Salem State Career Closet Dresses Students For Success

SALEM, MA — Salem State University students who looking to dress for success as they launch their careers got some help from community and campus partners at the school's Career Closet event.

Three hundred students were able to secure free professional attire at last week's event hosted by Salem State Career Services.

"Between paying for tuition, books and other expenses, students face barriers when it comes to dressing for success at their internships and as they prepare to launch their careers," Stefanie Nunley, career services coordinator, said. "The high turnout at these events demonstrates how much need and interest there is in this program, and we hope to not only continue, but expand our ability to help students secure the attire they need as they begin their professions."

Campus Closet allowed students to choose from more than 1,800 new or gently used pieces of professional attire, including gender-inclusive items from the Salem State Center for Justice and Liberation.

The Salem State Alumni Association also sponsored free professional headshots for students.

The university also held its annual JC Penny Suit-Up event and awarded 18 students with a $250 professional attire stipend.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)