Fleming College

In keeping with Fleming College’s focus on preparing students for the workplace both academically and practically, senior Marketing students are kicking it up a notch with something called Formal Friday’s.
Occurring every Friday in the School of Business, Trades and Technology, students are suiting up in professional business attire to distinguish themselves from students in other Fleming programs.

The idea for Formal Friday’s was sparked by third year Business-Marketing student Mitch DesRoches.

“On any given day on campus you see students in the paramedic, nursing and culinary programs distinctively dressed as they represent their fields. I wanted business students represented too.” stated DesRoches. “With Casual Friday’s accepted in many workplaces, I believed that Formal Friday’s was a perfect fit.”

DesRoches encouraged his classmates to dress like professional business people every Friday not only to prepare themselves for the real work world, but to create awareness that Business students take pride in their program.

Following DesRoches’ lead, fellow marketing students are taking up the challenge and making a strong and impressive visual statement on campus. The number of students taking part in Formal Friday’s continues to increase.

Faculty in Fleming’s School of Business, Trades and Technology welcome the student initiative and deem it as an excellent business decision.

“We teach students that an overall professional appearance is an integral part of business success,” stated School of Business Instructor Raymond Yip Choy. “To know that our students value the importance of professionalism and initiate their own leadership opportunities is very rewarding.”

 Mr. Yip Choy also added that dressing for success could make a big difference in their careers. When his students are dressed up in business attire they exude more confidence. They tend to improve their posture, body language and demeanour, all aspects that reflect on a positive first impression.

Starting in the first semester of Fleming’s Business program, students are required to take part in extensive group work and make project presentations. They are encouraged to be completely in-character when they present their projects and that includes professional attire.

Fleming School of Business and Technology

Fleming College brings the real world of business to the classroom. The business program is built on experiential learning, from industry-sponsored applied projects, work placement and co-op, to international exchange programs. Graduates gain knowledge and experience that employers are looking for.

Designed to develop a competitive EDGE and help students stand out in today’s crowded job market, all the Business programs incorporate Environmental Responsibility, Diversity, Global Perspectives and Experience.

Courses include financial management, communications, marketing, business, math, developing business plans, human resources and operations management.

Fleming College

Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Business and Technology, Continuing Education and Skilled Trades, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Visual Arts, Education, Health and Wellness, and Law, Justice and Community Services. Fleming College has 6,000 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and more than 60,000 alumni.

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For more information:
Paula Walton, Communications Officer, (705) 749-5530 ext. 1370 or paulaw@flemingc.on.ca