University News

WIU Career Development Center Announces New Location of Captain's Closet

April 25, 2019

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MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Career Development Center (CDC), located in Memorial Hall 125, has moved it's Captain's Closet to a bigger, better location within the office.

The Captain's Closet is an on-campus resource, which provides students with free business professional clothing. It was first developed five years ago by former CDC assistant directors Michelle Howe and Renee Sprock, who noticed that students either didn't have access to, or couldn't afford professional attire for job interviews.

Before moving locations, the closet was small, cramped and didn't allow for all of the clothing to be on display. It was difficult for students to be able to try on items as well.

The CDC staff converted an extra office into a new Captain's Closet. They were able to add an additional four hanging racks for displaying clothes and a designated area to try items on as well.

Currently, an average of 25-30 students a week utilize this resource. Students can visit the closet from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, and are allowed to take up to 10 items from the closest per semester. All the clothing in the closet is donated by campus staff, WIU alumni, local churches, community members and even students who no longer need the clothing they took.

Mandi McRaven, a program coordinator at the CDC, said the Captain's Closest ties into the other services provided by the CDC.

"The Career Development Center is a place students go to get help in getting hired after they graduate. We help write resumes and cover letters, and conduct mock interviews. It makes sense that we also help provide the clothing that students need to look professional and feel confident when they walk into an interview," said McRaven.

For additional information about the closet, or about the services provided by the CDC, call (309) 298-1838.

Posted By: Kayla M. Harrington (WIUnews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing