Lamark Shaw helps outfit a student with a suit
Students browsed and chose professional clothing at the college’s inaugural Career Closet event last week, hosted by the Career Services office.
The pop-up-shop-like set-up was complete with clothing racks, full-length mirrors, tables of folded ties and Career Closet-branded bags to take away with chosen apparel. The attire available was ideal for job, internship or graduate school interviews.
The timing was deliberate – two weeks before the college’s Career & Internship Expo, next Thursday Feb. 24.
“We have had previous students obtain job interviews and employment opportunities from the Career & Internship Expo,” said Tiffany Dillon, assistant director of career services. “We want them to feel confident and comfortable as they embark on their career journey.”
The concept was discussed before the pandemic and revived last summer.
“Feedback from students said they’d be more likely to attend the career expo if they had something appropriate to wear,” said Dillon. “This is an initiative our office wanted to take on and assist our students.”
The two-day event last week was staged in the Alumni Lounge by the Career Services office. 
Around campus in the beginning of the Fall semester donation bins collected professional clothing articles from the college community and were then washed or dry cleaned. More than 400 items were donated.
What’s more, the Career Closet will be maintained for students or alums to browse during regular hours at the new suite of Career Services offices on the first floor of Wick.
“We will have a designated Career Closet for our students or alumni to stop by and view our professional attire selection,” said Dillon. “No questions asked – no need to return anything.”
The office is also continuously taking donations of gently used or worn attire – and will conduct another professional clothing drive the week of April 25th. (Donation bins will be located in Duns Scotus, Wick Lobby and the Business Building.)
Career & Internship Expo
Daemen students/alumni can register for the Career & Internship Expo here. It will run from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Wick Social Room.
“Even if you’re not looking for a position, it’s beneficial for networking and enhancing your career and professional development,” said Dillon.
JC Penney – “Suit Up” event
The college is partnering with JCPenny for a “Suit Up” event on Thursday, Feb. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Walden Galleria. Daemen shuttle transportation will be provided.
JC Penny will offer discounted merchandise for Daemen students, alumni, staff, and faculty in-store. Students can also browse and select apparel from the global retailer at this exclusive discounted rate. An online offering will also be available from Feb. 17th to 20th.
“We want to provide options for students and alumni,” said Dillon. “It’s another way for them to find the look that’s right for their professional lives.”
Career Services is also offering the LEADS: Network Like a Pro event on Tuesday, Feb.22, from 11:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. in Alumni Lounge.
Registration is open on the Daemen Connect app.