Dressing the part...

One of my favorite shows for a long time was TLC's "What Not to Wear" and I'd like to share a quote from Stacy and Clinton that I feel is very relevant to college students at the stage of looking for a career and that is, "Dress for the job you want". With so many business society meetings, interviews, pre-interview dinners, company information sessions and visits that Villanova offers, it is always quite the conundrum to figure out what is appropriate to wear for these types of occasions and events.

I always say it is better to be dressed up than dressed down because you never know when you will want to talk to that executive after a speech they gave or if you are taken to a fancier restaurant than expected. Here are a few suggestions for some typical events that business students would take part in.

A Marketing Society event with a speaker from a company you are interested in: khaki's or dress pants and a button down shirt, or if you're like me and interested in working more for a fashion brand then it's important to look the part and add some style to your outfit by adding accessories and something that shows your personality a bit more while still looking professional and polished. The reason I think that it is important to consider what you wear to these kinds of events is because there are opportunities to do great networking at them and first impressions especially count when seeking a job or internship. Some of my favorite stores to stop for business appropriate but still stylish and youthful outfits are J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor.

Another event you may take part in is a dinner with a company you desire to work for. These are usually the night before they are interviewing candidates and allows them to get to know you in a more relaxed setting. Since it would be in the evening, you're allowed to get a little more dressed up and veer away from the typical suit outfit. I suggest a pencil skirt with a dressier top or a sweater with a necklace. The outfit to the right from Ann Taylor is a good example but throw a cardigan over it because sleeveless is not appropriate for these types of things!

Next is the all-important interview and the outfit choice for these big days is always a suit! It should make you feel good and fit well so that you are confident and prepared to shine from the moment you put it on. A safe choice for a shirt is always a light colored button down so that it's your personality and words that do the talking, not an inappropriate leopard satin shirt. As far as shoes, a good quality black pump is the best option and allows you to stride into the room standing tall and elegant.

Once you land that great internship or job, play it safe the first day with a basic shift dress and heels, or dress pants and a nice top and the best way to know what to wear every day is to observe the office culture and to ask Human Resources! It is their job to help you with these kinds of things and you want to always look like you belong there and can interact with people there at any executive level.

While what you wear for these kinds of things may not seem to be the most important, I always say that what you are wearing can boost your confidence and help overall in how you portray yourself each day. So keep in mind these simple tips and feel free to ask me any questions and you can always go to the Clay Center for any doubts on what to wear for any job related activity!

Fashion Marketing Day

This past Friday was the annual trip to NYC for Fashion Marketing Day! It is one of my favorite events sponsored by the Clay Center and it gives Villanova students the chance to visit the offices of well-known fashion brands to learn about the company and hear from top people in those companies discussing their career paths and giving helpful advice on how to pursue a similar career.

In the past we've visited companies such as Michael Kors, Estee Lauder, Lord & Taylor, American Eagle and this time we went to IMG, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bloomingdale's. First we went to IMG, and we were lucky enough to hear from Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion who runs Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. She told us all about her background and how her position as the Executive Director for the Council of Fashion Designers of America led to her current role with IMG. It was also very interesting to hear how Fashion Week came to be at one central location after a 1991 incident at a Michael Kors show in a old loft in Manhattan had pieces from the ceiling falling down during a show.

Next, we went to the beautiful 5th Avenue office of Salvatore Ferragamo (where this picture was taken!) and learned all about the brand and how it has evolved and then we heard from the HR Manager there who informed us about their internship program and gave us all her card to send our resumes along. It is opportunities like this that make these experiences so worth it since it gives us the chance to network with people from great companies and expand our potential for getting a great internship or even job!

The last place we went to was Bloomingdales. They talked all about their program for new hires in the Buying Department who go through extensive training and workshops to be fully prepared for their career as Buyers. It is path with has great opportunities for growth and a clear plan for promotions from Asst. Buyer all the way to a General Merchandise Manager who reports to the CEO.

Overall, I loved getting to learn more about these brands and get a glimpse into how they are run but the most important advice I have for those who attend events such as these is: never underestimate the power of a thank-you! These people take the time out of their days to talk to all of us and give us great career advice. It is a gesture which should not go unnoticed and by saying thank-you, it is a great way to reinforce the relationship you can develop with them for future career opportunities. I hope to one day be in a position to be able to be a resource for Villanova students to reach out to since I have been so thankful for the mentors I have met during my time as a student here!