Miami University’s annual Suit-Up event not only helps provide students access to affordable professional attire, it also brings the community together — both on campus and beyond.

Several Miamians participated in the endeavor, held this year in late August and hosted by the university’s Center for Career Exploration and Student Success. More than 200 students traveled by bus to attend Suit-Up at the Colerain Township JCPenney, where they received a 30% coupon upon check-in.

Some students were also supported with grants for the initiative. Clothing purchased during Suit-Up can be used for internships, career fairs, interviews, and other professional opportunities.

Madeleine Hood, associate director of employer relations for the career center, said for some students, this was their first chance picking out professional attire.

“At Miami, we prepare our students for the work world. This event is part of that training and preparation,” Hood said. “How do we get them there? Suit-Up is a big part of that journey. That’s why this event is so important.”

More than 200 Miami University students participated in this year's Suit-Up event.

It was certainly well-staffed with Miamians. More than a dozen offices helped throughout the process, including:

• Miami University Alumni Association
• Career Services Professional Development
• College of Creative Arts
• College of Engineering and Computing
• Department of Entrepreneurship
• Department of Media, Journalism, and Film
• Farmer School of Business
• Finance and Business Services
• IT Services
• Miami University Libraries
• Office of Admission
• Office of ASPIRE
• Office of Residence Life
• Student Success Center

Suit-Up serves as an important touchpoint to familiarize students with the career center, which could lead to future visits for career advising, resume help, internship conversations, and more.

“We tell students that they are building a network, not just in a workspace but in a community,” Hood said. “We are hoping that when students graduate from Miami, they can look back and know the career center was a part of their journey.”

Multiple students provided Hood with feedback from the event, including Taven Dotson, a first-year Electrical Engineering student. “Everyone was so helpful, respectful and kind,” Dotson said. “What an amazing opportunity, I couldn't be more grateful.”

Ray'Aunnah Tillis, a senior Information Systems and Cybersecurity Management major, appreciated the opportunity and was grateful for the hospitality shown throughout the shopping experience.

“I felt confident and like people from the career center were rooting for me,” Tillis said. “This is the first time I went to the Suit-Up experience alone and I did not feel awkward or out of place. I was thrilled to be there, and I had a great experience shopping.”

Suit-Up happens twice a year, with the spring portion offering a virtual component. Hood praised the Colerain JCPenney for its participation as well.

“JCPenney is such an important community partner,” Hood said. “They look forward to this event every year. And we are one Miami when it comes to working with these students and making sure they have the best experience.

“We hope to continue this, and who knows what it can grow into?”