At Career Services event, alumni offer advice students can use
Two dedicated Erskine College alumni visited the Due West campus Jan. 13 to lead “Dress for Success,” sponsored by the Office of Career Services.
Stani Day ’10 spoke at the women’s session in the Bowie Arts Center while Michael Noble ’99 (shown at top) addressed the men in the Founders Room of Moffatt Dining Hall. Each speaker outlined and described levels of dress, from casual to formal, and offered suggestions on the selection and care of clothing.
Day, married to Lee Day ’08, is a training instructor for the U.S. Department of Justice. She recalled an occasion early in her career when she misread a situation and arrived at an important meeting “underdressed.” Characterizing “success and dressing for success” as learned skills which cannot be gained overnight, Day said, “Success often happens after you’ve made mistakes.”
Noble, married to Crystal Noble ’01, is a middle school principal in nearby Anderson, S.C. He only learned to tie a tie shortly before his wedding, a year or two after graduation. Now, he wears a tie most days—and has gained considerable experience in interviewing prospective employees. He knows that well-dressed job candidates can make a good first impression.
Both speakers stressed that it is best to ask about appropriate attire if a clear dress code has not been provided. Day said it is important to understand the context before you walk into a meeting or event. When in doubt, Noble advised, “Ask someone who knows!”
In Day’s session, students practiced good posture and handshakes. In Noble’s group, during a Q&A following the talk, regional variations in what is considered acceptable dress as well as other topics were discussed.
The session leaders encouraged students to take advantage of resources and assistance offered through the Office of Career Services at Erskine. Day said the activities of Career Services indicate “future-oriented” thinking, supporting students both while they are on campus and after they graduate.
A workshop providing help with developing and editing résumés is set for Jan. 28. More information is available here.
