ASNMU Stocks Career Closet
ASNMU is seeking donations of gently used professional clothing, shoes and accessories for its new “Seconds to Success” program. The goal is to give all NMU students the opportunity to make a good first impression at interviews, career fairs and presentations.
“I have had the experience of being a qualified, motivated individual who had a skill set perfectly tuned to a position I wanted, but was unable to present myself professionally due to a lack of proper attire,” said ASNMU President Amber Lopota. “I realized along the way that it can have a big impact on peoples' perception of who you are. Being able to present appropriately can give someone the upper hand. Someone shouldn’t miss out on an opportunity because they couldn’t afford to look the part. After speaking with hundreds of students about their needs, it became obvious that being prepared for interviews or presentations was an area where many felt they were lacking.”
Under the Seconds to Success program, every student will have the opportunity to use her or his ID once per semester to obtain a career ensemble of choice from the racks of pre-owned clothing. But Lopota said the program will focus on more than dressing for success. With the closet’s location in close proximity to NMU Career Services, students will have easy access to information and resources that can be helpful as they prepare to make the transition from student to professional.
“In my experiences here at Northern, I have been blown away by the amount of talent we have walking this campus every day,” she added. “I won't stop trying to make sure every Wildcat has the opportunity to succeed. That is the purpose behind my presidency. Our students work hard. They deserve to feel special and to be seen as a force to be reckoned with when gearing up for the competition that exists in the career and internship world.”
Local pickup or drop-off services are available by appointment. To schedule one, email asnmu@nmu.edu or call ext. 2452. Lopota said support from the Alumni Association and the Parents' Fund helped to bring this project to fruition.