Virtual meetings and casual workplaces may have changed the way people dress for success, but looking professional is still critical for most future careers.
Ohio Northern University’s Career Closet is helping students look their best for job interviews, internships, capstone presentations, and even etiquette dinners.
The Closet is part of the Mifsud Center for Student Success, which recently moved into a newly renovated space on the second floor of the Heterick Memorial Library.
Students stop in to the Career Closet for a variety of reasons, according to Andrea Domachowski, director of the Polar Career Center.
“Sometimes they’ve never had a suit or never needed a suit because they’ve never had a professional interview,” she said, “Or they forgot to bring something from home.” Many students have tight budgets and/or don’t have transportation or time to go shopping, she added.
The Closet opened three semesters ago, inspired by student needs recognized in the wake of the pandemic.
“We launched this right around the same time as the Polar Bear Food Cupboard on campus, which targets students who may have some food insecurity,” said Domachowski, “so we knew there was a need.”
ONU faculty, staff, and the local community donate the clothing. A department store that closed, for example, contributed six boxes of brand-new men’s shirts to the College of Business, which were added to the Career Closet’s selection. A dean who retired donated a closetful of suits he no longer needed for university and community events. People who gain or lose weight give items that no longer fit them to help out the students.
Students are usually surprised that the clothing is free and they don’t have to return it. “They’re appreciative of that,” said Domachowski.
The number of students served varies by semesters and events, she said. Overall, the closet has served approximately 40 to 50 students since it was launched. Numbers aren’t exact because the operation is low key.
“It’s a spot where students can come and go,” she said. “They just stop by and say, ‘I’m going to take a look in the career closet.’”
Career fairs or events like etiquette dinners usually trigger a rush of interest. Student teachers often turn to the Career Closet to expand their casual work wardrobe when they start at schools. “They don’t want to wear the same thing every day,” said Domachowski.
Sometimes students may ask for help in deciding what looks best on them or fits right, or need help in tying a tie, according to Domachowski.
Staff can put out a request for donations if some items or sizes start running low, and they keep the clothing looking neat. A recently acquired steamer eases out wrinkles.
Having a new space for the Career Closet that’s larger, and more conveniently located for students is “fantastic,” said Domachowski. “It’s much more organized, and has definitely come a long way from its roots. It’s been a nice transition to see.”
