A professional wardrobe is critical to making a strong first impression in the workplace. But for many students, the costs can be prohibitive.
The Career Closet, located on the third floor of the Student Success Center, is a free, donation-based resource, ensuring all students have access to workplace-ready clothing without the financial burden.
The closet started as a collaborative effort involving various campus entities, including the University Career Center, College of Business, JMU Dux, Community Engagement and Volunteer Center, Women for Madison, Women in Leadership Development, and Off-Campus Life.
Over the past two years, the Career Closet has found a permanent home in the UCC.
“This resource provides JMU students with the opportunity to ‘shop’ for up to five, free professional clothing items per semester to support their career development,” said Alyssa Hawley, a career adviser who oversees the Career Closet. “This clothing can help students prepare for internships, interviews, first jobs, presentations and other career-related opportunities.”
Donations
The Career Closet relies on donations from faculty, staff, alumni, parents, students and the local community. Items must be new or gently used, clean, and in good condition. Accepted items include:
- Suits
- Dress shirts/blouses
- Slacks
- Skirts
- Blazers/jackets
- Dresses
- Shoes
- Socks/stockings
- Accessories (e.g., ties, scarves, belts, bags).
“It is primarily stocked through donations from the university community, local residents, parents and employers,” Hawley explained. “We work to hold clothing drives a few times a year to encourage donations as well. The UCC also has a small budget to purchase supplemental items when inventory is running low on certain items.”
The Career Closet holds donation drives during Family Weekend and Homecoming. Drop-off locations include Harrison Hall, Hartman Hall, Leeolou Alumni Center and the front desk of Hotel Madison.
To help maximize budget and promote sustainability, Hawley frequently sources professional clothing from secondhand or thrift stores. “It allows us to maximize our budget, providing more students with attire. Secondhand stores are much more economical, which promotes sustainability by reducing waste and giving clothing a second life,” Hawley added.
On its website, the Career Closet provides a list of stores where students can find additional, affordable options to supplement their wardrobe.
Reducing the stigma
Relocating the Career Closet to the Student Success Center is expected to help reduce the stigma of not being able to afford a professional wardrobe.
“The general need for business attire is normal,” Hawley said, “and it’s widely recognized that purchasing new professional clothing can be expensive, regardless of economic background.”
Expanding the Career Closet
The Career Closet is looking to grow, adding to its accessibility and organization.
“We hope this will make the closet more cohesive, easier to shop in, and more accessible,” Hawley said. “A second fitting room will also be added to the renovation to keep up with the increase in traffic over the past few years. We are always looking for ways to make the closet even better and have ideas in the works for the future.”
Whether you’re a student looking for professional attire or a donor looking to support JMU students, the Career Closet is a resource for the entire Madison community.
