The moment I have been eagerly waiting for is finally here. I will be starting my industrial attachment at the beginning of May, which is this week💃🏾.
I have been actively planning for this new season of my life, which is expected to last for at least three months. I thought it would be interesting to share what I have been up to to be ready for it in a bid to help you prepare for yours when the time comes.
What is industrial attachment?
An industrial attachment refers to a learning opportunity offered to an ongoing student in an institution of higher learning for them to practically apply what they have learnt theoretically in the industrial field.
This period is part of one's coursework -it is graded and one has to write reports and fill in their log book with all the learning activities they have had and skills which they have acquired.
Preparing For Your Industrial Attachment
1. Prepare your work wardrobe.
If you are anything like me (Little Miss Crop Tops and Mom Jeans), you most probably have very few clothing items that are appropriate for the office. In that case, you might want to stack up your money (or just ask your parents for some 💸) to go shopping.
I must admit that this has been quite a challenge for me. I loathe official wear with a passion because it's ugly and ages young people🤮. When I think office wear, I see dull pant suits and basic black shoes coupled with ugly trench coats/ponchos. If this rings a bell, this is what most school teachers used to dress in back in the day. I can't - that cannot be me.
In a bid to calm my nerves and maintain my peace, I used to look at different aesthetics to see what I can tap into to look and feel pretty in the workplace. I settled for business casual and a little bit of dark/light academia. That was good enough for me.
Depending on your budget, you can either choose to thrift your clothes or get them brand new (do whatever makes you happy - you know where I'm at😂!) However, I'd advise you to do the shopping a bit earlier to give yourself time to find the staples you need. You never know, items could be out of stock when you need them the most.
Additionally, remember to shop for clothes that match the activity of your industrial attachment.
2. Establish your daily routine in advance.
For five days a week, you will be engaged in your attachment area doing work-related activities. For some of us, that means we can no longer wake up at eight a.m. and/or sleep late. One must expect a change in their daily routines and adjust accordingly.
If you don't have a routine, you might have to consider creating one. Why do I say so? I don't think you would mind the benefits of having one such as a happier life, reduced stress and anxiety and better sleep🦋.
Pick a time that you will be waking up every weekday and plan your mornings. Do you have to work out in the morning? How much time will you need to journal or meditate/pray? Is your hair going to need some extra time for styling purposes? How much commute time will you need? Will you pick out your clothes in the morning or before going to bed? Will you be making dinner every night or will you start meal prepping over the weekends?
Wow, those questions were pretty exhaustive! But they do make sense. Protect your peace and plan💯.
3. Apply for the attachment opportunities early enough.
"Early enough" is subjective. However, it's never too early to get searching and applying💁🏽♀️.
At a personal level, I started applying for attachment opportunities in the final month of my semester. That was because I was waiting for my Certificate of Good Conduct to be processed. Otherwise, I would have started earlier and applied to my dream organizations🤩.
The overall experience of hunting for an attachment is subjective. To some, it may be smooth sailing and to others, it might necessitate a lot of effort and applications. Since one never knows their fate (although we like to keep it positive around here🌈), it is safer to start early. You might find that among all the applications you sent, you will at least get one slot😅.
You also need to be wise in your application and selection of where you'd like to land that opportunity. Maybe don't pass an opportunity by just because they are not offering you what you want now. I wanted an organization that would offer me a monthly stipend *for my troubles💅🏾* However, my parent advised me to consider joining an organization where I could easily be retained instead.
Whatever your plans are, remember to move accordingly and strategically.
4. Have good expectations and think positive thoughts.
Lately, I have been learning a lot about life through other people's experiences as well as my own. Coming to learn about how the world is equally full of people who may not have your best interests at heart has not been a walk in the park. Learning how to live with people who have a different upbringing and value system from your own also hasn't been the easiest, I admit😐.
And what's funny is that stepping into a new environment doesn't change the fact that such issues are everywhere. Same old...different settings.
Despite that, I believe in having good expectations of where I have been posted. ✨I believe that I will have a smooth experience and that nothing will overpower me. Nothing that is out of my control will cost me my peace. No one will steal my peace and joy. No one will make me feel inferior without my consent. It will be an enjoyable three months, and I am excited to begin.✨
Feel free to use the above affirmations to build yourself up every day in preparation for your attachment. Oh, and pray (if you believe in God)🤍.
5. Keep your main goal in front of you.
This is going to sound like a lecture I'd give to a Grade 12 candidate but just take it😂.
Don't forget that the reason you are wherever you have been posted is for you to get the most out of the professional experience. Soak up all that you can and record the needful in your reports and log book. Let nothing deter you from accomplishing your main purpose in that organization.
You're going to be graded anyway, so don't mess it up!
In conclusion...
Writing this has felt like a love letter to myself, especially because of the affirmations I wrote spontaneously🥰. This also feels like something I would appreciate reading from someone else right before heading out for my industrial attachment. I hope this post resonates with you💕.
Please share with anyone who would benefit from these five tips.
Good luck out there💪🏾!