As the seasons change and we begin to change wardrobes for the impending winter, many of us find ourselves with clothes that have gone out of style, no longer fit, or have been left untouched with the tags still intact. At one point or another, all students will need business professional clothing, whether for a case competition, networking night, presentation or even an interview.
When I came in as a first-year student to the business school, I had no professional clothes, no suit, blouses, trousers or anything Grossman School of Business alumna Maddie Stoops said. However, as my aunt is a lawyer, she shipped me two full boxes of clothes, so when I joined the Grossman Student Advisory Committee (GSAC), I knew I wanted to put on some sort of event that would allow other students to have access to professional clothes. I was lucky that I had my aunt send me those clothes, but I was thinking, how do all these other students get clothes for their presentations, interviews and case competitions?
Thanks to the generosity of Maddie’s aunt, the GSAC Professional Business Attire initiative was born,
Fast forward to 2021, and the current GSAC leadership team are enthusiastically prepping to host the second event. Their goal is to collect, and connect UVM students with affordable, donated professional clothing, so theyll be able to present their best selves regardless of the occasion.
GSAC are now collecting donations of second-hand professional clothing and the event will take place late fall semester ahead of final presentations, case competitions and summer internship interviews. (Sale date coming soon)
The Professional Business Attire initiative allows any UVM student to purchase donated business clothing with credit or debit cards; with the proceeds benefitting GSAC initiatives like the de-stress event, peer mentorship program and more.
Please consider supporting this exciting student-driven initiative by donating. Donations are being accepted now through Friday, October 29th in the Grossman School of Business, Center for Student Success office in Kalkin Hall. Drop off in person or mail to 55 Colchester Ave, Suite 100 Burlington, VT 05405.
Clothes that are clean and in good condition but no longer fit or have been hanging untouched in your closet since you bought them are prime candidates for this campaign. Below is some more guidelines as to what is accepted for this fundraiser should you need them.
Business Professional Polished and conservative attire work for interviews and career fairs
Dark colored suit jacket
Dark colored pants
Dark colored skirts (preferably at or below the knee)
Collared button-down shirts
Blouse
Ties
Dark dress shoes(preferably heels below 3 inches)
Belts
Business Casual or Smart Casual Attire less formal than business professional but still conservative and professional
Men
Polo, button-down shirt or blouse
Blazer jacket
Sweater or cardigan
Dark dress shoes(preferably heel below 3 inches)
Dress pants, chinos, or cotton pants
Not acceptable
Tops: Tank tops, t-shirts, athletic jackets and sweatshirts
Bottoms: Sweatpants, jeans, cargo pants, athletic pants, yoga pants, leggings, shorts and skirts shorter than fingertip length
Shoes: Open-toed shoes and sandals or shoes with heels exceeding 3 inches
Details: Bright colors, bold patterns and improperly fitting garments, excessive or overbearing perfume or cologne, flashy jewelry and excessive makeup.