I am a graduate student , and even though I'm not yet supposed to be looking for jobs, I am already looking for a right bag to take to the interviews (who knows, I might have an interview this Fall) So I have absolutely no idea what is appropriate for an academic interview. I do want something briefcase - like, something that will fit my files, my notebook, and a book or two or three. I picked this one at TJ Maxx this weekend:
It's expensive (90$, discounted from 350$ or something), but it is Italian and very well made. It is comfy on the shoulder and even fits my 14" laptop. I am not sure whether to keep it, Plus, I live in California, where all the professors are super-casual, and I am already looked at strangely because I am into fashion. Then again, I don't think I'll be interviewing in California and it's likely that I won't have interviews until next Fall anyway.
I think that's an awesome briefcase, it's classy but with a funky twist...but I think you should return it. I think the animal print (while super cool and exhibiting your personality really well) is not exactly the thing you should be toting to an academic interview. I work in Hollywood and when I went on my job interviews, I still toted a pretty conservative black leather satchel. If you will need the briefcase once you get a job, then it might be worth it to keep it. But under no circumstances would I take that to an interview. Sorry hon...
I'm a grad student too. Sorry to say, I think that's just a little too funky for job interviews. The shape is right, but the animal print is too much (remember, on a college campus you have a high likelihood of running into people who are against the use of fur, and even though this obviously isn't zebra....)
I suggest something more like this (sorry, no picture hosting available at the moment):
OK, I got it. I will get something black and plain for the interview - although it will be an academic interview, not a corporate job interview, and they'll know I am funky just from looking at my research interests I guess I'll just borrow a black plain purse from one of my friends... The zebra brief can be very useful for afterwards though, if I do get a job, because I can carry books and files in it. I think Lilykind is right, it does exhibit my personality really well. Olivia - I live in Berkeley, CA and even there, for some reason, there are more people objecting to fashionable grad students than there are people objecting to fur. I can't help being myself But I don't know... It seems like a lot of you hate it? Or do you just think its not interview-appropriate (I agree with this now)?
I might get rid of it and just get a fun, non-work-related bag instead.
hmm...if you like it i kind of think you should keep it. i'm no expert, but i feel like in academia there's a lot of room for eccentricity (sp?) so i don't think they would hold your bag against you.
I would prob carry this to an interview and I work in a corporate environment. I really like it and think as long as you wear a black or blue conservative suit to your interview, not many people would notice your bag, unless of course you run into one of us :)
I love the bag and I think you should keep it...you seem to like the bag and the way it feels and it fits all your stuff....for interviews as long a s you dress professionally I think the bag will work...it shows you have some personality and flair..
Very cute and you got a great deal on it. I would probably just take my chances and bring it on the interview. As long as your interview suit is conservative, I don't think this bag will make you look too funky. I couldn't imagine you not getting a job because of it. It may actually make you more memorable when the interviewers are discussing you afterward. They will remember you as the girl with the cool bag.