by Celina Dietzel '17

In January, the Bastian Family Career Center will unveil its Career Closet, which will provide Knox students with professional-style attire, free of charge.

The closet is located in the back of Taylor Lounge. Students will have the opportunity to set up an appointment in the career center to "shop" and find what they need.

Krista Nelson, associate director of the Bastian Family Career Center, says the Career Closet will help students be successful, regardless of financial circumstances.

"As they search for internships and full-time jobs, or go on to graduate school interviews, students need to have presentable professional attire to wear in these instances, and many of our students don't have access to these types of clothing," she said.

The grand opening of the Career Closet in January will include a "Dress for Success" event hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations and the Knext Step Life Skill Series. The event will encourage students to see what the closet has to offer.

Even students who don't need professional clothing are encouraged to come to the event.

The Career Center has begun collecting donations, including suit jackets, blouses, dress pants, ties, belts, and gently worn dress shoes, which can be dropped off at the Career Center in Alumni Hall, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"It's a win-win on both sides, as our faculty and staff are able to clean out their closets and donate good clothing to a worthy cause, and students are able to get the professional attire they need for no cost," Nelson said.

The Career Closet was made possible through a contribution by Knox alumna Ellie Hartog '66.