There was much excitement in the air recently as Year 11 Focus students from Sarah Redfern and Sir Joseph Banks high schools took part in a special session with the team from Dress for Success.

Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve the employability of women in need by providing professional clothing, a network of support and the career development tools that help women build their confidence and optimise their potential to achieve self-sufficiency. Their core values resonate with those of ABCN and Focus with an emphasis on building confidence and realising the potential of disadvantaged women to achieve self-sufficiency.

So when we were approached by Dress for Success to pilot a session with our young female leaders, it seemed a perfect fit. The day included each of the girls being styled individually with a corporate outfit appropriate for interviews – complete with accessories, shoes and handbags – and a session that covered dress code and interview technique. What’s more, Dress for Success generously donated the interview outfits to the students so they could use them for future job interviews.From here they travelled on to the city for their final Focus session where they surprised their Investec and PwC mentors with their transformation from high school students to burgeoning career women. It was definitely a day to remember, with all students saying they felt more professional and ready to face an interview.

‘You have to sit straighter’, said one student. ‘It changes your posture and I feel more confident. It’s empowering!’