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The Career Closet changes from drop-in hours to a pop-up event model

New hours aids Career Services Center employees through their point in transition

by Allie Van Parys

University Communications intern

A student browses through racks of slacks at the Career Closet pop-up. Photo by Allie Van Parys.

The Career Closet, a service through the Career Services Center that provides free, professional clothing for students and alumni, now operates through pop-up hours.  

Three mannequins sit outside the entrance to the Career Closet, demonstrating example professional outfits for students. Photo by Allie Van Parys.

In previous years, the Career Closet was open by appointment only. Fall and winter quarters of this academic year, the resource was available Tuesday through Thursday, in which participants could drop in at any point said Mindy Pelton, director of the Career Services Center.  

Pop-up hours can be found by accessing the events section of the Career Services Center website.  

“We add new dates a week or so in advance, so check back regularly!” Pelton said.  

Nora Kimmet, a peer advisor with the Career Services Center, highlighted that Career Closet pop-ups have often been at the same time as the center’s in-office information sessions.

“Someone who just came in for information can stop in or grab some clothes, or someone who came in just for clothes can learn something new,” Kimmet said.

Kimmet added that she has noticed an increase in traffic in the Career Closet by hosting pop-ups, rather than through appointments or drop-in hours. She has noticed this shift in the closet’s open hours has added a wave of creativity and energy among staff. Not only have hours of operation changed, but two new racks of clothing have been added.  

Pop-ups will continue until mid-June, when spring quarter concludes.  

A whiteboard in the Career Closet dressing room reads “Welcome to the Career Closet” and features many written thank you notes from students. Photo by Allie Van Parys.

Professional clothing of all types can be obtained at the Career Closet, and there is no limit to what students and alumni can take – all clothing is for people to keep. Items include: pants, skirts, dress shirts, blazers, dresses, coats, shoes, belts, ties, bags and more. Changing rooms with mirrors are provided.  

“We have an amazing team that provides a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space for all the Career Closet visitors,” Pelton added.  

Responses from people who use the space have been overwhelmingly positive, explained Ari Albert, a peer advisor at the Career Services Center.

“Students often say the Career Closet reduces stress and removes a financial barrier when preparing for interviews or career fairs,” Albert said. “Many appreciate that the space feels welcoming and judgment‑free, especially those who may not have experience with professional dress.”

One student response from a Career Services Center survey said:

A student employee walks new users of the Career Closet through each rack of clothing. Photo by Allie Van Parys.

“The Career Closet has helped me build my professional wardrobe without the expensive price. Now I feel prepared for the upcoming Marketing Career Launch and job interviews! I'm so grateful to have this resource and highly recommend it to all students!”

Other responses describe the resource as invaluable, and many commend the factor of affordability.  

“Alumni who have used the resource or donated to it often comment on how meaningful it is to see the university supporting students in such a practical way,” Albert said.

To donate, clothing can be dropped off at the WWU Alumni House (709 High Street) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, people who want to donate but don’t live locally, can ship to the WWU Alumni House. For detailed information, visit the Career Closet website.  

Allie Van Parys is an intern with the Office of University Communications. She is majoring in Journalism-Public Relations and minoring in English and Communication Studies.