In the near future, 20 N.C. Central University students will have their professional packages completed.
By partaking in the new "Styled For Success Program," a new initiative created by University Career Services, students will be given the opportunity to purchase their own professional attire with a "clothing award" of up to $250.
"The purpose of the program is to increase employability to NCCU students who have financial constraints in their pursuit of obtaining appropriate professional attire," said Catrina Dosreis, Associate Director University Career Services.
Attire is an important part of the professional package which some students may not be able to afford. There are ways for a student to mitigate this issue.
Women and men should consider acquiring a basic professional outfit which can be used for multiple purposes. Shopping for these outfits should be a priority upon entrance into college.
"The suits are a real incentive for being a part of the program but it's not really just about the suit, it's about the total package," said Donna Hembrick, director of university career services.
"It's looking at professional development as a whole."
The new initiative was made possible by a generous monetary gift from Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Susan B. Rosenthal and Belk clothing store.
To be a part of the program, applicants must attend three in-person Professional Development Network (PDN) seminars, which begin Sept. 8 and run through Oct. 6.
They also must complete the Job Start 101 program as well as workshop assignments from each PDN workshop. Students may complete the assignments in the "Assignment" folder on Blackboard after they self-enroll in the "CARE-0000" Career Services course. All PDN work must be completed by Oct. 14.
"After the students are selected, there will be a professional dress workshop," said Hembrick. "Following the workshop, the students will go as a group to Belk on Nov. 4 and purchase their suits."
Sophomores, juniors and seniors may apply. Applications are available now and are due Sept. 16 by 5 p.m. in the career services office, located on the lower level of the William Jones Building.
The program may be held every fall and spring semester, depending on the success of this year's pilot program.
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