From Campus to Career
Entering the professional world is exciting, but it also comes with challenges. For young men stepping into new careers, figuring out what to wear for an interview or understanding how to project confidence in a work environment can be daunting. Fortunately, Cincinnati offers an incredible resource: career closets at both Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and UC Clermont. These programs provide free, professional attire to students, making it easier for them to present their best selves. Here’s a closer look at how these career closets are leveling the playing field and how you can support them.
Navigating the Challenge of Dressing Professionally
Young professionals often find themselves navigating a maze of unspoken rules when starting a career. Dress codes can feel complex, and there’s pressure to make a strong first impression. For young men, the journey from campus to career can be intimidating, especially when it comes to building a professional wardrobe. Many students, especially those on tight budgets, can’t afford multiple suits or business casual attire that matches the standards of today’s workplace.
This is where Cincinnati’s career closets step in. These programs provide free access to quality, professional attire, enabling young professionals to walk into any interview or new role looking confident and capable.
The Cincinnati State Career Closet
Located on Cincinnati State’s Clifton Campus, the Career Closet is open to students preparing for interviews, job fairs, and class presentations requiring professional attire. By offering a range of gently used or new clothing options, the Career Closet ensures students can focus on their goals without the added stress of affording the right clothes. The closet operates Mondays through Wednesdays during the semester, but appointments can also be arranged outside these hours by emailing careercloset@cincinnatistate.edu.
The Career Closet accepts donations of new or gently used professional attire for both men and women. If you’d like to support this initiative, consider donating your lightly worn suits, ties, dress shirts, and shoes. To donate, reach out to Brian Hooten at (513) 569-1634 or brian.hooten@cincinnatistate.edu.
UC Clermont’s Career Closet: A Valuable Resource for Young Men
The UC Clermont Dave and Amy Elberfeld Career Closet takes a similar approach, offering business professional and business casual clothing to students and alumni at no cost. Located in the McDonough Building’s Career Services Center, the closet is available for drop-in visits from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing a flexible option for those balancing school or work. If students are looking for specific attire, they can submit a request form to ensure the closet meets their needs.
Donating to the UC Clermont Career Closet is simple and impactful. By contributing suits, ties, dress shoes, and accessories, you’re helping a young man feel confident and prepared as he takes his first steps into the professional world. Your donations go directly to supporting students and alumni, enabling them to feel comfortable and equipped to make a positive impression.
The Power of Presentation: Why These Programs Matter
Looking the part isn’t just about meeting dress codes; it’s about confidence. When a young professional wears clothing that fits well and feels right, it translates into their posture, their attitude, and their interactions. For many young men, learning the ropes of workplace culture is a journey, and professional attire can provide a strong foundation.
In both of these career closets, Cincinnati State and UC Clermont recognize the importance of empowering young men by giving them the tools they need to feel capable and self-assured in professional settings. Whether it’s a first interview, a new job, or a class presentation, the impact of these programs is felt deeply by the students who use them.
How You Can Make a Difference
If you have gently used professional attire that’s no longer a part of your wardrobe, consider donating it to these career closets. Your contribution might be the suit a student wears to land their dream job or the shirt and tie combo that boosts their confidence in a presentation. Supporting these programs isn’t just about giving clothes; it’s about giving young people the confidence and opportunity they deserve.
To donate:
Cincinnati State – Contact Brian Hooten at (513) 569-1634 or brian.hooten@cincinnatistate.edu.
UC Clermont – Visit the Career Services Center in the McDonough Building or reach out via their website for more information.
By supporting Cincinnati State and UC Clermont’s career closets, you’re making a meaningful impact on the next generation of professionals. Every donation counts, and every suit, shirt, or tie you share brings a young man one step closer to realizing his potential.