Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Career and Professional Development Center is back with the JC Penney Suit-up event on Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Governor’s Square Mall from 6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.
The JC Penney Suit-Up event was designed to help college students purchase professional attire at a lower price than the original and seek deals or opportunities that will benefit them further into their careers.
“We’re always wanting them to put their best foot forward and that goes from not only speaking the part, acting the part but looking the part. I encourage them to start now so they would have it when they need it instead of buying it last minute because you wouldn’t get the sale,” said Marie Smallwood, the assistant director of the FAMU Career Center.
Not only will the sale be up to 60 percent off but 15 currently enrolled students who attend this upcoming event will be gifted with a business suit due to donations given to FAMU’s Career Center. In addition, 30 $100 JC Penney gift cards will be given out to enrolled students as well.
In order to be an award recipient and participate in the giveaway, students who are eligible must pick up a ticket from the FAMU Career Center and bring it to the event. The ticket must be placed in the designated box by 7 P.M. on the day of the event.
William Johnson, a returning volunteer for the event, encourages students to attend.
“It’s not only going to help the students now it’s going to help them for their future ambition and what they want to be in life,” said Johnson.
FAMU became the first HBCU to partner with JC Penney for their Suit-Up event in 2017. Since then, the event has gained its popularity as multiple students from a variety of different majors attend to enhance their wardrobe.
Chazriq Clarke, a sophomore theatre and business administration major, attended this event in the fall of 2019 and shared his experience.
“I learned so much, was able to network with different FAMU staff & alumni, and was offered extra discounts, I can’t wait to do it again,” Clarke said.
Clarke also shared about how he learned tips for interview attire and sizing and fitting styles while networking with FAMU alumni and staff. He plans on being a volunteer for the upcoming event this spring semester and encouraging students to learn about professionalism.
For more details, check the FAMU Career and Professional Development Center’s website at famu.edu/careercenter or contact them at 850-599-3700.