Some of the 200 Miami University students who recently participated in the school’s semi-annual “Suit Up” event celebrate at the JCPenney store in northern Hamilton County’s Colerain Twp. The event helps to fund the purchases of professional attire for Miami students to better prepare them for the work world. (Contributed)
Dressing for success only works if you have business apparel in your closet and for some Miami University students, that just got easier.
Miami students recently rode a bus together to a local department store in northern Hamilton County’s Colerain Twp. taking part in a university program designed to help them afford professional attire as they enter the work world.
More than 200 students participated in the school’s semi-annual “Suit-Up” event, traveling from Butler County together to a JCPenney store where they received a 30% off coupon to further supplement the grant funds through various Miami departments designed to help cover the costs.
According to Miami officials, clothing purchased during Suit-Up can be used for internships, career fairs, interviews, and other professional opportunities.
Madeleine Hood, associate director of employer relations for the Miami career center, said for some students, this was their first chance at picking out professional attire.
“At Miami, we prepare our students for the work world. This event is part of that training and preparation,” said Hood.
“How do we get them (ready)? Suit-Up is a big part of that journey. That’s why this event is so important,” she said.
More than a dozen Miami offices helped to fund the event, including: Miami University Alumni Association; Career Services Professional Development; Farmer School of Business; Office of Residence Life and the university’s Student Success Center.
Miami officials said Suit-Up serves as an important touchpoint to familiarize students with the career center, which could lead to future visits for career advising, resume help, internship conversations, and more.
“We tell students that they are building a network, not just in a workspace but in a community,” said Hood. “We are hoping that when students graduate from Miami, they can look back and know the career center was a part of their journey.”
Among the appreciative students was Taven Dotson, a first-year electrical engineering student.
“Everyone was so helpful, respectful and kind,” Dotson said. “What an amazing opportunity, I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Classmate Ray’Aunnah Tillis, a senior information systems and cybersecurity management major, also appreciated the opportunity and was grateful for the hospitality shown throughout the shopping experience.
“I felt confident and like people from the career center were rooting for me,” Tillis said. “This is the first time I went to the Suit-Up experience alone and I did not feel awkward or out of place. I was thrilled to be there, and I had a great experience shopping.”
Hood praised the Colerain JCPenney for its participation as well.
“JCPenney is such an important community partner,” Hood said. “They look forward to this event every year. And we are one Miami when it comes to working with these students and making sure they have the best experience.”
