Husky Career Closet Offers Free Attire for Job-Seeking Students

The **Husky Career Closet** at the **University of Washington** provides free professional attire for students seeking employment. Located within the **Career & Internship Center** in **Mary Gates Hall**, the closet offers a range of clothing options, including blazers, blouses, and accessories, designed to help students make a strong impression during job fairs and interviews.

As the fall recruitment season approaches, the Husky Career Closet is preparing to meet the growing demand for professional clothing. With an influx of recruiters expected on campus in the winter, the closet aims to support students looking for summer internships and job opportunities.

Briana Randall, director of the Career & Internship Center, explained the initiative’s origins. “We started the closet as a pop-up back in 2019 because students didn’t have the professional wear they needed to put their best foot forward,” she said. Recognizing the increasing need, the center transitioned to a permanent space in 2022 to accommodate daily visits. “Once school starts, we struggle to meet the student demand,” Randall added. “We’re always in need of professional clothes.”

The closet currently houses hundreds of pieces of clothing, allowing students on the Seattle campus to select one complete outfit each quarter at no cost. The center actively seeks donations of new and gently used clothing, particularly blazers, button-down shirts, belts, ties, and shoes. Monetary contributions are also welcome, enabling staff to purchase size-inclusive and culturally affirming items to fill inventory gaps.

Last year, nearly 330 students utilized the Husky Career Closet, a number that underscores the program’s significance. The center collaborates with the **Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity** to ensure that first-generation students and those facing financial challenges are aware of this valuable resource.

Randall noted, “If we had enough resources, we could definitely serve more students.” The ongoing need for professional attire highlights the importance of community support to sustain this initiative. The Husky Career Closet not only assists students in their job search but also fosters confidence as they step into their future careers.

With the demand for professional clothing only expected to grow, the Husky Career Closet stands as a vital resource for students navigating the competitive job market.