Columbia B-School Students Need Personal Hygiene Help

Apparently the future masters of the universe have a bit of a hygiene issue that needs to be dealt with. Columbia Business School just sent their first year students an e-mail basically telling them to not smell terrible and to wear clothes that don't have rips and tears. The first and likely grossest offense is not brushing your teeth before an interview. The school boasts an impressive 15% admission rate, but we're thinking maybe dentist's records should be part of the application from now on.

The e-mail starts off with:

Dear 1st Year Members,

It has come to our attention (through complaints from IBC board representing firms they are going to full time) that some of you may not have followed personal hygiene basics during recruiting events. We understand that it is an incredibly intense recruiting period, and is very hard to find time for yourself, but this is a friendly reminder on some dress code and personal hygiene basics:

The full list of "things you thought were obvious":

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
And again, if you have ANY concerns, please do not hesitate to share with the IBC Board!

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Bilal Khan in News on October 18, 2010 1:05 PM

Comments [rss]

OuHe

What about the curry smell and lack of underarm deodorant?

escherichia

wow, do you work next to the b-school too? hit the nail right on the head.

JacqueMehoff

coffee can really do a number on your morning breath.

Rocknrope

Most of these make sense, but seriously - no tacky cufflinks or watches, silver is preferable to gold? Is this b-school or Project Runway? Have they seen how Wall Street guys dress?

nicemarmot

Ew.

Except the part about nylons. I freaking hate wearing those things. Can't blame other ladies for not wanting to. Of course I always solve that problem in interviews by just wearing a pantsuit.

Mr Mel

Thanks for sharing, Hillary.

snickerdoodle

Further proof that this country is turning into a third world cesspool.

Kojak

lol. Yes, it does all sound petty, but it reflects BADLY upon the school if they don't at least show a little professionalism. Recruiters don't like stinky, trashbag looking students. That's half the battle.

Yes, BATHING is part of the equation.