TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Many college students struggle financially before landing a job.
The caveat, in order to get a job you first need to interview for the position.
That requires you to look professional, which can be difficult if you're a poor college student, but FAMU Sophomore Kayla Oden has a solution.
When you interview for a job, it's important to look good on paper and in person
For a couple of students at Florida A & M University that means... "You need a suit and a haircut. Because if you look good, you feel good, and you're going to do good,” said Hector Mardy, a FAMU Freshman.
"Presentation is everything," said Darrell Brown.
Darrell Brown is a junior at FAMU who wants to make a good first impression in front of prospective employers, but looking like a million bucks isn't always affordable, especially a suit.
"Over $100 dollars, $200 dollars. That's a lot for college student, when you’re paying for books and stuff."
It's for those reasons, 19-year-old Sophomore Kayla Oden said she decided to do something about it.
"I started collecting professional clothing for the pop-up closet. I just thought I'll just come to FAMU and give it out and that's how it started," said Kayla Oden.
These clothes are free.
Kayla Oden has been collecting clothing since August. For this semester’s pop-up closet she's collected nearly 500 pieces.
There's a line out the door at Coleman Library for the pop-up shop.
Kayla Oden runs these pop-up shops like you would an actual boutique.
"I label clothing and turn into a database based on color, size..." said Oden.
She holds one or two each semester at various locations on campus, and she does it leading up to important career fairs.
"I've had students tell me they don't have the resources and thank god for this event, that they're able to now go to career fairs and interviews," said Oden.
Engineering Student Jared Reddecliff said it couldn't have come at a better time.
"It's great to have a jacket to add to your attire. I'm going to look sharp," Reddecliff.
We caught up with him at the big career expo at FAMU.
"I feel very prepared. The suit does help," said Reddecliff.
We also ran into Darrell Brown. He's hoping to get an internship with "Apple"
Do you think you’re a shoe-in? Darrel brown replied with a Yes.
"Not only is it clothing, but it's confidence. When you look good you feel good and perform well," said Oden.
She said it feels good to help out fellow FAMU students.
"This campus is my community. I just think it's all our jobs to serve the community and help each other in whatever way that we can. I think we should all help other win and do our best," said Oden.
"To have all this stuff available to us for free, thank you Kayla," said Hector Mardy.
Kayla Oden is "outfitting" students for success and that's why she's February's Difference Maker.
