Helping Students Make a Great First Impression

By Katherine Noll
April 10, 2009

Many students might feel uncomfortable when they first trade in their tattered jeans and t-shirts for a professional blazer and slacks, but unaffordable shouldn't enter the equation.

With a slumping economy and a crowded job market, recent college grads need every edge when it comes to interviewing. But how do you purchase a professional wardrobe before you have started earning the money to pay for it? That's where First Impressions comes in.

The boutique, located in College Center in the Central Duplicating Office, opened its doors for the first time on April 9. Walking into it feels like you are entering a clothing store, complete with racks of clothes and a dressing room. NCC students can select a professional outfit at no cost. It's absolutely free. All that is needed is a student id card. Students can choose from suits, dresses, coats, slacks, skirts, blouses, sweaters and accessories such as jewelry, ties and scarves.

Staff members in NCC's Institutional Advancement Office were inspired by a similar program at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. Students there have been able to visit Ellen's Closet and pick out gently-used clothing suitable for job interviews and employment at no cost since 2001.

Kathy Rooney (pictured right), a volunteer in the Institutional Advancement Office, spearheaded the project. "We thought it was a great idea. It's one more thing we can do for our students," she said.

The first step was to reach out to NCC faculty and staff and ask them to dig into their closets for any suitable items that could be donated. Kathy credits the staff in Central Duplicating and Physical Plant for cleaning out the office space and building a dressing room.

A new outfit isn't the only thing students receive. They get pamphlets with information on how to dress for success, professional image and attitude, dressing for the office and things your clothing choices reveal.

"It's not just about the clothing. Students are also learning what to wear and what not to wear," she explained.

Student Julian Costa (pictured left) was pleasantly surprised to learn about First Impressions at the Grad Fair event held for students graduating this May.

"It's a good service to have. Not every college student owns formal clothes," he said as he tried on a jacket. "This will help in job searching."

Julian left with a blazer, shirt and tie. "I can use this for job interviews over the summer," he said. He also mentioned the clothing would be helpful at his current job at the College's Student Life Office. "I'll be able to wear this when we are holding more formal events."

Kathy's wish is that the entire community will get involved in this project. She's hoping local stores will donate or encourage their costumers to give their unwanted business clothing to First Impressions.

"These students will be going out into our community. They are going to be applying for jobs in our stores and offices. The more we help them the more prepared they will be to go out into the local community and work," Kathy commented.

First Impressions is located in College Center, on the first floor in the Central Duplicating Office. The 2009 spring hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and also on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

"Anything we can do to help our students in this economy, even if it's one piece - a blazer, dress pants - helps," she added.

Donations of new or gently used professional attire can be dropped off in Central Duplicating. Clothing should be cleaned and pressed. For more information, please contact Kathy Rooney at krooney@northampton.edu.