CDIC Launches Career Closet Initiative
Assumption’s Career Development and Internship Center (CDIC) has recently launched its Career Closet initiative, which will help to provide free professional attire to students regardless of financial circumstance.
The initiative began when CDIC staff members heard from Assumption students and community members that students were in need of attire for various professional events, such as interviews, class presentations, formal dinners, and internships.
“We were recognizing that there was a need on campus for our students,” said Shannon Curtis, Senior Director for Career Development and Strategic Initiatives. “We wanted to make sure that we were supporting our students so they can put their best foot forward.”
Since then, community members have generously donated professional attire to the closet for student use, growing the closet into an important resource for any student looking for guidance on professional attire.
“We’ve had a lot of alumni donations, and a lot of faculty and staff donations as well. We’ve been really fortunate, and the community has been amazing,” said Curtis. “We (the CDIC) have gone out and purchased some items for the closet just to make sure we’re fulfilling the need for students, but we’ve had a lot of donations, and we’ve been so grateful.”
The formal launch of the Career Closet was held on November 5, and since then, multiple students have already taken advantage of the opportunity the closet provides.
“We’ve had probably seven or eight students so far come in to utilize the space,” said Curtis. “The President’s Council Dinner was a few weeks ago, and we had some students come in and select items for that event. It’s meant to provide students the opportunity to dress professionally for any formal or professional event.”
Students are also welcome to keep the clothing after they use it for their professional events. If they do not believe they will use the clothes beyond the event they are shopping for, they are asked to donate the items back to the closet.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and family members are welcome to donate clothes to the Career Closet. To drop off five items or fewer, simply stop by the CDIC, located on the first floor of Alumni Hall 026, during regular hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make a larger donation or a donation outside regular hours, please contact careerdevelopment@assumption.edu.
Students can access the Career Closet for free during the CDIC’s regular business hours, with no appointment necessary. Students can also make appointments with career advisors via Handshake if they would like professional guidance on what attire would be best for their specific needs.
“The Career Closet is more than just a collection of professional attire; it represents our commitment to supporting all our students. We know that first impressions matter, and many of our students may face challenges when it comes to dressing professionally,” said Curtis. “This closet will provide access to high-quality, professional clothing at no cost, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to present themselves professionally with confidence. It is about creating pathways to success that are open and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or resources.”