MSU Career Services Network added a notable resource for students looking to bridge the gap into professional careers: the Career Closet.
With its grand opening Aug. 28, the Career Closet offers students formal work attire at no charge. It aims to supply students with apparel that they otherwise would not be able to afford.
“We’ve had about 60 people come through, some coming back repeatedly, some coming back for one to five items," Sean Brown, MSU Career Exploration Center manager, said. "There’s been a pretty regular flow in and out through the week.”
The closet aims to encapsulate the vibe of an official formalwear store. There's a wide assortments of suits, pants, dress shirts, shoes and accessories to choose from, serving the needs of style on a wide spectrum.
“There’s a lot of variety and patterns; it’s not just all solid colors," computer science freshman Jayden Anderson, who was visiting the closet for the first time, said.
Anderson discovered the Career Closet when he first arrived on campus to meet with the Career Services Network advisors.
“I think it’s a really good idea," Anderson said. "A lot of people in general don’t have the money as college students to buy suits and stuff. For presentations, interviews, co-ops and internships, it’s a great thing to have.”
The Career Closet has been a project in the works for about eight years. Karin Hanson, the Career Services Network director of employer relations and communications, said the closet wasn't finished earlier due to a lack of financial resources at the time. But the Career Services Network received sufficient funding for the closet this past winter.
“In January, ASMSU actually came to us and said this is something students want, and we’d love to kick off funding for it," Hanson said. "They provided funding for us to be able to jump-start the closet.”
The Career Services Network then hosted a clothing drive, with contributions from the community and alumni. From there, the Career Services Network purchased additional clothing to assure all items offered inclusive sizing.
Students have seven days before the clothing needs to be returned, and the Career Closet is open throughout the year for student use.
The new Career Closet within the Student Services building adds to the existing Empowerment Closet in the Edward J. Minskoff Pavilion.
Though newly released, the Career Closet aims to build its selection from student feedback to stay relevant and useful to the students.
