EMU Career Closet

Assisting students with polishing up their professional identity!

The Need

There are several ways to prepare our students at Eastern Michigan University for the professional work field, and assisting them in how they present themselves is vital. Having access to professional clothing throughout their college career, may help improve self-esteem and contribute to the development and maintenance of a professional identity. 

A large percentage of students at EMU are on Federal Pell Grants and have limited income and resources. Currently, EMU’s SWOOP’s Food Pantry serves students in many ways. Additionally, the EMU Career Closet provides students with professional clothing to develop their professional identity without further straining them financially.

The Vision

The EMU Career Closet provides students and alumni with FREE and equitable access to professional clothing and accessories needed for conferences, internships, interviews, networking events, job fairs, student teaching, and more! Our goal is to help our Eagles feel prepared, professional, confident, and comfortable when making a first impression without having to leave campus or spend a lot of money.

Student Experience

•  EMU students can stop in and select up to 4 items of professional wear free of charge each semester. 
• The items do not need to be returned.

Community Engagement 

As we continue to build the EMU Career Closet, our goal is to: 

• Create opportunities to partner with local entities for professional events and have local or corporate donations. 
• Offer students work and volunteer opportunities at the EMU Career Closet.
• Encourage the EMU community at large to participate by donating items. 
• Recycle and repurpose clothing to help prevent waste in the community.

"Given the high cost of suits, I needed to find a way to obtain formal dress wear on a budget. The Corporate Closet provided me with the opportunity to dress professionally without having to spend a lot of money on a fancy suit for an event - I only had to pay for dry cleaning. At the 2021 Digital Marketing Workshop, where I had the opportunity to hear from and network with industry professionals, I felt confident in my professional attire. I was relieved that I could present myself more professionally." - Ana Millan

"If you have an upcoming conference or interview, I strongly recommend you check what is in store!" - McKinnon Strauss

"Love this idea! I stressed about having to buy so many student teaching clothes, but now I have a little weight off my shoulders! Thank you!!" - Chloe Kirkpatrick