The Daily Illini: Spring Career Guide 2018

Monday, January 29, 2018

THE DAILY ILLINI THE CAREER GUIDE THE CAREER GUIDE THE CAREER GUIDE THE CAREER GUIDE THE CAREER GUIDE THE CAREER GUIDE

Monday, January 29, 2018

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THE CAREER CENTER MAKE HAPPEN! THEITCAREER CENTER MAKE IT HAPPEN! Graduating in May and looking for a job? Interested in a summer internship?

Want to Graduating in May and looking learn more about a specific for a job?

Interested in a career or internship? how to connect summer Wantwith to employers? learn more about a specific

career or how to connect with The Career Center can help you employers? make it happen. Attend our upcoming and events.

The Career fairs Center can help you make it happen. Attend our upcoming fairs and events.

For more information, visit careercenter.illinois.edu.

For more information, visit careercenter.illinois.edu.

2/12

Finding & Applying to Government Jobs, 3 - 4 p.m., The Career Center Conference Room

2/16 2/12

Internships in Research Park, Finding & Applying to Government Jobs, From The Pizza & Professionals Lunch Series, 3 - 4 p.m., The Career Center Conference Room Noon - 1 p.m., The Career Center Interview Suite

2/16 3/5

Internships in Research Park, Educators' Job Fair, From The Pizza & Professionals Lunch Series, 9:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m., Activities Recreation Center (ARC), Gym 1 Noon - 1 p.m., The Career Center&Interview Suite

4/6 3/5

Be Your Own Boss, Educators' Job Fair, From The Pizza Professionals Series,Center (ARC), Gym 1 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 & p.m., Activities &Lunch Recreation Noon - 1 p.m., The Career Center Interview Suite

4/6 4/9

Be Your Own Boss, Employers Speak: Career Fair Strategies that Work, From The Pizza & Professionals Lunch Series, 5 6 p.m., Illini Union, Room 104 Noon - 1 p.m., The Career Center Interview Suite

4/9 4/9

D.I.N.E. (Diversity & Career Inclusion Exchange), Employers Speak: FairNetworking Strategies that Work, 6:30 8:30 Illini p.m.,Union, Illini Union 5 - 6 -p.m., RoomBallroom 104

4/10 4/9

Illini Career & Internship Fair Networking Exchange), D.I.N.E. (Diversity & Inclusion 16:30 - 6 p.m., Illini Union, Rooms ABC - 8:30 p.m., Illini Union Ballroom

4/26 4/10

Global Career Series: Careers Illini Career & Internship Fair at International Organizations, Time and location to be determined.

1 - 6 p.m., Illini Union, Rooms ABC Visit handshake@illinois.edu for updates.

The Daily Illini

Monday, January 29, 2018

3

So you want to be in the James Scholar program...

BY CHINMAYA SHARMA STAFF WRITER

Getting accepted into the University is exciting news for students, but there may be something more for a few chosen ones. Every year, at the time of admission, a handful of freshmen in each college are given the opportunity to join the James Scholars program.

GPA, rank in graduating class and ACT scores are among factors taken into consideration. If students were not eligible to be a James Scholar their freshman year, they may apply their second semester to be considered for the following school year. Here are the James Scholar requirements and benefits for each college:

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) Admission Requirements 1.

Cumulative GPA: 3.5+

Benefits 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Priority registration Designation as a James Scholar on transcripts Recognition at graduation More individualized interactions with professors and advisers Co-curricular activities like the James Scholar Activities and Communications Team and two writing competitions each year Opportunity to conduct individual research in specific areas of interest and to have research findings published in I-ACES, the college’s online research journal Scholarships and grants to assist with tuition and funding expenses for study abroad and undergraduate research projects

College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS) Admission Requirements 1.

2.

3.

Cumulative GPA: 3.5+ Must complete 14 graded credit hours a semester Final grade of B- or above and “honors” designation for an honors course

Benefits 1.

2.

3.

4.

Priority registration Designation as a James Scholar on transcripts Recognition at graduation More individualized interactions with professors and advisers

Division of General Studies (DGS) Admission Requirements 1.

Cumulative GPA: 3.8+

1.

2.

Priority registration Designation as a James Scholar on transcripts More individualized interactions with professors and advisers

Benefits

3.

College of Business Admission Requirements: 1. Cumulative GPA: 3.5+ 2. No application, but first-year students finishing in the top 10 percent of their class are invited

Benefits

1. Priority registration 2. Designation as James Scholar on transcripts 3. Recognition at graduation 4. Associate director of honors and/ or assistant dean for advising as your academic adviser 5. Job shadow experiences for freshmen and sophomores

College of Education Admission Requirements 1. Cumulative GPA: 3.5+ 2. Final grade of B- or above and “honors” designation for an honors course

Benefits

1. Priority registration 2. Designation as a James Scholar on transcripts 3. Eligibility for special James Scholar honor cord recognition at the College of Education commencement ceremony in May 4. More individualized interactions with professors and advisers

College of Engineering Admission Requirements 1. Cumulative GPA: 3.5+ 2. Electrical and computer engineering majors must take ECE 200. Computer science majors must take two additional CS 400-level courses in addition to those required for graduation. The requirement may also be satisfied using a minor.

Benefits

1. Priority registration 2. Designation as a James Scholar on transcripts 3. Recognition at graduation 4. More individualized interactions with professors and advisers 5. Access to honors-only courses

College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) Admission Requirements 1. Cumulative GPA: 3.3+

Benefits

1. Priority registration 2. Designation as a James Scholar on transcripts 3. Recognition at graduation 4. More individualized interactions with professors and advisers 5. Opportunity to apply for funds to conduct research or to complete projects

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Admission Requirements 1. Cumulative GPA: 3.7+

Benefits

1. Priority registration 2. Designation as a James Scholar on transcripts 3. Recognition at graduation 4. More individualized interactions with professors and advisers

College of Media Admission Requirements Cumulative GPA: 3.5+

Benefits

1. Priority registration 2. Designation as James Scholar on transcripts 3. Recognition at graduation 4. More individualized interactions with professors and advisers

School of Social Work Admission Requirements 1. Cumulative GPA: 3.6+

Benefits

2. Priority registrationan 3. Designation as a James Scholar on transcripts 4. Recognition at graduation 5. More individualized interactions with professors and advisers 6. Opportunity to conduct individual research projects

Other information Getting accepted into the program is the easy part. It’s maintaining one’s status as a James Scholar that keeps students on their toes. Much like the criteria for admission into the program, each college at the University requires James Scholars to a maintain a minimum GPA. Failure to satisfy the requirements typically results in the student being removed from the honors program.

In addition to GPA requirements, James Scholars are required to complete an honors activity.

Since there’s no specifically stipulated activity, students have a certain degree of freedom to choose something. For one, students may complete an Honors Learning Credit Agreement where they collaborate with professors from a particular course they’re taking. They agree to complete honors assignments for which they receive honors credit, which will mark an “H” on their transcript.

Other options include taking Campus Honors Program courses, participating in undergraduate research seminars or even completing a course activity that goes beyond the scope of the course. Given the broad range of aforementioned alternatives, consulting with an adviser may reveal other opportunities that not only satisfy the requirement, but are also better suited for a particular student.

So, what now? Is it even worth being a James Scholar? Aside from early registration and a “lofty” title on the resume, the program may have little to offer for students. In its defense, even though the requirements might seem overwhelming, there’s help in the form of professors and advisers for those who ask for it.

Completing the requirements provides students with exposure to unique experiences that they otherwise might not have tried. As for GPA, the goal is to keep it as high as possible.

Essentially, the James Scholar program encourages students to work harder. It’s a great resource for students who need a little guidance and motivation. It is up to you to decide if you are up for it. csharma4@dailyillini.com

Monday, January 29, 2018

The Daily Illini

4

Tips for finding a job as an international student

BY YIFAN GU STAFF WRITER

International students often face many more dilemmas when searching for jobs than American college students, including cultural differences and the visa system. To shed some light on why this is, Un Yeong Park, the assistant director for career and professional development for international students at the Career Center, discussed the current situation and offered several suggestions for international students looking for a job. key platform and opportunity for students to gain access to the first two rounds of interviews.

The Daily Illini: If an international

student wants to find a job, what could they start with first?

DI:

How could international students develop their networking skills?

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What’s next after self and market awareness?

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What’s the CC-I program?

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The CC-I program is a unique and innovative program provided to support the professional development of international students. The nine-week non-credit program provides training for developing skills such as networking, interviews, resume and cover letters with specific training focusing on everyday speech.

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DI Who is eligible for applying for this What skill sets do you think are program? important?

DI :

Why don’t so many companies hire international students?

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adopting these two key areas — the self and the market environment — the candidate is the person in control of developing this relationship between interests and skill sets with the job market. It involves the creation of a detailed resume, informative cover letter, appropriate internship and UYP: In terms of career skills, emphasis varied diverse job experiences. should be placed on communication, leadership and networking. These skills can be developed through daily college life, DI: To find a job, what do you think is various activities and working experience. the most important? Is GPA most decisive?

For most international students, priority is given to GPA, ranking and the reputation of the college. However, excessive pursuit of academic development will lead to a subconscious disregard for the benefits of professional development.

University reputation is not a critical factor in a job search. The American job market is specifically looking for the right person: characteristics and personality, interests, skill sets developed through college life as well as additional job experiences.

DI:

Int ern

UYP: By thoroughly understanding and

UYP:

Nowadays, LinkedIn and Handshake are the two most direct sources for developing networking channels.

Devoting time to construct an attractive and informative LinkedIn account must be a priority.

To earn opportunities at interviews, you need to reach out to industry professionals, alumni and recruiters must be contacted as soon as possible and your qualifications must also be obtained in advance.

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a job search, it is important to know yourself clearly. What are your main interests and your key competencies and strengths? How can a business benefit from employing you compared to other applicants? This must be the first key step for any student looking for a job.

With this established, a detailed exploration of the job market can begin. It is essential to recognize the differences between the American job market and a local job market.

BS

Un Yeong Park: Before embarking on

UYP:

Whether an undergraduate or graduate, all students are welcomed on this

UYP:

Cross country borders play an important role for international students and they represent more than physical BERCHAM KAMBER THE DAILY ILLINI borders as there are bigger aspects to consider. The self-protection of local job program. Applications for spring 2018 are markets in conjunction and the lottery visa now available until Feb. 1 from the Career selection make companies more hesitant Center website. when hiring international students. Many companies are not willing to invest in international students as they see it as a DI How could this program help future gamble. international students in their career search?

DI: What are choices international students have now?

UYP After the CC-I program, I see many more students articulate their career goals clearly and locate job search UYP: Luckily, there are still many resources faster. The ability to understand companies who consider international and translate the differences between the students as candidates for internship and American job market and the hometown full-time employment. The list of these job market will enable them to show their companies is detailed on the Career Center’s strengths and skills. website. Besides, in the STEM field, there is a shortage in the supply of applicants, so many companies are welcomed to hire DI How is networking important for job international students in this field. search?

However, I want to remind international students that hometown economic development is soaring. Many countries are open to UYP Networking is a key aspect of elites and acknowledging sustaining cultura job search and is just as important as al identity is important for all individuals. having qualifications. Based on my past experience, strong networking offers a yifangu3@dailyillini.com

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Monday, January 29, 2018

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Monday, January 29, 2018

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Then and now: the evolution of dream jobs

BY ARDEN YOUN STAFF WRITER

Is it really college without a little hesitation, switching majors and a couple breakdowns on what career path you want to take? It may take one of the above, or even all three, but eventually, we find ourselves on the right path to achieving what we want to do. Illinois students share their dream jobs for after graduation, some realistic and some a bit more far-fetched from their elementary school days.

“I want to be a college professor. A teaching position at U of I would be a really good job, but they don’t usually hire their own graduate students. I’m working on a Ph.D., which is writing a thesis based on some research. I knew that I wanted to be a professor probably in my junior or senior year of undergrad when I started taking more advanced math classes at Virginia Tech.

“I didn’t even realize or know what the job was outside of teaching until that time.

I think I maybe wanted to be an astronaut or fireman when I was little.”

“I’m a psych major, but I want to do dentistry. I’m taking bio classes and I’m also in Dental Club, which has a lot of events and I’m also shadowing a dentist.

“When I was little, I wanted to be a pediatrician, so medicine was kind of always it for me, but dentistry is definitely what I want to do.”

CHRIS GARTLAND

“I want to be a high school choral teacher.

It’s what I’m really good at and I like working with kids. All the teachers in high school that I really liked were all in music. I want to be like my high school music teacher. She worked like a maniac and she was really good. I’m in two choruses this year: University Chorus and Oratorio Society. I’m also ADAM ZHANG THE DAILY ILLINI part of the Music Education Club.

Steve Zhu, junior in Engineering, searches through the Los Angeles Times classifieds page for “I think I wanted to be like Britney Spears employment opportunities for after graduation. when I was little, but it's a little more realistic, I guess. I can’t dance to save my life so I don’t think that was going to work out “I want to be a developer. Well, I try to “I want to be a lawyer, maybe. I just always for me.” focus on my studies and then in my free wanted to be one and I grew up watching time, learn languages and stuff that could shows with lawyers and I have family friends KATIE MITCHELL help me get a job in the future. I’m learn- that are lawyers as well. I’m in the pre-law FRESHMAN IN FAA ing them on my own on the computer. I’m program and I’m studying for the LSAT, not really sure what made me want it, but which is the test you take if you want to get *** I’ve been exploring my options and I think into law school. I knew that I wanted to be that it would work for me as a career option. one probably at the start of high school.”

I bounced back and forth as well.

“I would like to work for an ad agency or “I was one of those kids that wanted to be HIZQEEL AHMED an athletic company as a product designer an astronaut, but now things are getting a SOPHOMORE IN LAS or content creator. Aside from my required little more realistic.” classes, I am taking classes in art and media and building a portfolio, stuff like that. BEN KOFMAN *** Honestly, I didn’t even know about it until FRESHMAN IN ENGINEERING freshman year, pretty late in the semester and I did some research on it and realized *** “I want to work for the government, so that it’s kinda what I’m into, like the cremostly Homeland Security or Department of ative and arts side.

“I want to be a pharmacist. I’m actual- Defense. My dad loves reading the news and “When I was little I wanted to be an art- ly changing my major to interdisciplin- I think that’s when I started getting into curist and I feel like I could do that through ary health next year in AHS. I’ll be doing rent events and history in general. My focus advertising, so it's like almost having my pre-pharmacy and all that. My cousin’s a is on international terrorism and I like the dream job. I’m excited to see where it goes.” pharmacist and I’ve always found chem- idea of finding out what made them do that istry interesting, so I thought it would be and the psychology of it. I think it’s mostly JORDYN BREWER a good job. She talks about it with me and I Middle Eastern events that happened that JUNIOR IN MEDIA used to work at Jewel-Osco as a cashier, but really made me want to do what I want to I would talk to the people at the pharmacy.” do. I think I knew since my freshman year *** in high school."

GRADUATE STUDENT IN LAS

*** “I think I may be going to pursue a Ph.D. in statistics or data science. I wanted to be a doctor when I was little because everyone wanted to be doctors, but then in high school, I gave up on that because I did really badly in physics and biology, so that was not my thing.”

CHANG LIU SENIOR IN LAS

*** “I want to do accounting. Hopefully in the Big Four. Both of my parents are accountants, so I just want to take after them and it seems enjoyable as well. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’m good at math, but I like it and I probably knew that I wanted to be an accountant since freshman year of high school.

“My dream job used to be to own a restaurant, but I realized that it’s not plausible because I don’t have money to start a restaurant and I can’t cook.”

DANIEL PARK FRESHMAN IN BUSINESS

***

KRIPA POOZHIKUNNEL SOPHOMORE IN LAS

***

JOELLE HOBSON

LO FLORES

FRESHMAN IN LAS

***

SOPHOMORE IN LAS

ysyoun2@dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini

LinkedIn 101: How students can expand their job search

BY MELISSA NIEMIEC STAFF WRITER

their site, 82 percent of whom are college students or people who have been in college. So why are students hesitant to use a more professional form of social media?

“I think it’s a natural part of life for some people to be scared of becoming adults,” said Max Shapiro, freshman in LAS. He attributes students’ hesitance to a desire to still be kids, as LinkedIn is directly used to explore job opportunities.

Both Shapiro and Lu agreed that the most important component of a LinkedIn profile is a professional photo. Other important aspects are a wide variety of connections, endorsements and a sleek-looking array of skills and accomplishments.

Shapiro described the site as an “online resume,” emphasizing that it is important to keep it concise.

“You can build upon the aspect of you that you want others to see,” Lu said.

He explained how when you have a separate social media account for professional life, it is easy to market yourself more favorably to future employers.

Though LinkedIn is useful for professional life, it isn’t a magic ticket to get a job coming out of college. It is a starting point in networking and connecting with people who can be useful in the future.

“I wouldn’t say you need a LinkedIn to be successful, but I’d say it’s a very good tool,” Shapiro said.

As the world becomes increasingly techsavvy, more employers are looking to use the internet to search for potential job candidates. A familiar avenue for this is social media. College students have an advantage when looking for jobs because millennials tend to be masters of social networking.

However, not all social media is suitable for the eyes of future employers. Job skills and career goals don’t always pair well with political Twitter fights and pictures of an emo phase dredged up from Facebook.

That’s where LinkedIn comes in. LinkedIn is a professional form of social media that focuses on marketing to employers and making connections to further career goals.

Since its launch in 2003, LinkedIn has managed to attract 29 percent of internet users, according to a 2016 report by Pew Research. The report said 27 percent of that number were college students.

“When you’re a business major, networking is definitely a key component in trying to find internships and jobs,” said Andrew Lu, freshman in Business.

Lu said LinkedIn is useful for researching companies before job fairs or info sessions, so students can have more meaningful and productive conversations with employers.

However, the Pew Research report goes on to show that Facebook, a less professional form of social media, beats Linke- Melissa is a sophomore in LAS. dIn, having 79 percent of internet users on mn3@dailyillini.com

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Monday, January 29, 2018

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Monday, January 29, 2018

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8

Five questions to ask your academic adviser

BY MERAL AYCICEK ASSISTANT SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Like many other students, you might be feeling stressed or confused about what the next years may hold. Many students try to tackle this issue on their own instead of seeking out their academic advisor to help alleviate the stress.

Every college has a different way of scheduling advising appointments. Explore your college’s website and find out how you can schedule an appointment.

Once you have set up a time (and put it on your calendar so you don’t forget), use this list of questions to brainstorm ideas of what to ask. Walk into your meeting clear-headed and confident, and make the most out of your time with your counselor.

“Can we please review my academic history?”

It can be hard to keep track of your academic progress. You might think you’re on track and then find out you’re missing two gen-eds or a required class for your major.

Your adviser has a fresh set of eyes and can analyze your development better than you can. Ask your adviser to run your DARS report, which will tell you what classes you

still need to graduate, then create a rough outline of what each semester will look like.

“Can I add another major or minor/switch my major?”

to test prep resources.

“Should I take summer classes?”

If you have been thinking about taking on another major or minor, or changing your major altogether, you should talk to your adviser as soon as possible. You might find that it is easily doable, or that you might need an extra semester or two to finish everything on time. Don’t sign up for classes for another degree without advising; if it’s not possible for you to complete the requirements on time, you’re just wasting time and money.

Summer classes can be a way to knock a few gen-eds out of the way or to catch up on your major requirements. Be sure to consult your adviser about whether or not the class you are seeking is available over the summer because some higher-level classes might not be. If you want to take a class outside of the University, ask where to take classes, how to transfer the credits and the cost of classes.

Summer classes can get expensive, so ask about potential scholarships or financial aid.

“How should I start preparing for graduate school?”

“School is really stressing me out. What should I do?”

Regardless of your year, this is an important question if you are considering graduate school. Your adviser can tell you about your options and the requirements for different kinds of graduate programs. Medical school, for example, has very specific prerequisites.

Your adviser can help you plan your schedule to fit your needs. If you need to take a test (the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc.), your adviser can help you create a timeline and point you

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Your mental health and well-being are more important than any grade or class, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. Your adviser is an excellent person to talk to if you are feeling overwhelmed with school or personal issues. Your adviser can help you balance your academic workload and provide you with resources, like the Counseling Center, for additional support.

Use your academic adviser; they are here

SABRINA YAN THE DAILY ILLINI

A student meets with James Castree, graduate assistant for career planning and campus outreach for the Career Center. The Career Center has several advisers that can offer guidance to picking a major or applying to graduate school.

to make sure you have everything you need to succeed. All you have to do is make an appointment and go talk to them. Good luck!

Meral is a sophomore in LAS. aycicek2@dailyillini.com

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Monday, January 29, 2018

9

Boosting your confidence beforea and after an interview

BY MOLLY ZUPAN STAFF WRITER

Tomorrow is the big day. At 9 a.m. sharp, you have an interview with a representative from your favorite company. Feeling anxious, eager and everything in between, you wonder if you’re ready. You remind yourself that past semesters have been preparing you for this quickly approaching moment.

Don’t panic! Check out the tips and tricks below that can help combat those nerves and boost your confidence for the big day ahead.

Practice and prepare

Develop a list of possible interview questions and concerns. Answer them in detail and find ways to mention your strengths and skills. Use these questions to conduct a mock interview with a friend or a classmate. Be thorough and speak with ease and a steady pace.

Write down why you see yourself as the ideal candidate for the position. Reflect on your abilities, experience and knowledge.

Hype yourself up.

Utilize campus resources to gain experience and to learn from professionals. Schedule a mock interview at the Career Center.

Visit its official website for details and guidelines. The Career Center is also available to review your cover letter and resume, and to

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offer guidance. Remember that the University is there to help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

Relieve stress and unwind

Recognize how your stress levels may be affecting your mood or inhibiting your abilities. Visit the ARC or CRCE regularly before the interview to exercise and to release stress-relieving chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which are key for mood regulation. Studies show physical activity enhances and heightens self-esteem while promoting physical and psychological health. Take advantage of the resources available on campus.

Take a long shower or hot bath to relax and unwind the night before. Light a candle, hit the lights and indulge. Use Epsom salt to relax the body, to ease stress and to eliminate toxins. Try an essential oil diffuser to refine cognitive function, to elevate mood and to unclog breathing airways. Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, chamomile or lavender are just some of many that benefit the body physically and mentally.

Start your day right

Wake up early. Make your favorite breakfast to ensure you start the day off right.

Dress in clothes that are professional but

BRIAN NGUYEN THE DAILY ILLINI

comfortable and that make you feel confident. Take extra time on your appearance so you feel confident and are not worrying about it during the interview.

Leave for the interview early enough to find your way, and don’t forget to bring directions with you. Make sure you have enough time to get where you need to be. Don’t forget important belongings on your way out, such as your cellphone and keys.

Stay positive

Plan something for after the interview to avoid possible negative thoughts or self-

doubt. Grab coffee with classmates, sit down for a meal or watch your favorite show.

Embrace either outcome of the interview.

If it did not go as planned, view it as practice and look forward to your next one. Don’t allow the interview to define you, your abilities or your worth. Worrying does nothing good for you. The only thing you can do now is relax and let the decision come to you.

Either way, de-stress knowing you’ve done your best.

Molly is a sophomore in FAA. mollyz2@dailyillini.com

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10

The Daily Illini

The do’s and don’ts of professional attire

BY ASHLEY RAYAN STAFF WRITER

Before I came to college, I assumed professional wear was one thing: a suit or some variation of it. Once I became familiar with the ins and outs of rushing professional fraternities and attending career fairs, I realized there were a few different categories of professional wear: smart casual, business casual and business professional.

The most confusing thing about these dress codes is there is not a clear-cut definition for what is considered appropriate.

It depends on the situation, the wearer and the venue. The following guidelines provide an overview of what is generally considered acceptable to wear for certain occasions.

Smart casual

Smart casual is the most ambiguous and ill-defined of all the dress codes. It generally means attire that is neat yet informal.

Think of it as what you would wear for a nice dinner. As far as bottoms go, jeans (without rips or holes), trousers, shorts and skirts of appropriate length are all acceptable.

Dresses that hit at the knee or slightly above the knee are good classic options, especially when paired with a cardigan or a simple blazer. For tops, solid T-shirts, button-down shirts and blouses are all safe.

Men and women can accessorize with simple or classic statement jewelry, a watch or a classic leather belt.

For shoes, think loafers, boots or boat shoes. Fun prints and colors can be a way to break up the monotony of a professional outfit. As always, don’t forget socks, including no-show socks for women’s flats.

ELISABETH NEELY THE DAILY ILLINI

Member Bridget Maguire talks to an interested student at the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity info night on Thursday. Staff writer Ashley Rayan recommends different clothing items to wear for smart casual, business casual and business professional dress codes for business events like this.

solid colored pantsuits, skirts, blazers or suits paired with minimal jewelry would all qualify.

Women can wear a skirt with a blazer and a nice blouse, or a pant suit. For men, blazers Business casual or suit jackets with a button-down shirt and Business casual is a common dress code dress pants are appropriate. Ties and jackfor offices. It’s similar to smart casual, but ets are required. For footwear, close-toed rules out options such as T-shirts, shorts, heels or flats for women are a safe bet, and jeans or sandals. A simple button-down shirt leather dress shoes for men are perfect with is always a good unisex option, and it’s a sta- suit pants. ple in any business casual wardrobe.

As always: When in doubt about whether Other acceptable tops for men include an article of clothing is appropriate or not, polos, a collared shirt or a sweater. Ties are opt for the more conservative option. You still optional at this phase. Khaki, black or would rather be overdressed for a profesnavy dress pants work perfectly with a dress sional occasion than underdressed. If you shirt. For women, a conservative skirt and feel overdressed during an occasion, you can blouse. always remove a tie or a blazer to make the Informal dresses paired with cardigans outfit less formal. and a pair of flats provide a perfect busiIf you’ve scoured your closet and can’t find ness casual outfit. Blazers are acceptable, anything appropriate, check out the Career although they can sometimes make your Center at 715 S. Wright St. They have an look a little overdressed. For shoes, flats, entire closet stocked with all the essentials heels, boat shoes, dress shoes and loafers are to provide you with the perfect professional all acceptable options. outfit no matter what dress code you’re looking for.

Business professional

Business professional is one of the easiest dress codes to follow: close-toed shoes,

Ashley is freshman in LAS. amrayan2@dailyillini.com

ELISABETH NEELY THE DAILY ILLINI

Students gather for the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity info night in their business casual attire at the Illini Union Ballroom on Thursday. Staff writer Ashley Rayan says business casual can include button-down shirts, polos, collared shirts or sweaters, and khaki, black or navy dress pants.

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