FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Hundreds of University of Mary Washington students connected with potential employers at Thursday’s fall Career and Internship Fair—and many arrived dressed for success thanks to a two-day professional pop-up boutique held earlier in the week.
The boutique, co-hosted by UMW’s Student Activities and Engagement office and the Gwen Hale Resource Center, drew 340 students on Monday and Tuesday. The event offered free professional attire, donated by UMW faculty, staff, and the campus resource center, giving students a chance to suit up ahead of the fair.
“Students were able to walk away with everything from blazers to shoes—at no cost—so they felt confident stepping into interviews,” said university spokeswoman Lisa Chinn Marvashti.
The Gwen Hale Resource Center, UMW’s on-campus food pantry, also stocks donated clothing and other essentials throughout the year.
Held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the Career and Internship Fair featured over 50 employers. It’s part of “Life After Mary Wash” week, which helps students prepare for the transition from college to career through résumé reviews, free headshots, website-building workshops, and more.
The fair has already helped students like Deborah Ramos, a senior business administration major, turn a class assignment into a career opportunity. After meeting representatives at last year’s fair, she landed a paid internship with a federal credit union, which later evolved into a part-time job. Now she’s building skills in the financial industry before graduation.
“There is a wealth of opportunities here for students to discover,” said Michael Dunn, director of UMW’s Center for Career and Professional Development. “We’re proud to connect them with employers who are eager to invest in emerging talent.”
UMW enrolls about 4,000 students and operates campuses in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Dahlgren.
Thanks to the university for sending these photos from the career fair:
