By Ed Silverman
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First, consider this: The highly coveted Ivy League actually began as nothing more than an intercollegiate football league. Feel better? Now you can employ the same methods as those who graduate those hallowed halls and go on to great success. After all, if you act Ivy, who'll know the difference?
Start with these career expert tips on how to gain the upper hand when competing with the upper crust.
1: Feel comfortable in your own skin: There is nothing like having the confidence to impress others. "In the Ivy League, people are raised with the expectation that no matter what bad things may happen, they are confident the future is bright," says Steven Robbins, a Harvard-educated executive coach and author of 'It Takes a Lot More Than Attitude ... To Lead a Stellar Organization' (Acanthus, 2004). "But the aura of self-assurance can be learned and practiced to the point where it's natural."
To boost that confidence level as high as possible, think about something that makes you feel authoritative - try a topic about which you are truly an expert - and then hold onto that feeling. Do this as often as possible until it becomes part of you.
2: Dress your best: You don't need to buy lots of clothes, but make sure to purchase good quality attire and have them tailored. Partnered with a well-groomed appearance, it's important to never underestimate first impressions. And it may not come as a surprise, but it's a good idea to play into the Ivy League stereotype by wearing conservative outfits. This is also true for the weekends, when casual wear is noticed just as closely.
"Your wardrobe should be comfortable, but preppy and, yes, conservative," advises Liz Ryan, a former human resource executive who runs WorldWIT, an online resource for women in business. "It's best to spend the extra money on the expensive suit. The same goes for the shoes. You want to look jaunty? Do it later, not when you're trying to impress someone."
3: Learn all you can: You may not have been granted acceptance into an Ivy school the traditional way, but that doesn't mean you can't tout studies from the schools on your résumé. Thanks to online classes offered by many Ivies and top-notch schools like New York University, Villanova, and Tulane University, it is possible to learn from the best. (Yes, even at Harvard!)
According to Linda Cross, director of communications and marketing for the Harvard University Division of Continuing Education, the Harvard Extension School has open enrollment. "Anyone can take credits earned and apply them to a future degree program."
Similarly, those interested in gaining Ivy League recognition in the fields of leadership, education, finance, even hospitality management can do so through eCornell's online certificate programs. The University of Pennsylvania also offers an array of online learning opportunities through its Peen Advance program, however, full-fledged degrees are limited only to brick-and-mortar Penn students. And, though non-credit courses are offered online by AllLearn, a consortium of classes created by Oxford, Stanford, and Yale, you'll get a brain boost with big-name appeal.
4: Sound Like a Natural: Try to lose the accent, never mumble, and do not speak too quickly. No, you don't need to hire a speech coach, but you do want to be very careful about pronunciation. For instance, hang on to the 'g' in words such as walking or looking. And being fully engaged in discussion is often a sign that a person is confident.
"Your voice should have peaks and valleys, variations in pitch, volume and inflection," says Carmine Gallo, a corporate presentation coach and author of "10 Simple Secrets of the World's Greatest Business Communicators (Sourcebooks, 2005). " Listen to yourself on a message machine or recorder. Are you enunciating every word or trailing off?"
5: Mind Your Manners: It may seem simple enough to be polite, but doing so effortlessly indicates good upbringing. Some people may demonstrate good manners instinctively. But it never hurts to remember a few basics, such as shaking hands firmly, looking someone in the eye, and thanking someone for their time. These are important ways to distinguish yourself.
"Small things really do mean a lot, especially in a world where such things are expected," says Brian Tracy, a career development specialist and author of 'Turbocoach: A Powerful System for Achieving Breakthrough Career Success' (Amacom, 2005). "So always remember to be a gentleman or a lady, which includes being thoughtful, gracious, and respectful."
6: Groom Your Body Language: This is a big part of the package. You may dress well, speak clearly, and act courteously, but if you gesture inappropriately or look like you don't know what to do with your hands, some rough edges are exposed. Take it from the experts - this is about much more than posture. You want to send the right signal to the right person at the right time.
Take a cue from politicians. You may not agree with Donald Rumsfeld's politics, for instance, but watch closely as he explains himself on a talk show or to Congress. "He makes direct and solid eye contact," says Gallo. "He hardly ever crosses his arms in front of him. He doesn't fidget. But he uses hand gestures to emphasize key points. His body language commands respect."
7: Act Elite, Not From the Street: To many, Ivy League is synonymous with upper-middle class. But it really is more than a financial issue. The real reason to polish your act is to become a leader.
Says Robbins: "The typical Ivy Leaguer doesn't think about the pedigree and they don't try to impress. It's an aura, and it can be captured."
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