The University of North Georgia will soon cut the ribbon on Nigel’s Career Closet on the Gainesville Campus.
Provided by UNG Career Services, Nigel’s Career Closet is located at the front of the student center near the Career Services office. The resource aims to make professional clothing more accessible to students as they begin to pursue professional endeavors.
Ashla Viera, Administrator Assistant for the Career Services Office on the Gainesville Campus, shared that while the ribbon-cutting ceremony is on Sept. 18, the career closet is already available to students.
“The career closet is for students to get professional attire for free. It’s theirs to keep- they don’t have to bring them back…. It’s to help a student so that if they don’t have any professional attire or at least one outfit to use during interviews or at work, this is their opportunity to have it in their closet,” – Ashla Viera, Administrator Assistant for the Career Services Office on the Gainesville Campus
Viera added that students are welcome to visit the closet multiple times to acquire pieces they may need.
The career closet relies on donations from UNG staff and faculty, employers in the area and community members to provide its resources to students. Contributions to the program are always welcome, according to Viera.
“We’re asking for any sort of donations from things like pants, shirts, blouses, sweaters, blazers, even full suits as well,” she said. “We can also take in donations that are accessories, purses, bags [and] shoes– anything that can be in that sort of realm.”
The program’s policy does not require students to make a reservation to use its services during the department’s regular office hours. During that time, students are able to look around and get assistance from a volunteer. However, appointments can be made though the university’s booking system, UNG Connect or by visiting Career Services. Viera said students may be asked to answer a few questions before taking the clothes home with them.
Nigel’s Career Closet is also available on UNG’s Dahlonega Campus. New to the campus’ location this year is a headshot photo booth that allows students to take free professional photos for portfolios.
Viera also reminded students of some of the other resources Career Services offers, including help with creating or reviewing a resume, mock job interviews, finding internships, learning about grad school, career fairs with local employers and more. She also provided some of her advice for students currently seeking employment.
“When a student comes asking [for a job], I recommend that they go on Handshake, that is our online job [site], but also to visit the career fairs if they want to meet an employer face-to-face, but not have the awkward setting of going into an interview.”
Viera advised students to “step out of their comfort zone” when it comes to a job search.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Student Center on the Gainesville Campus.
