Union News

Interviewing for an internship, attending a professional networking event, or presenting research at a symposium — these opportunities should be exciting steps in a Wingate student’s journey. But if that student doesn’t have appropriate business attire, these events become more stressful than exciting and can be totally out of reach. That’s the issue being addressed by a new Career Closet that is planned for the University’s Northeast Residence Hall. 

“The goal is to eliminate a barrier that might stop a student from attending a networking event or applying for an internship or job because they don't have access to the kind of clothing that may be expected,” explains Mick Reynolds, assistant vice president and dean of campus life.

“Although we try to keep the costs of higher education down, it can still be an expensive proposition for so many of our families, and we know that more than 40 percent of our students are Pell eligible, which means they qualify for additional federal aid targeted at supporting families with economic need. In many of those families, professional attire seems like a luxury not a necessity. The Career Closet aims to help bridge that gap and relieve that pressure on students.”

According to Liz Biggerstaff, assistant vice president for career services and new student orientation, her office is in the process of collecting new and gently-used business attire that can be inventoried and stocked in the lending closet, which will be located inside the new Paw Provisions space in Northeast. Eventually, Career Closet organizers hope to be able to offer a variety of items including shirts, blouses, suits, ties, dress shoes and more.

Original source can be found here.