Students hoping to present a polished image to interviewers browsed through racks of donated professional clothing during Florida Polytechnic University’s annual Career Services Clothing Rack event on Feb. 5 at the Innovation, Science, and Technology building in Lakeland, Florida.
They tried on and took home the donated attire at no charge.
“The minimum requirement for a good interview is to dress well and have confidence – it makes a huge difference,” said Logan Miller, a junior majoring in business analytics from Bradenton, Florida. “I think this is a great opportunity for students and the fact that it’s free makes it that much better.”
The gently used professional clothing was donated by the University’s faculty and staff.
“It’s really nice simply because I have gone shopping for nicer clothes like this and they can get expensive really fast,” said sophomore Ashley Bryie, a mechanical engineering major from Bartow, Florida. “Everyone here is invested in enabling the students to succeed and this shows that the professors who donated clothes are not just here to do a job, they’re actually investing in the students.”
Freshman Cody Moen, also a mechanical engineering major, was excited to take home a belt and a Calvin Klein blazer.
“This is really great. They had some really nice clothes here,” said Moen, from Longwood, Florida.
Pairris Jones, Florida Poly’s associate director of career development, said it’s essential for students to be mindful of their appearance when entering the workforce.
“I always tell students, ‘Your first impression is really important, and if you look like a polished professional, you’ll be treated as such,’” Jones said. “Once they get into an organization, they can learn what the culture is like and they may not have to dress up every day, but at least their initial connection and contact was very polished and professional.”
Jones said she hopes the students will wear their new professional attire on Feb. 19 at the spring career fair, which will be in the Saddle Creek Logistics Commons from 1-4 p.m.
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
