In Career Development, we believe a student’s potential should never be limited by their bank account. Whether it’s the cost of a first suit or registration fees for a career-defining event, these expenses add up—and for many, they are a barrier to success.
Through our Career Development Professional Development Fund, we bridge that gap. Your gift today directly supports student with items such as professional attire, strategic travel for interviews or conference attendance fees.
Past student recipients had much to say about how the award made a strong impact on them:
• "I’m a first-generation student at Xavier. I had a great deal of hard time learning how to dress professionally. It was something that my family was not able to teach me how to do. I remember coming to Xavier my first year and seeing everyone had at least one professional outfit. The first time I needed something professional for an interview while at Xavier, I was grateful to have close friends whose closets were open to me. Since receiving the professional fund, I was able to take two prestigious interviews. I now have a full-time position at Tiffany and Company, where I am using my degree and plan to work with the company past my graduation in May."
• "The professional fund that was granted to me has helped me greatly. I am currently in grad school in a program that requires us to dress at least business casual every day, sometimes business professional. I don't have the most clothes to cover these requirements, and I have to borrow my dad's clothes to be aligned with the requirements. The fund helped me grow my wardrobe, which will help me for the rest of my time in the program, for interviews, and for future employment. Thank you for your contributions to help students like me build a professional wardrobe!"
• "Through the Professional Fund Award, I was able to fund part of my expenses of living in Los Angeles during my internship at a music video and commercial production company in the summer of 2023. Through the internship, I learned from some of my favorite directors and producers, gained valuable connections, and worked on production sets. Living in Los Angeles is not cheap, so this award helped make this internship of a lifetime possible."
• "The Professional Attire Fund provided by Xavier University has been incredibly impactful for me. As a student, navigating the transition from casual to professional attire can be daunting, especially when finances are tight. Receiving this award for professional attire was a tremendous help, allowing me to invest in essential pieces like collared shirts and professional pants that I otherwise would've struggled to afford. Not only did this fund alleviate financial stress, but it also boosted my confidence as I entered professional settings, knowing that I was appropriately dressed for success. I'm grateful for the opportunity to access this resource, and I believe it will greatly benefit other students in similar situations in the future."
