Professional Image Key to Success for College Grads

Kansas City, MO, May 26, 2008 --(PR.com)-- College students are like uncut diamonds: while they have great potential, they often need an expert touch to achieve a professional polish.

Marlys Arnold, an image consultant from Kansas City, knows all too well that many college students don't have a clue when it comes to professional image. The questions students ask in her on-campus workshops (such as "Can I wear flip-flops to work?") never cease to amaze her. "Ask any human resources manager, and you'll hear shocking tales of what they've seen at interviews," she said. "I've heard about students arriving at interviews wearing shorts, leaving tags on their suits, and even one example of a student showing up in her cheerleading uniform!"

So Arnold is creating a Web site which will give students a resource that answers their image questions for both interviews and on the job. It's called the Image@Work Club, and will deal with not only appearance issues, but also business communication and etiquette. "All of the new technology has created a culture of rudeness, from cell phones to instant messaging," she said. "But what works when communicating with your BFF won't exactly fly with your boss."

What started as an idea for a DVD training series quickly evolved into an online tool, thanks to the suggestion of a Career Services Director. "She said that students wouldn't be as likely to use something that required them to come into the career office. With an online tool, they can learn anytime 24/7 in a non-threatening environment without feeling like they're being pressured or judged," Arnold said.

Call it the 21st Century version of dressing for success -- these students have grown up with an unlimited access to technology, but haven't been exposed to the rules of how to dress. The Image@Work Club presents information using the interactive element that today's students are accustomed to and have come to expect. Students are encouraged to contribute questions and comments, as well as content. Arnold plans to allow applications for student editors, who will be able to contribute photos and videos to the site. There will also be a fan club page on Facebook, creating a community for interested students.

Colleges of all sizes are welcome to join the club, which officially opens this summer (membership fees are based on campus size). There will be no fees for the students of member colleges.

For more information, visit www.imageatworkclub.com or contact Arnold at 816-746-7888.

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About Marlys K. Arnold: In addition to experience in both clothing and cosmetics companies, Arnold received certification in image education from the Conselle Institute of Image Management in 2003. She helps college students, government representatives, corporate employees, and private individuals improve both their personal and corporate images. Her audiences range from students on a college campus to executives at a Fortune 500 corporation.