College students find career advice plus styling through growing EmBe partnership

This paid piece is sponsored by EmBe.

Eden Weber knows what it’s like to be a college student not quite sure how to dress for a first professional interview.

She’s a senior majoring in accounting at Augustana University – but she’s also a volunteer at EmBe’s Dress for Success, where she regularly works with other college students coming in for professional development and style sessions.

“They come in, and I can tell they’re a little uneasy,” Weber said. “These aren’t typical outfits they’re going to wear on campus. It’s not normal clothes students wear. So we remind them this is for a certain type of event and say you really do look sharp.”

Dress for Success works with women at all career stages – including those just beginning to enter the workforce during or after college.

“Our involvement in colleges has been ongoing, but it’s something we want to grow as we remind people that our services are for all women at all ages looking for work or in the workforce,” said Courtney Hardie, EmBe women’s programming coordinator.

“We stress that we’re teachers here, regardless of your career stage. Even someone with an advanced degree can still benefit from help looking over a resume, tailoring it for a certain position or getting interview practice. And all those services are free.”

For college students, EmBe can host a two-hour visit that includes interview and career tips, plus a styling session and mock interviews if time allows.

“We did some specifically for Augie STEM students recently that offered small times for interviewing and resume writing, and then we fit them in an outfit for a potential interview or job,” Hardie said. “Our workshops are new this year, and we think they’re a great supplement to what colleges are offering through their career centers.”

The Dakota Career & Professional Development Office at Dakota State University has connected its students with EmBe stylists for several years.

“This has been such a valuable partnership,” said Kelly Greene, DSU’s director of career and professional development.

“EmBe’s team is wonderful! They work with each student’s professional style. The EmBe team truly has a gift to style based on their personality, and our students, along with our office, have an enormous appreciation for their time, effort and insight given to our students.”

Student feedback has been full of positivity and appreciation, she added.

“Their stress of deciding what to wear while preparing for an internship or full-time job interview is eliminated,” Greene said. “That is huge! Our students walk out beaming with a newfound confidence and ready to tackle that interview.”

What kind of a difference can it make? Take a look at these Augustana students before and after their styling session:

Weber also experienced it first-hand this summer when she needed a few outfits for an internship at an accounting firm. Now, during the school year, she regularly volunteers at Dress for Success.

“I really like the mission here,” she said. “Making people feel confident makes me excited, and it’s super fun. I’m trying to find things that fit well and look great and make them confident.”

For college students, “I think it’s really awesome there’s a program like this that caters to women,” she added. “There’s a lot of imposter syndrome with college girls, and this encourages them that you showed up, you are enough, and you are suited for this.”

Would you like to connect with Dress for Success? To learn more about volunteer options or connect with a career coach or stylist, email dfssfoffice@embe.org.

Dress for Success accepts donations of new and gently used apparel and accessories. There’s consistently a need for dress pants, especially size 14 and 16, new undergarments, socks and no-slip shoes for the service industry, and monetary donations to purchase these specialty items and more. Click here to learn more about how to donate. 

Watch for the next Dress for Success Closet Sale coming Nov. 10-11 for the chance to purchase new and gently used items to help contribute to our mission. Plus, all military members or veterans will receive 10 percent off since it’s over Veterans Day. Click here for details.