Kimberly Rivera
Editor-In-Chief
On Wednesday afternoon, March 2, Vanessa Cruz, a junior education major, perused through Button Up, Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s new Career Closet.
After skimming through a slew of dress shirts, pants, blazers and skirts, Cruz picked out a stylish black blazer and a striped dress shirt for her upcoming job interviews.
Cruz is one of the first students to utilize Button Up, a career closet for students who cannot afford professional attire. Students may select and keep two articles of clothing each semester for professional use.
“It’s nice to know you have somewhere to go to, instead of having to stress over buying something last minute,” Cruz said, excited about the new program on campus.
Texas A&M-College Station students, Mason Parish and Alex Goodman, were the brains behind the blazers.
A proposal for a career closet developed after Parish attended a career fair and witnessed a recruiter turn away a qualified candidate because of his choice of clothing.
“I overheard the recruiter say ‘that student was really strong, a strong candidate but I really wish he would’ve dressed for success’…it was from that conversation that we realized not all students can afford professional attire,” said Parish.
Parish pitched the idea at a Student Government Association meeting Sept. 2015, which they approved later that month.
The pitch caught the attention of John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. The Chancellor Century Council and donors raised $70,000 for career closets for the A&M system. The council distributed $20,000 for the flagship campus in College Station and $5,000 across the other members of the A&M System.
A&M-College Station’s Career Closet launched on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
The mission of the TAMU Career Closet is to enhance the professionalism of Texas A&M students while alleviating the financial burden that is inherently associated with launching a career.
When asked how Parish felt about his idea being recognized, he gets emotional.
“It’s phenomenal and inspiring,” he said. “By working together we’re going be able to make sure that every student is selected based off a merit and not simply the professional attire that they can afford.”
Button Up, A&M-San Antonio’s career closet, began with 340 items ready for students to sift through. Items included men’s and women’s dress shirts, dress pants, blazers and skirts in most sizes. There is a fitting and grooming guideline for students to reference in the career closet.
Career advisor Heather Schuster said so far, seven students checked out items from the career closet.
“It’s a positive thing for our campus,” Schuster said.
Career Services asks A&M-San Antonio staff and community to donate new or gently worn clothing items. Donors can donate professional attire such as suits, pants, skirts, blazers, shoes and accessories like belts and ties.
Donations to the closet may be offered in the form of cash or credit/debit card. Donations are accepted in person or over the phone at 210-784-1406. Donors also have the option to donate gift cards for department stores.
Students interested in checking out items can drop by Career Services in the Central Academic Building in Room 211, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or make an appointment by calling 210-784-1406.
Career Services also offers help with interviews. Students can set up appointments to speak with a career advisor for guidance on a major.They can also visit teir website for help with building a resume and interview tips.
For more information on the career closet, visit their website or call career advisor, Heather Schuster at 210-784-1406.
