Students in need of professional attire have a new resource available to them now that the University of Maine at Presque Isle has opened up its Career Clothing Closet. Designed especially for students, the store is open in the Campus Store. All are welcome to visit and donate to the closet, which is sponsored by the Student Activities Office, the Career Readiness Program, and the Campus Store.

The Career Clothing Closet provides a new option for students to add professional clothing to their wardrobes. The clothes in the store are free, though, if students feel they can afford to donate money to the closet after shopping, a donation jar has been set on the front counter. Staff will be on hand if a student needs guidance when looking for an outfit.

“The idea for the Career Clothing Closet came from feedback from students and faculty that many students do not own even one professional outfit, nor do they have the means to purchase one,” Nicole Fournier, UMPI Director of Career Readiness, said. “It’s something we have been talking about for a long time and, with the support of the Campus Store, we are finally able to make it happen.”

A unique aspect of UMPI’s Career Clothing Closet is that staff will be on hand if a student needs guidance when looking for an outfit. The closet has clothing, shoes, accessories, and other items that can be put together to complete a professional outfit. All the clothes from the store are donated

“The closet is to help students prepare for professional interviews, networking events, and more. Having the right clothes is important and we know not every student can afford them,” Violet Washburn, Coordinator of Campus Engagement and International Student Services said. “The Career Clothing Closet allows students to just shop and look through the clothes and pick what they like.”

The closet officially opened on Oct. 23 in a section of the Campus Store. Closet organizers hope that having this professional clothing on hand will better prepare students for interviews and networking events, help them become more aware of what is appropriate and professional dress, and ensure they have the right clothes when they need them.

“Having an affordable option for professional clothing increases the career readiness and confidence levels of our students, helping them dress for success as they prepare to move from education to the workplace,” Deborah Roark, Executive Director of University Advancement and External Affairs, said. “Beginning a new career or internship can be scary, and the right clothing can help students feel confident. This clothing closet complements the many career-readiness services, such as resume writing and career exploration, that UMPI provides its students, and is another example of how we are preparing our students for the workforce.”

For more information about the Career Clothing Closet, please contact Lydia Kieffer-Till at lydia.kieffer@maine.edu or (207) 768-9502.