Finding Work Clothes on a Budget

Is your internship for the summer requiring you to buy business attire? Are you too broke to buy said business attire? It’s ok, OTH has found the best places to find business appropriate clothes that won’t burn a hole through your wallet.

1.  Marshalls, Ross, T.J. Maxx – These stores specialize in selling clothes for cheap from bigger department stores. Even if these items are out of season, you can still pick up a classic button up for a fraction of the cost it would be in the actual store.

2.  Forever 21 – You wouldn’t think it at first, but Forever 21 has a surprisingly good selection of tops for women in the workplace. Especially since bottoms for women are either pencil skirts or suit pants, Forever 21’s tops can add lots of variability to the monotonous everyday wardrobe (and their clothes are cheap enough that you can afford to have variability). Forever 21’s selection for men’s business attire is pretty limited, so if you’re a guy I would focus on the next store on the list.

3.  H&M – If you’re a guy, this website has a whole section dedicated to suits. You’re welcome. They also have really cheap business shirts that are good to stock up on, as well as ties (and bow ties if you want to be extra spiffy). The website also has an entire section devoted to office wear for women. It’s pretty much a dream come true. The tops can be a bit pricey compared to Forever 21, but their selection of pants and blazers are the best when comparing price and quality. Also, they have cute dresses that are work appropriate as well, which is always good for mixing things up.

4.  Raiding the sale sections of higher end stores – DO THIS. Especially when you’re looking for shoes. I was always told that even if you’re on a budget, you shouldn’t skimp on the things that separate you from the ground (shoes, mattress, tires, etc). But if you are really strapped for cash, just make a visit to the clearance section! Remember, you are going to have to walk around in these for the entire summer. That means if you buy cheap, you will either be extremely uncomfortable or the shoes will fall apart after a week of wear. Make sure to get good quality at a good price.

We hope this helps you find business clothes without making you more poor than you already are. And hopefully you can make some of that money back with your internship over the summer! Now let’s have a moment of silence for those with unpaid internships. …

Ok, now happy shopping!

by Laurie Goodman

Acing the Interview

So you just got an email back from your dream internship asking to set up a time for an interview. After having a dance party and getting a celebratory Monte Bianco from Cafe 1919, you suddenly realize that you have to actually talk to these people, and tell them why you are the best person for the job. Cue nervous freakout. But not to worry! The iMedia team is here with tips to help you prepare for your interview:

1. Do your research
Yes, you’ve probably skimmed over the website of the company or organization, but you need to dig deeper. What do they look for in their interns? Do you know the name of the person who is interviewing you? Have you stalked them on LinkedIn? Get to it.

2. Look smart
This is basic, don’t look like a hobo.

3. Have some questions prepared
At the end of the interview, they will inevitably ask if you have any questions about the position. THIS is your time to shine. Don’t just ask what the daily happenings of an average intern are, ask questions that show you are heavily invested in what they do! Make yourself stand out.

4. RELAX
Don’t psych yourself out. Nothing is worse than a nervous, sweaty handshake before the interview even starts. They just want to get to know you. Breathe.

5. Be awesome
We know you are, now you just have to show them.

And for those who haven’t gotten an interview, don’t stress! There are plenty of internships you can still apply for. Visit the career portal through myUCLA for more information!