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By KEARA JOYCE
Staff Writer

Dress for Success was a great achievement.

Students from all over the campus, whether it be first years or fourth years, came out to see what was happening in the foyer of Applied Health.

Set up in a clothing store style, donated clothes from staff and faculty were on display and available for students to take if needed. These clothes were specifically meant for students that needed more business-like attire for interviews or work.

Not only did Dress for Success have clothing for men and women, such as blouses and suites, but they also had footwear, jewelry and accessories.

Dana Brown, student transition co-ordinator says, “We found that students don’t even really know what to wear to an interview or what to wear to their first day of school.

“This also gives us the opportunity to talk to them and say okay this is what you should be wearing to an interview, or your first day at work and it’s always better to dress up than underdress.”

Dress for Success was also giving out pamphlets that had tips on what to wear, how to do your hair and makeup and accessorize because it’s all about keeping it simple and not distracting potential employers from what you have to say.

“One of the key messages we will be sharing with students is that looking professional and put-together is vital when applying for jobs and – like a polished resume – can help them stand out from the crowd,” said NC career consultant Monique Morin from an article published on Inside Niagara. “For many students struggling with financial challenges, purchasing new clothing is not an option; this event is designed to help them present themselves well without straining their finances.”

This event was created to prepare students for the All About Options Employment Expo, as in past years, students would show up wearing track pants or regular clothing because they didn’t know that they could be interviewed or hired on the spot. The All About Options Employment Expo was held at the Welland Campus on Jan. 24 and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus on Jan. 25. At this expo, students had the chance to meet with employers to help find job opportunities and co-op placements.

Dress for Success was held last year the day before the employment expo but it was discovered that it did not give students enough time to feel prepared.
“We’re just trying to give non-expensive options for students,” says Brown.

Anything that was not taken on the first day at the Welland campus was taken to the NOTL campus and anything left over will be donated to local charities that do not sell their clothing.