JCPenney partners with FIU to sell affordable business attire and give job tips

Yeskanisayka Urbina/Contributing Writer

 

FIU is collaborating with JCPenney’s for a ‘Suit-Up’ event to help students find professional business attire in preparation for their next interview or new job by giving them tips and discounts.

The Career and Talent Development department is inviting students to Miami International Mall’s two-floor JCPenney for guidance in comfort and confidence through corporate apparel on Sunday, Sept. 16. The event starts at 5 p.m.

During the event there will be a DJ and a raffle, that will have the winners to strut down a catwalk in their new wardrobe. The store will close at 7 p.m. to the public, but students will still be able to shop as the store will remain open until 9 p.m. for the university’s event.

The event is free and open to all FIU students and one-year alumni, just a week before the career fair. While many print their resumes and prep for complex interview questions, FIU reminds all students that the smallest detail in presentation can go the longest way.   

“It’s important for students to realize that there are opportunities available through workshops and through programs like this with JCPenney,”  said Career and Talent Development events coordinator, Elery Rojas. “ FIU sees the value in being really able to dress students for success and get them prepared for the workforce.”

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., students who attend can obtain their coupon at the store for an extra 40% off discount with their purchase of men’s and women’s career apparel. JCPenney contains necessities including, suits, coats, dresses, pants, shoes, and accessories for undergarments.

Along with apparel, the event will also offer free hair consultation, free mini makeovers in the store’s Sephora, and professional headshots for $29.99 in the portrait studio.  JCPenney will have FIU colored balloons placed on items, indicating where the career apparel is.

This is the first time the university joins JCPenney for “Suit Up,” but the event has been done through other universities.

“It’s something they’re sweeping across the country and they were excited to come to South Florida. They know that FIU is a multicultural mosh posh of students. Hopefully it’s going to be a continuous thing that we do every fall,” said Rojas.

Attendees will learn do’s and don’ts of appropriate pieces to wear based on the job you’re applying for. Whether its formal companies or tech-savvy positions, industries vary and it’s crucial to acknowledge a red flag in your wardrobe.

As students shop, JC Penney staff and volunteers will give advice on how to measure for fitted blazers, tips on appropriate lengths for pencil skirts and dresses, and what undergarment helps prevent the sweating during the hiring process. Details like ironing and steaming pieces will also be explained as wrinkled items are not suggested for presentation.

Jhonny Hechavarria, a recent graduate from class of 2018 who majored in Management Information Systems attests to the importance of appropriate dress and career fairs in the job search.

“School and career fairs helped me improve my work fashion. It helped me look and feel better in a professional level. Now I tend to dress more professional since I am starting to work on my career,” said Hechavarria.

 

Featured image retrieved from Unsplash