January 12, 2004

By: Nicole Sims
Website: http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com

JBC students polish their professional image

More than 100 Jamestown Business College students exchanged their backpacks and jeans for sleek business suits and polished shoes as part of "Professional Image Day" held Wednesday on campus. The event is part of JBC's new career developments program, the Professional EDGE (etiquette, dress, goals and ethics).

"It's a fact, first impressions are based on visuals, especially in the business arena," Rosanne Johanson, the college's director of career development, said. "We want to give our students the academic skills necessary to obtain a degree and give them the soft skills necessary to start their career off on the right foot. The Professional EDGE program completes the package."

Professional Image Day started off with "before" pictures being taken so students could see the difference in their appearance after their new images were complete. Students then went to the JC Penney Hair Salon for new hairstyles. When asked about what type of styles business professional should be wearing today, salon manager, Tammy Passmore said sticking with hairstyles that are "quick and simple" is the best. "People today don't want styles that are complicated." she said. "The days of high maintenance perms and time consuming looks are definitely out." She added use of hair color is on the rise and steadily gaining in popularity among both men and women.

A seminar on building a business wardrobe for men was conducted by Dale Sandberg of Carnahan's Clothing. He instructed male students how to tie a tie and explained terms like "business casual" attire. "As a business professional, the only day of the week you should dress casual is Saturday," Sandberg said.

Beauty consultants from Mary Kay Cosmetics were on hand for female students to illustrate various make-up and skin care techniques appropriate for the workplace. "One of the most common mistakes professional women make in wearing cosmetics is either wearing too little or too much," Cynthia Young, a Mary Kay beauty consultant said. "There has to be a happy medium in order to present a total professional look."

Johanson explained, "We want to show our students the difference between what is appropriate for day and evening wear." So often during the interview process, a person has already been judged before the begin to speak."

JBC students, Geoff Glapa, Dusty Hunt, Susie Thompson and Carmen Walters were closely followed throughout the transformation process. The four showed off their "after" looks as polished business professionals at an unveiling held later in the day. "This is a great program for me," Glapa said. "It goes above and beyond just academics; it gives me the right tools I'm going to need for interviewing and starting my career." Student Dusty Hunt added he felt "looks were important" and the program helped him "improve his image."

The day ended with a luncheon and give-a-ways of gift certificates from the JC Penny Salon, Carnahan's and Mary Kay Cosmetics.

JBC's Professional EDGE program is designed to be a complete career development program combining the academic skills learned in the classroom with the social skills needed to become a well-rounded employee.

Jamestown Business College is a two-year, co-ed institution offering intensive programs providing training and skills for today's competitive job market. JBC offers Associate Degree programs in marketing and management, information technology, accounting and administrative assistance. Located in Jamestown, NY, the college provides an excellent atmosphere for academic study with both day and night classes in an intimate and personal environment.

About The Author:

Nicole Sims is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com.  Tips on skin care, hair care and beauty products to bring out natural beauty.