Beyond the Books: TCU Helps Students Shine in the Job Market
Every fall, TCU students have the chance to step into the professional world through two events: the TCU Career & Internship Expo, where students can network with over 100 employers, and the Business Attire Pop-Up Shop, which provides students free, career-ready outfits. Together, these opportunities highlight TCU’s commitment to giving students the confidence, skills and resources to succeed beyond the classroom as they enter the professional world.
Dressing for Success: The Business Attire Pop-Up Shop
Professional first impressions often start with what you wear. To ensure every student feels ready, TCU hosts a business attire pop-up shop in the Brown-Lupton University Union where students can select one professional outfit at no cost.
Ashley English, Ph. D., associate professor of strategic communication, explains the impact.
“The business attire pop-up shop gives students an opportunity to make a strong first impression by dressing for success,” English says. “How we dress can amplify our confidence and that confidence can lead to positive outcomes.”
For psychology student Emily Sugg ’26, the event was a meaningful way to expand her wardrobe. She left with a black skirt and a striped sweater which she plans to wear to graduate school interviews and networking events this spring. “I think events like these show TCU’s commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom,” Sugg said.
Why Career Fairs Matter
Just a few days later, students put their new confidence into practice at the Career & Internship Expo. This event connects students with local employers and provides real-world experience through professional conversations.
“Career fairs give students a chance to build relationships with employers, ask questions and practice articulating their skills,” English notes. “There’s no replacing the importance of face-to-face interactions.”
Strategic communication student Amanda (AJ) Bickham ’26 describes the experience as “a unique way to get out of your comfort zone.” She explained that it helped her practice presenting herself while exploring potential career paths. “I’ve mastered my sales pitch and know what I can bring to a company,” she said. “Next time, I plan to ask deeper questions to leave a lasting impression.”
Advice for Students Entering the Professional World
English encourages students to research companies ahead of time, practice introductions and focus on their strengths. “When students do that, they shift from competing to confidently exploring their next step,” she explained.
Bickham added that having support makes the experience less intimidating. She recommended attending with a friend and credited her professors for guiding her throughout the process. “Our professors care about us enough to get us out of our comfort zones and prepare us for what comes next,” she adds.
Ongoing Support
While events like the pop-up shop and career fair stand out, TCU’s investment in students lasts long after graduation. The Center for Career & Professional Development offers lifelong support to Horned Frogs, helping with job searches, networking and career growth at every stage. From resume reviews to one-on-one consultations, the center provides tailored guidance to help every student reach their professional goals.
Some programs also integrate career-focused courses into the curriculum. For first-year students, the Introduction to University Life (UNLF) course dedicates one of its sessions entirely to professional development, ensuring the newest Horned Frogs start this process on the right foot. In the theatre department, for example, students take a dedicated class designed to help them explore professional careers, develop strong resumes, and strong audition materials before graduation.
Preparing Horned Frogs for What’s Next
From finding the right outfit to connecting with industry professionals, TCU ensures that students feel confident as they take steps toward their future. With faculty mentors, hands-on experiential opportunities and resources that go beyond academics, Horned Frogs graduate ready to make an impact in the professional world and beyond.
Grace Hartenstein ’26 is a double major in strategic communication and sociology from Millsboro, Delaware, and is a strategic communication write for TCU’s Office of Admission.