Mercyhurst’s Career Development Center has been promoting an event entitled JC Penney’s Suit-Up Event for all students. It will take place on Sept. 21 from 11a.m- 3 p.m at Millcreek Mall in Erie.

The JC Penney Suit-Up Event is a national event that is hosted by colleges and universities all across the country. It is being brought to Erie by the Career Development Offices in the colleges around the area that are partnering up.

One major benefit of this event is that students can get professional wardrobe pieces for up to 60% off. In addition to wardrobe items, students can stop by Sephora for a free mini makeover and samples, the salon for a free hair consultation and the portrait studio, which will be offering professional headshots starting at $30. New items this semester even go beyond clothes, as the poster states men’s khakis and basics, jewelry and handbags will also be on sale.

This is not the first time that this event is being offered to students. Emma Kovacs, M.A, a Career Counselor in Mercyhurst’s Career Development Center, explained “the first JC Penney Suit Up Event was in Spring 2019. The Career Development Center partnered with the surrounding universities of Gannon, Edinboro and Penn State Behrend to provide this service to students.” Furthermore, Kovacs said that they hope to host one every semester, but the Mercyhurst community has the specific goal of getting more students each semester to attend.

When Kovacs was asked why students should attend she stated “it is such a great deal. Building a professional wardrobe can become costly so it only benefits students to take advantage of the up to 60% off deals offered through JC Penney Suit Up.” Additionally, what is not shown on the posters around campus, is that the event “offers measurements for suits and has career professionals there to answer questions about professional attire. By taking advantage of this event, students are not only getting a professional wardrobe for a great cost but a professional wardrobe that is ‘tailor made’ for them,” Kovacs said. The resources are vast for the students that choose to attend.

For students who may not have a car on campus or might not have a ride, another positive is that the E bus can take students to the mall. Make sure you stop by the OneCard office before boarding so that the bus ride is free.
Some more important reminders for students would be to bring their student ID to receive the extra coupon for the event. Additionally, when you download the JC Penney Mobile app ahead of time, students can earn $10 in rewards.

Students with any questions can contact Emma Kovacs at ekovacs@mercyhurst.edu or Heather Balas at hbalas@mercyhurst.edu or visit the Career Development Center located in Egan Hall.