Professional Success: Iowa State Hosts Free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop for Students
Thousands of students flooded the Multicultural Center (MCC) at the Memorial Union on Thursday for the highly anticipated Free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop. Among them was Andrew Pham, a sophomore in software engineering, who was on a mission to find the perfect tie for the upcoming Engineering Career Fair.
The event, spearheaded by Holly Clemons, a program specialist in the Health and Human Sciences Administration, has been a resounding success over the past seven years, drawing in an average of 5,000 participants. Clemons shared that the original idea behind the pop-up shop was to provide students with more opportunities for professional success at Iowa State and beyond.
From humble beginnings in 2017 with just 80 attendees, the event has grown exponentially, with a record-breaking turnout of 674 students last semester. Clemons expressed her delight in witnessing the overwhelming gratitude from students who benefit from the shop’s offerings.
As students like Pham combed through racks of business attire, they were met with valuable guidance from volunteers like Ronnie Perez, an academic advisor for the Business Undergraduate Program. Pham, in search of the perfect tie, was impressed by the diverse selection available. Meanwhile, Matthew Lorentzen, a freshman in aerospace engineering, found success in his quest for business pants for the upcoming career fair.
The significance of the Free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop extends beyond just providing students with clothing. Brady Talley, the Student Success Coordinator for the Ivy College of Business, emphasized the importance of equipping students with the necessary attire to excel in their professional endeavors. Talley, a former director of Multicultural Student Success, highlighted the evolution of programs like the Pop-Up Shop in meeting the needs of all students.
Clemons, who once walked the halls of Iowa State as a graduate student, shared her emotional investment in the event. Having been involved in the shop since her graduate days, she ensured its continuity when she transitioned to a full-time faculty role. Talley echoed the sentiment, encouraging alumni and donors to contribute by donating clothes to support students’ success.
The Free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop is made possible by The Closet, a student organization founded by Clemons to streamline volunteer efforts for the event. The organization has transformed the way clothing is stored and showcased, providing a thrift store-like experience for students. Clemons expressed her commitment to extending the impact of the Pop-Up Shop through collaborations with other campus organizations.
Looking ahead, Talley emphasized the importance of students embracing success and taking advantage of opportunities like the Pop-Up Shop. As students navigated the racks of business attire, the spirit of professional growth and empowerment was palpable in the air.
As the event concluded, students left with not just business attire but a renewed sense of confidence and readiness to conquer their academic and professional pursuits. The legacy of the Free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop continues to inspire and uplift the student community at Iowa State University.
