn’t a suit you wear; it’s a standard you uphold. By the time the year ends, Kweikuma's mirror will reflect someone different, not just a graduate, but a young professional who understands that success isn’t built overnight. It’s stitched together in habits: punctuality, respect, appearance, and effort. Many of today’s leaders once stood where she stands, unsure, underpaid, but determined. They learned early that the service year is not a waiting room; it’s a training ground. So as the 2025/26 batch sets out from bustling ministries to remote classrooms, they should remember this truth: the posting may define where you start, but your discipline and ethics will define where you go. Final Word:The National Service year isn’t just about serving Ghana; it’s about discovering the best version of yourself. Dress well. Work right. Let excellence be your legacy.