Duke visit

Question

So I am still up in the air about this whole business casual thing with Duke. It specifically says dress is business casual, but I feel that if I do not wear a suit I will be under dressed. However, I also feel I could lose points for ignoring their request. I know I am making this into a bigger issue than it is, but I cant help to stress about this. 

Also, If anyone has any suggestions as where to go grab a beer around Duke that would be great!

batchgmat · Answer

I was just there and 90%+ guys wore a suit (some without ties). Go with the suit.

squali83 · Answer

Yeah, I have heard that. I know Fuqua is all about team and community and they say business casual because they want the interviewee to be relaxed. Do you think calling the adcom office will do any good? Or do you think that it will just be reiterated "business casual". Also how did the person conducting the interview dress?

willget800 · Answer

business casual.. interviewees were all business casual..

personally it shows that you want to assimilate into duke culture.. thats my take

lepium · Answer

Suit without tie can work (although the shirt its different than the one you should use with a tie).

Shirt + tie without suit --> BIG NO NO.

I'd go with the suit without tie combo.

Hope it helps. L.

squali83 · Answer

I am leaning towards this option for the main reason you stated above. Duke is all about Fuqua culture and they are hard to find students that fit their culture. However, now the question is how does one define business casual? I am leaning towards dress slacks and a button up.

dukes · Answer

I was there a few days ago and it was literally +90% suit and tie. The one or two people who didn't wear jackets looked like slobs compared to the rest.

kidderek · Answer

Using dukes experience as a guideline, I'd wear a suit and keep a tie in the pocket. If you need to dress it up, throw the tie on. If you need to dress down, take the jacket off. 

Good luck.

squali83 · Answer

Do you think this reflects what Duke wants or just the decisions made by the prospective students. Why would Duke ask for business casual if they wanted suit and tie? I do not know why this is stressing me out so much, but I really cannot make up my mind.

squali83 · Answer

Good innovative solution.

aaudetat · Answer

I wonder if they say business casual just to make us all feel more relaxed. When I was there, most of the men were wearing suits, and the two who weren't did look a bit sloppy in comparison. I think the general rule is, "when in doubt, dress it up a notch."

Do you have a suit that's less formal? You know, don't wear whatever you would wear to an interview with the finance department of an ultra-conservative firm. Maybe a shirt or tie with some color. Something that says, "I'm fun and approachable and easy to get along with." 

I don't know much about men's fashion (or fashion in general) - that's my disclaimer!

willget800 · Answer

i actually asked them in email.. and they said business casual for both interview and class visit..

i guess its upto u.. 

i followed instructions
did not want to be overdressed compared to interviewier

squali83 · Answer

That's it I have had enough of this business casual debate! I am going in shorts and a tank topped off with a nice pair of filp flops!

squali83 · Answer

What was the interviewer wearing?

eazyb81 · Answer

don't forget your floppy golf hat.

willget800 · Answer

khakis/pants, a full sleeve buttoned up shirt.. and a sleeveless sweater

squali83 · Answer

Thanks, I think I am opting for Business Casual. Cant see why it really should be a concern to dress anyway other than how they request you dress.

willget800 · Answer

Especially since they want you to fit in their cutlure.. all students i spoke with out htere( 1st year/2nd year) were in jeans etc.. really casual..

I personally believe following instructions is imp.. If you are worried, take a suit with you and leave it in the coat hanger there in case....

lhotseface · Answer

I wore a suit to the interview and all other candidates on that day also wore suits.

pelihu · Answer

I interviewed at a coffee shop with an alumni who I knew was working from home that day. I did not wear a suit.

If I were interviewing on campus, I would definitely wear a suit. Regardless of what they say, I believe one way they will be evaluating you is to determine how you will look to recruiters. It's business school, and recruiting and job search are on people's minds all the time. It is always appropriate to dress up a notch.

If you are visiting a class and then going in to an interview, then you might consider going with business casual. If you are going in just for an interview, go with a suit. I would vote against wearing a suit without a tie. I can't think of any circumstance where that is appropriate for an interview.

Duke visit

Should one wear a suit to an interview even though it specifically says business casual?

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