Think you know how to dress for your dream job?
ASU students learned how to “dress for success” at a fashion show on Thursday presented by Kohl’s Department Store.
Career Services, in conjunction with Kohl’s, put together the inaugural Dress for Success fashion show to help inform students what to wear — and what not to wear — to a job interview. The event drew a crowd of about 60 people to the Nursing and Health Innovation I building.
Students involved in organizations such as the Residential Hall Association or Student Orientation Leaders were chosen to model specific outfits down the runway. A question-and-answer session was held afterward, and there was a station in the back where students could learn how to tie a tie. In addition to receiving food and gift-card prizes, students were able to talk with Kohl’s representatives and ask about possible internships or job opportunities.
“I saw all of the flyers and knew I had to come,” said Alma Ramierez, a freshman business student. “I came all the way from Tempe just to see it.”
Something that Career Services stressed throughout the evening was that students might be unsure of what is appropriate to wear to an interview and that they would never get a second chance to make a first impression.
“Students do not know how to dress, and we have been getting lots of concerns from companies, “ said Cindy Parnell, the director of Career Services for the Downtown campus. “We want to be able to educate our students.”
Upper management from Kohl’s Desert Ridge location was in attendance and provided all of the clothes and fittings for the models.
“It really is a no-brainer in why we would want to work with ASU,” said Thomas Romero, the college recruiter for the Kohl’s program. “This school is one of the largest in the country, and we have absolutely gotten some of our best interns and management employees from here.”
The company’s regional vice president, Mark Grudecki, flew in from Colorado for the event and shared some advice with the students.
“Companies are looking for the best of the best, and if anything could give you an edge, it would be the way you dress,” Grudecki said. “We all make impressions that lead to opinions, which lead to decisions, and everyone wants those decisions to be in their favor.”
By the end of the night, student models had showcased professional, business casual, casual Friday and unacceptable clothing.
“I learned I need a black blazer,” freshman health sciences major Ecolinnda Becerin said. “It was a ton of fun, though. I am glad I came.”
Students do not need to break the bank for a good professional outfit, and they should remember that it’s an investment in their future, a member of the Kohl’s team said.
“In the first seven seconds you meet someone, eleven decisions are being made about you, so you should make them lasting, professional impressions,” Grudecki said.
Contact the reporter at brittany.mcgonagle@asu.edu
