By Damara Hall
The Darden College of Education at Old Dominion University will host its first annual Monarch Professional Closet event in January 2018. The clothing closet will be available to all Darden College of Education students who need professional attire for career-related events such as pre-professional internships and interviews in the spring.
"The College of Education aspires to help students entering the job market with their confidence," said Jody Sommerfeldt, director of Teacher Education Services. "After encountering a few students struggling with professional clothing, I thought the Professional Closet would be a great way to help students feel confident in their professional look for future job roles."
To collect clothing for the Professional Closet, a donation drive kicked off in mid-November. The College is accepting clothing from all faculty, staff and students that is appropriate for career fairs, presentations, interviews and internships. Items include belts, blouses, dress pants, professional jackets, scarves, shoes, skirts, dresses, suits and ties. Donation boxes can be found in department offices throughout the Education Building.
Sommerfeldt, along with several staff and students, will be a part of the planning process for the January event. The College of Education will partner with local dry cleaners and community service organizations to provide an excellent experience for aspiring job seekers.
While this is the first Monarch Professional Closest hosted by the College of Education, Sommerfeldt expressed interest in making this a recurring event, and partnering with other academic colleges at the University.
"With the support of faculty, staff, university leaders, students, and community members, this event will help the pre-professionals in the College of Education look and feel the part," Sommerfeldt said.
As Oscar Wilde wrote, "You can never be overdressed or overeducated."