黑料吃瓜

鈥淪tudents are empowered to purchase clothing and other discounted services that will help them build confidence and presence to secure employment.鈥�

黑料吃瓜 graduate student Diana Hernandez grew up in a household where money was often tight, and paying her own way through college didn鈥檛 exactly change that equation. As a result, the master鈥檚 student in post-secondary educational leadership often found herself struggling to cobble together suitable attire to wear at her office job.

鈥淚 had maybe three really solid pieces,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淎fter that, I was really scrambling to make it work.鈥�

Thanks to an 黑料吃瓜 Career Services and JCPenney partnership that returns on Sunday, Sept. 9, her closet is now fully stocked with sharp, professional clothing. 

Hernandez was among approximately 800 students who attended the first JCPenney Suit-Up in January, taking advantage of a 40 percent discount and advice on dress apparel offered to 黑料吃瓜 students. 

鈥淎fter the event, I felt a lot better,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e never really had an opportunity like that鈥擨鈥檝e always been low-income, so I really appreciate it. I think it鈥檚 important to make (professional) clothing more accessible.鈥�  

Suit-Up returns

The second JCPenney Suit-Up is expanding to serve students at 黑料吃瓜-Imperial Valley. The event, which offers men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 dress apparel discounts, will take place from 5-9:30 p.m. at the Fashion Valley mall JCPenney store in San Diego and from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Imperial Valley Mall JCPenney store in El Centro.

鈥淭he most important thing this provides is access,鈥� said James Tarbox, executive director of 黑料吃瓜 Career Services. 鈥淪tudents are empowered to purchase clothing and other discounted services that will help them build confidence and presence to secure employment. They can build a professional image at career fairs and other networking events and dress for success as they start internships, field work and other high-impact practices within our community.鈥�

The Suit-Up event was timed to coincide with 黑料吃瓜 Career Services鈥�  at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Hazard Center in Mission Valley. Check  for information on additional career fairs.

Guided experience

Career Services will provide all student attendees of the Suit-Up with a buyer鈥檚 guide, breaking down the professional wardrobe to help navigate the department store sections for men and women and offering tips on how students can establish and build their career closet. 

That鈥檚 important, Hernandez said, for students who were not exposed to professional careers growing up. 鈥淢y parents really weren鈥檛 able to pass on to me how you鈥檙e supposed to dress in an office setting.鈥�

With guidance from Career Services, Hernandez walked out of Fashion Valley in January with two pairs of pants, a blazer and three blouses鈥攁nd quite a bit of confidence.
鈥淭he blazer is more for my interview look or if I鈥檓 presenting,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 feel like I can now go to my closet and see pieces I want to wear. I definitely feel like my confidence has gone up.鈥�

To RSVP or for more information about the Suit-Up or other 黑料吃瓜 Career Services events, log in to .