Arts and Sciences | Business and Industry | Featured | Health Education and Human Sciences | NewsSeptember 20, 2024

Grand Reopening of Career Clothing Closet at UAFS

Written By: Ian Silvester

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is committed to preparing students for success in the classroom and beyond. The first step of landing a job or premium graduate school spot starts with what you wear.

That’s why the Babb Center for Career Services at UAFS – a student and alumni career education resource that develops workforce-ready skills – has been working on building a free professional wardrobe for all students. The center’s hard work and dedication to providing students with attire go a long way in ensuring that every student has an opportunity to dress for success.

“It’s an essential resource that we want to provide students so they can get interviews and jobs because life doesn’t always prepare you for having a blazer or wearing a certain tie,” explained Natalie Chuong, a junior business administration major and Babb Center for Career Services marketing intern.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24, the Babb Center for Career Services will host a grand reopening of the Career Clothing Closet until 2 p.m. at the closet’s new location on the first floor of the Flanders Building (110).

The new location, next to the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center provides a central location on campus, giving students easier access to the clothing closet. Students can stop by to try on new or gently used professional clothes, like blazers, slacks, ties, blouses, dresses, and pantsuits, in a private changing space and pick from various options and sizes.

Natalie has worked with Susan Krafft, the executive director of career services, to rebrand the Career Clothing Closet and design a more welcoming space for students. All clothing items were donated by UAFS faculty, staff, alums, and the community.

“Donors are allowing their clothes to be repurposed and reused in a way that doesn’t go to waste,” said Natalie.

The grand opening is two weeks before the All-Majors Career Fair (October 10), and students are encouraged to use the free resource to be well-dressed while meeting potential employers.

During the grand opening event, students who bring their UAFS ID will have a chance to win a North Face backpack, a Keurig Coffee maker, or an Owala water bottle.

Students wishing to try on clothes or anyone interested in donating their new or gently used business professional or business casual clothes can schedule with the Babb Center for Career Services by emailing them at careerservices@uafs.edu or calling the office at 479-788-7017.

• Tags:
• Student Resources
• Career Clothing Closet
• Babb Center for Career Services