Program Helps Towson Students Look The Part To Get Jobs

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- At any given time, one-third of the students at Towson University will be participating in an internship.

As Mike Schuh reports, being ready for such a job means looking like you're ready.

College kids have a look: casual, comfortable, dry cleaning not necessary. Just ask junior Khrista Fields.

"Towson sweatshirt, jeans, Converse. I'm very casual. This is what I wear to class every day," Fields said.

But soon she needs to go on an interview for an internship.

"Now I'm dressed for an interview, dressed to go out in the professional world and present myself as a graduate of Towson University," she said.

Short on cash for new clothes, her transformation happened at the school's career center.

"We have been collecting suits for the past several months," said Rachel Bachman. "So far, I would say we have about 150."

Bachman runs a program that puts good clothes on TU students before they interview.

"Having professional business attire when you're going to interview for a full-time job is so critical and it can be that deciding factor," said Bachman.

Elizabeth Hardesty works for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. She says prospective employees get off on the right foot if they show up dressed appropriately.

"We deal a lot with the customer and the general public and business owners," she said. "We want to present a professional image."

So Enterprise has collection bins at all of its local offices, places to donate clothes that will help Towson students take their first steps into the job market.

"I actually have an interview pretty soon where I plan on wearing this suit," Fields said. "I'm really excited to see how they react to that."

Their deadline for dropping off any suits is February 15 at any Enterprise location.

Right now, 75% of their suits are men's. They hope more women's suits will be donated.