HAZLETON, Pa. — Penn State Hazleton is about to open a space where students can borrow appropriate attire for job or internship interviews at no cost.
The grand opening for the career closet will be held Tuesday, Jan. 23, from noon to 1:30 p.m. and again from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Members of the campus community are invited to stop by the space, located in the LOFT at 501 West Halls, for light refreshments and to see what is available to students for their professional needs.
Career Services Coordinator Kaitlyn Krasucki is overseeing the closet, which she explained as a major benefit for students preparing for the professional world.
“It’s an expectation, and often a requirement, for students to be dressed professionally when encountering potential employers or others in the business world. Our career closet will give students access to professional attire for interviews, job fairs, professional dinners, class presentations, business plan proposals, and other career-related or professional events,” she said.
Students are able to use the closet free of charge. It is open to all Penn State Hazleton students.
Donations from the campus community are still welcome. Items being accepted include new or gently used full suits, suit separates (blazers and pants), skirts, dress shirts, ties, shoes, belts, accessories, portfolios or professional bags. Experts say if something has not been worn in six months, it may be time to pass it along. Donated items should be clean and in good condition.
“Faculty and staff support is key in contributing to the professional success of Penn State Hazleton students. The career closet will benefit students who cannot afford professional attire as well as those who cannot easily access what they may already have at home,” Krasucki said.
Donations may be dropped off in the Advising Center in the lower level of Schiavo Hall or with Carole Shearer in 104 Schiavo Hall. All donated items should be freshly laundered and/or in a dry cleaning bag with receipt of cleaning. No clothing with obvious stains or damage can be accepted.
Students may borrow items for up to a week, and the campus will pay for dry cleaning costs. Allowing the items to be loaned to students rather than given will give more students access to the items, particularly for wardrobe staples that could be of use to many students.
“From the time we announced the project, faculty members have been very on board with the idea, since it builds on the concepts of professionalism that they are teaching their students. This will provide another layer for the students in looking the part of career-oriented individuals,” Krasucki said.
Future plans for the career closet include educational components such as business etiquette training and other resources to help students prepare for interviews or other professional opportunities.