What to Wear - Career Events

As any savy college girl knows, it's never too early to start thinking about the future. College is the time to start building your resume, getting internships, networking with alumns, teachers, and fellow students, and preparing yourself for whatever career you wish to pursue.

As a freshmen, I haven't had much experience with career fairs and networking events. Yesterday, I attended my first career event. I thought it was an information session, so I showed up in a nice pair of black straight-leg 7 for all Mankind jeans, black booties, a black tank, and a gray cardigan. Imagine my surprise when everyone else was decked out in straight up suits and dress suits.

Turns out, it was actually a formal networking event, not an info session. Oh, and it happened to be with J.P Morgan, arguably the best financial services firm in the country.

First of all, I was not prepared for the event. I don't quite no what exactly an investment banker does or what's the difference between working in asset management versus in IB risk. I was in no way prepared to compete with the third years who aggressively sought out the J.P Morgan representatives and asked them poignant questions. Luckily, I came with a friend and feeling completely out of place, we dipped out after ten minutes.

But my lack of competence is another story. This experience did make me realize that I need to be prepared with several business outfits that I can wear to future networking events, career fairs, and interviews. With so many able applicants, it never hurts to hopefully make an impression by looking good.

The first set of outfits consist of the traditional dress-pants-and-blazer look. They're perfect for any type of career event, from career fairs to interviews.

These two outfits are professional yet chic at the same time. I chose tanks instead of the usual white collared button-up just because button ups can look so stuffy and manly, especially paired with a suit jacket. Save that for twenty years later. Just be sure that the tanks don't cut too low - cleavage is not something you want to impress your potential coworkers or boss with - unless you're applying for a position at Hooters.

The two options below are more creative and feminine than the two above but are just as appropriate. I'm personally not big on dress pants, so I would definitely prefer wearing a nice dress paired with a sharp blazer.

The thing to watch out for when wearing a dress or skirt is to make sure that the length is appropriate, which means miniskirt lovers out there - you must wear something that hits or is below the knee. If not, it's fine to wear tights underneath, but even with tights, the skirt should at least hit three-quarters of the way down your thigh.

In addition, you should bring a shoulder bag, not a clutch, since you'll be shaking lots of hands. Wear shoes that you're comfortable in and don't over accessorize - it's not a fashion show. Keep the makeup natural (no turquoise eyeliner or bright pink nails!) and come prepared with business cards that you can easily hand out to people that you meet.

Of course, unless you want to be a model, your appearance can't land you the job. However, unprofessional attire and behavior can hurt you in your career search.


What do you wear for business events? Do you have any interview/networking tips?