WORCESTER—Hoping to help students “put their best foot forward,” the Career Development and Internship Center (CDIC) at Assumption University last November began offering free professional attire for job interviews, networking functions, class presentations, internships and more.
The Career Closet initiative was launched in response to feedback from students and community members who expressed a need for clothing suitable in business situations, said Shannon Curtis, senior director for career development and strategic initiatives.
“We want students to represent themselves well and with confidence and to support them with this resource,” Curtis said.
Last August, the Center began taking collections to build up the closet, receiving donations from staff, alumni, community members and faculty.
They also purchased “a diverse array” of items in a range of sizes for both men and women, which will be available free of charge regardless of financial circumstances.
Along with business attire, students will find shoes, briefcases, belts, ties, handbags and other accessories in the Career Closet.
Early on, multiple students came in and selected clothing for the President’s Council Dinner and continue to trickle in as their specific needs and expectations arise.
“The students’ reaction has been great; they think it is exciting,” Curtis said of the “shopping” that takes place at the Career Closet. “We’ve heard things like, `I don’t own a blazer and I really need one,’ or `I’ve never had something like this before.’”
Along with the attire, Curtis said CDIC staff is available to offer guidance with a goal of “setting them up for the future.”
She noted, “First impressions happen very quickly and we want to make sure the students present themselves professionally, whether they are planning to go to graduate school or hope to get full-time jobs.”
Students can keep the clothing from the Career Closet and use it again beyond the initial event or interview for which it was chosen, Curtis explained. If they feel they will not need it again, students are free to donate it back to the closet.
Also at the CDIC, students work on refining resumes, writing cover letters and preparing for interviews, a lot of which is built into programs, the director said.
“The Career Closet represents our commitment to creating pathways to success that are open to everyone,” Curtis added, “regardless of their financial resources or background.”
There is no appointment necessary to access the Career Closet, although students can make appointments with career advisors via Handshake if they want advice on what attire would work best for their needs.
Individuals interested in donating five items of clothing or fewer can stop by Assumption University’s CDIC, located on the first floor of Alumni Hall 026, during regular hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To make a larger donation or a donation outside regular hours, please contact careerdevelopment@assumption.edu.
Accepted donations must be new or gently worn business professional attire, clean and in good condition. The closet needs all sizes of suits, jackets, pants, shirts, skirts, dresses, shoes, ties and belts as well as briefcases and professional tote bags in excellent condition.
Susan Gonsalves is currently editor-in-chief of a mental health trade journal and a freelance writer/editor specializing in education, medical/health and business. She previously worked at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and has contributed to publications at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and College of the Holy Cross. At the Worcester Telegram, she covered the town of Leicester and wrote for Business Matters. She can be reached at smgedit@comcast.net
