The need for professional business attire is often an afterthought for many college students comfortable in the campus bubble, where T-shirts, hoodies and gym shorts are the norm. Suddenly, a pending job interview, internship evaluation or formal class presentation snaps them into the reality of needing to dress for success.
Enter — literally — the Career Closet at Wilmington College. The Campus Bookstore underwent a makeover this year, evolving into The Cove. The multi-use facility features a store with WC-branded attire, gifts and school supplies, as well as a mailroom, a comfortable area for relaxing between classes and a doorway into a walk-in closet.
By mid-semester, the Career Closet was filled with donated suits, sport coats, sweaters, button-down shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, dress pants, business suits, shoes and belts — items for both men and women to wear in business settings like interviews.
“This is business clothing — no T-shirts!” said graduating senior Aubrey Schwartz, an agribusiness/agricultural education major who served as both secretary and president of the Ohio FFA during her time at the College. She recalled an idea considered by her administration while FFA president, a proposed “Give the Gift of Blue” promotion in which the organization’s iconic attire would be available to those in need from those wishing to donate their outgrown or obsolete FFA garb.
“I didn’t know how to make it feasible on the state FFA level, so I thought I’d start here at the College,” she said, noting professional dress was on her mind this semester during her student teaching when she was required to dress well regularly. Also, agriculture students in their senior semester are required to dress up one day every week.
“I wondered how many students didn’t have access to good professional clothing,” she added. Schwartz devised a booking system so students can schedule times to peruse the sizable closet. Ideally, gift cards are available to assist students unable to find their sizes. Faculty and staff members donated most of the Career Closet items, however, Schwartz said students told her they will bring their outgrown clothing to supplement the closet’s offerings.
“Hopefully, down the road, the Career Closet can grow into something bigger,” she said. “It’s nice to know that it’s there and students who want it have access to these clothing items.”
.PHOTO: Aubrey Schwartz peruses the Career Closet. She spearheaded the effort to make business attire accessible to all students this semester.