Whether you are preparing for your upcoming internship interview, attending one of the many career fairs our campus has to offer, or bracing yourself for a crucial business dinner, it is important to look the part. For many of us, this hurdle leading up to an event can sometimes consume us and cloud our minds. Selecting which tops look better on us, which colors or patterns seem more professional, or even down to accessorising to add a touch of personality, this scramble to secure the right outfit can easily divert attention away from the focus event, already stressful as it is.
Luckily, Syracuse University Career Services has worked to provide a new styling and rental service to all those affiliated with Syracuse that solves this exact problem: the Career Closet.
As a current undergraduate, I jumped at the opportunity to explore this experience.
I was first prompted with a brief online questionnaire regarding basic contact information, minor style preferences, and the occasion(s) for my rental. This took less than ten minutes for me to complete, and initiated my process to be connected with a stylist.
Almost immediately after, a stylist for My Career Closet reached out to me via email, offering a couple of flexible times for a brief styling zoom. Despite differences in time zones, she adapted very smoothly, and after a short correspondence, I was provided with a date and a link for the meeting.
On the day of our meeting, we spoke for about fifteen minutes, flowing in a friendly and open tone. She took down some of my basic measurements, and I elaborated on a couple of responses from the original questionnaire. From here, she recommended a couple of pieces and styles she thought would suit me best, and gave me creative freedom to select coloring and variants. Once finished, we had put together a full rental box consisting of six items: one complete business-professional suit, a business-casual interchangeable top, an accessory of choice (belt, watch, etc.), and a perfume/cologne.
After completing the styling session, I was informed that my box would arrive within the business week and that I had 30 days to make the most of it before either sending it back or purchasing at a discounted price. To conclude our meeting, I was given a chance for any remaining questions, and then the anticipation began.
Following our talk, I received an email confirmation with a tracking link attached. I eagerly followed the tracking for a couple of days before my box arrived.
The box was neatly presented, and just big enough to spark excitement. Within it, the perfect balance and variety of quality, high-end professional clothing, folded and wrapped neatly in blue tissue paper. Tucked in the side was a pre-paid return label and a short pamphlet reviewing the experience.
Going into the next month with application season in full swing, I was always dressed and prepared, without the stress of getting there. While I initially utilized the closet for an interview and headshot, I also found myself throwing on the business-casual top for meetings outside my intended use. The 30-day rental period and varying selection allowed for versatile usage and made the experience exceed my expectations.
The return process can commence at any time within the rental period. After using the items, I neatly placed them back into the box (except for the complimentary perfume/cologne), sealed it up, and covered the original label with the provided return label. It was as simple as that. There is no dry-cleaning or laundry requirement, so once I dropped the labelled package off at the nearest FedEx, I was good to go.
So, say goodbye to last-minute closet chaos. With Syracuse University’s Career Closet, looking sharp, professional, and prepared is a given.
Want to learn more about the experience? You can visit the Career Closet webpage for all information regarding the experience or to start your journey today.
Shota Pinkowski serves as a Career Ambassador Student Employee, providing administrative support to the Central Career Services team at Syracuse University. Shota is a Junior studying Creative Advertising with a minor in Psychology.
