STORY BY SHIANNE FIGGE
VIDEO BY NATHAN JOHNS
On Sunday, August 26, Fort Hays State University’s Career Services teamed up with JCPenney to host an event called Suit Up from 6-9 p.m. The event gave students the opportunity to purchase business clothing for the upcoming career internship day, or any other professional event for 40% off its marked price.
As students browsed the store for professional attire, JCPenney provided participants free measurements to help them find the correct size of business clothing. They also provided cookies and drinks as well as free samples of various items including shampoo and makeup items, and even distributed coupons for a free haircut at the JCPenney salon or a free makeover in Sephora.
FHSU’s Career Services also offered free giveaways that included items such as FHSU Career Services t-shirts, notepads, and chocolate bars, as well as Starbucks and Domino’s gift cards.
Career Services graduate assistant and event coordinator, Jessica Conklin was there to answer a few questions and assist participants. She said the event was inspired by the desire to help prepare FHSU students for real-world scenarios beyond the university level.
“We wanted to help students get career ready by giving them forty percent off at JCPenney,” Conklin said. “Just seeing the amount of students and how happy they are once they get the clothing [is what made the event successful].”
The first career internship day hosted by FHSU’s Career Services will be held on Wednesday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Union. According to information found on Handshake, an online platform used to help students navigate job and internship opportunities for their desired major, students will have the opportunity to research their majors of interest, talk to potential employers about internships and practicums, or even talk to potential employers who are hiring full-time employees after graduation. All students are welcome to participate.