NIAGARA COLLEGE
Dress to Impress: Niagara College to host clothing giveaway for job-seeking students

Niagara College is helping students suit up to make a positive impression on potential employers.

Dress to Impress, a free business clothing and accessories giveaway for students, will be held at the College's Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus on January 29 and at the Welland Campus on January 30.

Hosted by NC's Career Services department, the event will give students the opportunity to pick up professional attire free of charge to wear for job interviews and networking events.

Career Services first launched the annual event in 2017 to help alleviate the financial challenges students may face when it comes to investing in professional attire to wear to job interviews or networking opportunities.

"Many students are struggling financially, many have left their jobs to pursue their education, and we find that they really appreciate the help they receive through this event," said Marsha Fiorino, co-op career consultant and employer support, Career Services. "I've seen students at the event in tears. They just can't believe that we are giving them the clothes for free."

Dress to Impress also helps to relieve anxiety students can experience about how to best present themselves when meeting with employers. Career Services staff members will be on site at the event to assist students with their selections and to provide advice about how to make a positive professional impression.

Dress to Impress has racked up support among College employees and the public. Career Services staff members at both campuses have been collecting donations from college employees for months, as well as from college retirees, community residents, local businesses and charitable organizations who have heard about the initiative and wanted to help, including the St. Catharines Meridian Branches and Corporate Office, and Niagara-on-the-Lake-based Newark Neighbours.

"We would like to thank everyone who has so generously donated since, without them, the event would not be possible," said Fiorino.

Dress to Impress is one of many student-focused events and initiatives planned for January 2019, which is Career Month at NC. Resume clinics, speed interviewing sessions, professional headshot photo shoots, and more are available for students throughout the month, leading up to the College's Career Fair in early February.

NC's largest career event of the year, the Career Fair will bring employers from a variety of industries on campus to recruit students for co-op, seasonal and full-time positions. The Career Fair will take place at the Welland Campus on February 5, and at the NOTL campus on February 6 and 7. Visit www.niagaracollege.ca/careermonth/

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.