Going into a first job interview is nerve-racking enough without having to figure out what to wear or being able to afford it. These are stressors University of the Pacific's Career Resource Center aims to eliminate.

More than 300 Pacific and San Joaquin Delta College students and their families recently took advantage of exclusive discounts on professional attire, shoes and accessories through an April 7 J.C. Penney Suit Up event at the Weberstown Shopping Center. To allow students and their families to get personal attention with makeovers and expert consultations, the store closed its doors to the general public for three hours.

Pacific computer science major Keely Canniff '19 enjoyed the event so much that she wanted to make sure that the Career Resource Center staff planned to host it again next year. The event has already been planned for next spring.

"This was such a nice event," Canniff said. "I got a pair of shoes, which were regularly $60, for only $12."

Professional attire can be costly and to be able to get deals such as those Canniff and other students received, can make all the difference in making the best first impression to a potential employer.

"The purpose of the event was to provide students affordable professional clothing as they enter the workforce," said Shannon Edminster, assistant director of career advising at the Career Resource Center. Edminster and the CRC's Business Support Specialist Jennifer Rossi reached out to J.C. Penney to make this event possible. They also reached out to San Joaquin Delta College and extended the exclusive discount to their students, as well.

In addition to events such as the J.C. Penney Suit Up, Pacific students also have year-round access to the CRC's Career Closet to borrow for free professional clothing and accessories. The Career Closet is made possible through donations accepted year-round.

To donate new or gently used professional clothing and accessories, visit the Career Resource Center office 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, on west side of the McCaffrey Center on the second floor.

For questions please call the CRC at 209.946.2361 or visit pacific.edu/careers.