By Lizz Panchyk
Many college students are interviewing for jobs and internships this semester. But knowing what is appropriate to wear for a professional meeting and having access to business attire, which can often be costly, can be a challenge for many of them.
That’s why Adelphi introduced the Career Closet in March for all students. Anyone can donate clothing for students to choose and keep.
“After seeing the need for essential items through the Panther Pantry, we thought it would be a good idea to start our own Career Closet,” said Kelsey D’Andrea, assistant director for the Center for Student and Community Engagement (SCE). “This is a resource for students who may not be able to afford professional attire, or who may be unsure of what qualifies as professional attire, and needs guidance. Professional clothing can be extremely expensive, so this is an option for students who may not be able to get their own professional clothing.”
These options allow people lower cost professional clothing – which is why universities have been opening them on other campuses as well.
“The other perk of using the Career Closet is for students who do not have access to a car, where it can be difficult going from store to store to find what they need,” said D’Andrea. “By having this resource on campus, students can make an appointment in between classes to check out the selection and see if anything may fit what they are looking for.”
Attendees at the Women’s Leadership Conference in March were encouraged to donate items. A total of 157 items were collected on that one day, including dresses, blazers and button-down shirts for both men and women. The donations have now gone up to 400, and 20 students have utilized the closet since then.
The Career Closet accepts donations by appointment only, and is located in Earle Hall basement, room 010. Students are encouraged to make appointments over the summer as well.
Students can schedule an appointment by emailing engage@adelphi.edu or kdandrea@mail.adelphi.edu for a day and time to look through the clothing. Students will be able to select up to five items per year that they can keep.