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Students looking to dress to impress during interviews and networking events can take advantage of in-person and online shopping at the Georgia State Career Closet.
A program of University Career Services, the clothing closet offers men’s and women’s suits, separates and accessories donated by those inside and outside of the campus community. Students may pick as many items as necessary to complete a look but are asked to limit their selection to five or six items per visit to allow other students to take advantage of the service. The clothing is then theirs to keep for job interviews, networking, starting their careers or any other purpose requiring professional attire.
“The Career Closet is a good introduction to Career Services,” said Director Catherine Neiner. “We understand a student might come in just to get a blazer and a tie for an interview, but in that interaction we feel it makes it easier for that student to say, ‘Oh, I could go back to University Career Services and do some career counseling, or have my resume reviewed, or engage with an employer.’ It serves a number of our goals with regard to career and college-to-career.”
The Career Closet first opened in December 2019 at University Career Services’ previous location in Student Center West on the Atlanta Campus. It was shut down at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Career Services staff took the shop virtual in January 2021. The online store, at gsucareercloset.com, allows students to browse images of the available clothing, place items into a virtual shopping cart and check out with a zero balance. They’re then able to pick their orders up from the Career Services office.
When Career Services moved to 25 Park Place in August 2021, staff reopened the physical Career Closet, once again allowing students to browse items in person.
Beauty P. Baldwin of Dacula, a retired school superintendent, recently donated 10 suits to the Career Closet after hearing about it from a family member. Baldwin, who was the first Black female school superintendent in Georgia when she was appointed to the top post in Buford City Schools in 1984, said she was excited to make the donation knowing the items would help young people starting their careers.
“I wanted them to go to someplace where I knew they’d get used by young women interviewing for a job, or in a job where they need that kind of attire,” Baldwin said.
Along with clothing, accessories and shoes, the Career Closet’s online shop — which was visited more than 10,000 times in 2021 — also offers helpful blog posts on creating first impressions and dressing for various business environments, online meetings and interviews.
Students who visit the Career Services office can also take advantage of do-it-yourself professional headshots in the department’s Iris Booths.
Career Services is located at 25 Park Place NE, Suite 111. Walk-in hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Story by Michael Davis (B.A. ’03)
Video by William Davis (B.A. ’11) Riki Kujanpaa (B.A. ’17)
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