Columbia Business School recently sent out a letter to first-year students warning them against going to recruiting events having not showered or wearing tattered clothing in “a friendly reminder on some dress code and personal hygiene basics.” Aha! Proof to support our theory that business school is really just summer camp for adults. Or a cult. Corporate America apparently doesn’t care how cool it is to be manly these days — they want their summer interns spic and span, smelling like daisies, and devoid of anything tacky.
Some guidelines, as specified by the school:
• Brush your teeth regularly, or have a mint/mouth refreshers before going to recruiting events (avoid chewing gums)
• Carry anti-perspirant with you if you are worried about sweating. Don’t wear too much cologne/perfume
• Carry a sewing mini-toolkit, in case your suit hems need an emergency sewing
• Professional haircuts
• No backpacks with you
• Men — no tacky cufflinks or watches (with no crazy patterns, silver is preferable to gold)
• Women — wear (preferably skin colored) hosiery and always carry an extra pair in your bag
• Women - if it rains, do not show up in rain boots, no matter how cute you think they are
Amazing how corporate America bucks against trends so. The bans on tacky cuff links and rain boots are fine and well, but carrying extra nude panty hose? This is where the students should start a revolution — no matter how cute Columbia thinks they are.
Columbia B-School Students Need Personal Hygiene Help [Gothamist]
