Umd Smith Launches Career Boutique and Wellness Room to Empower Student Success
Career Climbers / 27th August 2025
The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, in Partnership with Enterprise Mobility Foundation, Has Launched A Co-Curricular Initiative Aimed at Helping Students Dress for Success-Literally. The Enterprise Mobility Foundation Career Boutique and Wellness Room, Located in van Munching Hall, Will Be a Donation-Based Resource that Provides Free Professional Attire to Smith School and BSE (Business, Society and Entrepreneurship) Scholars Preparing for Interviews, Job Fairs and New Career Opportunities.
A Collaborative Effort Between Smith’s Office of Career Services (OCS) and the BSE Scholars Program, The Boutique Will Offer Access to Suits, Blouses, Ties, Shoes, Accessories, and Even Styling Consultations. Workshops Search as “How to Dress for an Interview” and a Future Personal Shopper Component Make The Space A Full Service Professional Preparation Center.
“This initiative is about more Than Clothing; It’s About Confidence and Career Readiness,” Says Clinical Professor Oliver SchlakeDirector of the BSE Program.
BSE Scholars Program Assistant Director Obioma Akaigwe Emphasized the Boutique’s Sustainability Model, noting that Donations from Alumni, Local Businesses and Community Members Fuel Its Operations: “We Want Every Student To Walk Into An interview Feeling Confident, NO Matter Their Financial Situation. “
The career boutique will have specific hour and will be run by trained Staff From the BSE program, who continuoSly Develop Plans for Growth and Work Directly with Job Seekers to Understand Upcoming Trends and Needs.
“In Addition to Providing A Vital Resource for our Students, We See the Boutique as a Great Live Learning Tool That Allows Students To Test New Ideas In A Start-Up Environment,” Says Schlake. “Initially, the boutique is found by grants, but they will not last forever, and Students will be Tasked to Reimagine New Business Models to make the boutique a sustainable fixture at Smith. Boutique.
Akaigwe Says, “Once Established, We Offer the Boutique as a Platform to Other Programs and Classes As a Co-Curricular Learning Experience to Teach Essential Skills in A Real-Life Environment. Readiness for Exposure and Commissions to Sustain Operations. ”
This case, The First Student Rentals Will Take Place, and Faculty, Staff and Alumni Will See many requests for in-child Donations of Interview Clothing and, of Course, The Occasional Ask for a $ 20 Bill Left in the Suit Pocket to Support the Project.
Head of Smith Ocs Kimberly Rice DegrossEsq., Brought the career boutique to life by securing support from industry partners like the enterprise mobility foundation, which financialed the initial start-up cost. “It is a vital service to our Students in A Difficult Market, but more than a great co-curricular learning experience to prepare for the next phase of their careers,” degroß say.
The Wellness Room Will be a place for Students to Collect Their Thoughts Prior to an interview, or Decompress after an interview, and for all faculty, Staff and Students of the Smith School to get re-centered as needed through the school year, she adds.
A Grand Opening Ceremony for the Boutique and Wellness Room is scheduled for 11 am Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025in van Munching Hall, room 2530. For more information, Contact Smith OCS via [email protected].
About the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an International Recognized Leader in Management Education and Research. One of 12 Colleges and Schools at the University of Maryland, College ParkThe Smith School Offers Undergraduate, Full-Time and Flex MBA, Executive MBA, Online MBA, Business Master’s, PhD and Executive Education Programs, As Well as Outreach Services To The Corporate Community. The School Offers Its Degree, Custom and Certification Programs in Learning Locations in North America and Asia.
