Bulldog Bites

News and Views from the University of Redlands

U of R students and alumni 'Suit Up'

A recent event helped students and alumni purchase professional attire, just in time to wear at the October 2 Career & Internship Expo. (Photo by Carrie Rosema)

The University of Redlands Office of Career & Professional Development (OCPD) seeks to help Redlands students and alumni prepare for their professional lives in a holistic manner. This includes offering opportunities to develop useful skillsets and strategies for the world of work.

On September 15, OCPD collaborated with the JCPenney in Redlands to host “Suit Up,” an event where U of R students and alumni could purchase professional and personal apparel at heavily discounted prices. The 150 students and alumni in attendance received up to 60 percent off career dress apparel, accessories, shoes, and many new items, including khakis, basics, fashion jewelry, handbags, luggage, and more.

Events like Suit Up increase access to professional attire whose expense can make it out of reach for many. To further assist with cost, the OCPD partnered with University Advancement to launch a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to support the purchase of clothing for U of R students who had a significant financial burden. Through the crowdfunding campaign, trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends came together to raise $2,500 to support the purchase of a full outfit, including a suit, top, and shoes.

This funding helped 15 students “Suit Up” in preparation for upcoming interviews, professional networking, and internship and employment opportunities.

In addition, JCPenney offered free measurements, make-up consultations, discounted professional photo studio sessions, and support to order online any clothing items not available in-store, as well as free pizza and refreshments to ensure guests had enough energy for the occasion. Two lucky raffle winners even received spa packages!

In our post-event survey, 100 percent of attendees said they would recommend the event to a friend, and 100 percent said they would attend the event in the future.

Suit Up was the first of multiple preparation opportunities leading up to the Career & Internship Expo on Wednesday, October 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Orton Center on the University’s main campus in Redlands. The Career & Internship Expo, a new event hosted by OCPD, will bring a number of great employers to campus to engage with Redlands students and alumni. Some of the employers will include:

Students and alumni can RSVP for the Career & Internship Expo here (click “+ Join Event”). And don’t forget, “Suit Up” for the occasion!

Learn more about the Office of Career & Professional Development and the many other events it will host this year. To support future career and professional development opportunities for Redlands students like the Suit Up Event, visit www.redlands.edu/givenow.