Southeastern College of Business opens Career Closet for students

For many college students in the U.S., financial worries are an everyday burden. And once all the costs associated with earning a degree are paid, both monetary and in terms of hard work and time, there can still be one more barrier to landing that first big job—the need for professional clothing.

To help clear that final hurdle, Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Business has officially opened the Lion Pride Career Closet on campus in Garrett Hall for Southeastern students. The closet provides students access to new and gently used professional attire for interviews, career fairs, networking events, and graduation.

Students who may not have access to professional attire or related resources are eligible to schedule one appointment at the Career Closet each year. They can make appointments online at southeastern.edu/careercloset.

“We want every student to feel prepared and confident as they pursue internships and careers,” said Marketing and Supply Chain Management Interim Department Head and Assistant Professor April Kemp. “The Career Closet is one way we are removing barriers and helping our students show up as their best selves.”

Kemp said if students want to keep the outfit after the interview or professional event, they are welcome to do so, or if they think they will not use it in their career, they are welcome to donate it back to the Career Closet for other students to use.

Community members can donate to help Southeastern students dress for success. Appropriate items include business formal and business casual professional/interview attire such as business suits in traditional colors, dress shirts, blouses, professional slacks and skirts, blazers, ties, belts, shoes and professional bags, purses and accessories.

For more information about the Lion Pride Career Closet, contact Kemp at (985) 549-2277 or [email protected] or visit southeastern.edu/careercloset.