Dozens of ETSU students filled JCPenny Sunday night, as University Career Services held their first “Suit-Up” event, designed to help students get business clothing before the university’s spring career and graduate school expo on Feb. 26.
“Suit-Up”, which is something JCPenny does with university career service offices across the country, had a line forming prior to the stores 6:30-9:30 p.m. window for students to shop after the store’s normal operating hours.
The event, which had help from both Buctainment and ETSU College of Business and Technology, offered students 40 percent off business clothing and featured opportunities for students to get suit measurements, makeup tutorials, professional headshots and learn how to tie a tie, among other things.
“It’s great,” said Chayton Williams, a junior at ETSU. “I’ve always thought it’d be a good idea [for the university] to have something like this, so I think it’s awesome.”
Other ETSU students shared a similar sentiment, with several enjoying the opportunity to get business clothing at a big discount right before a career fair.
“It’s really helpful to me,” said senior Dakota Cowell. “It definitely provides us with an opportunity to get some cheap, career clothes at a really good deal.”
Morgan Cockrell, also a senior, said she was “making the most of it” and hoping to find a good deal to help with future job interviews.
“We want them to be excited about that [the job fair],” said Jeffrey Alston, Director of University Career Services. “We want students to come in and walk away with at least one item, just so they can be prepared and be confident for the job fairs that are coming up.”
Alston also said Sunday’s event gave him hope for doing future events like this, also saying the “Suit-Up” made him excited for what’s to come. In an interview on Thursday before the event, Alston said they had every indication they’d see around 200 students, a turnout Alston estimated was close to reality on Sunday night.
“We want to help students know who we are,” Alston said Thursday. “And I know students sometimes think, ‘Oh, I’ve got time to think about [my future,]’ and they really don’t. And I think the sooner students realize that, that’s what helps us really help them.”
For those looking to attend the spring career and graduate school expo, the event takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Mini-Dome. Students are encouraged to bring their resume and call University Career Services with any questions at 423-439-4450.
