nothing to wear? The Professional Image Center
is here to help you!
Morlan Hall, Room 13
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am -3:00 pm
Friday: by appointment only
The Bethany College Career Closet provides students with appropriate interview and work attire for career events, such as suits, blazers, shirts, skirts, pants, dresses, ties, and other professional accessories to help students look their best. This free service helps students make a good first impression which is crucial in the professional world. Unlike most other colleges that only lend an outfit, Bethany is able to allow our students to keep their professional outfit thanks to the generous alumni donations.
If you wish to schedule an appointment for a fitting, contacting the Career Center at career@bethanywv.edu.
How it all began. On May 8, 2013, a limited number of students participated in the Office of Career & Professional Development traveling workshop titled ‘How to Dress for Success for Less’. Although this workshop was very helpful, from this was born the idea to bring the workshop in-house to help many BC students. On March 5, 2015, through a partnership between the Office of Career & Professional Development and the Kalon Scholars, an OPEN HOUSE kicked off the new Professional Image Center and the professional services available.
The Office of Career & Professional Development partnered with the Service Learning Center, to bring this advised professional image experience on campus for all Bethany College students. Career Services and the Service Learning Coordinator, Sherri Honaker, oversee the students who operate and manage the Professional Image Center (PIC) located in Morlan Hall, room 13. Through the PIC, students will be able to receive assistance with professional photographs, attire, etiquette, and resumes.
This donation-based program where students can pick out interview-appropriate attire at no cost, also helps those students that don’t need dark business suits for job interviews – the closet also offers nice polo shirts and khaki pants for those students in placements.
Volunteers and work-study students sort through the piles, tag them and display them on racks and shelves within the PIC which looks like a chic consignment boutique. The only difference is there is no cash register or credit card machine. Donated clothing that does not meet the strict criteria is then re-donated to either the local YWCA Women’s Shelter, Salvation Army, or local high school clothes closet. To ensure there are enough professional outfits to go around, the PIC tries to limit only one outfit per student; however, that rule has been waved if a student shows real need.
The PIC is seeking donations of gently used business professional and business-casual attire for men and women to help job seekers get the professional clothing they need. All donations are tax deductible.
Please consider donating the following clean and gently used items:
· Pants and jacket suit sets
· Skirt and jacket suit sets
· Blazers and sports coats
· Dress slacks, pants, and skirts
· Business casual pants
· Business casual polo shirts
· Dress shirts and blouses
· Belts and ties
· Gently worn shoes- black, brown, nude, or navy. Ladies pumps or flats should be closed toe.
· Hangers
*Black, gray, navy, or other neutral colors are preferred for professional attire.
Donations can be brought to the Office of Career & Professional Development located in the lower level of Morlan Hall. For questions about donation drop off, please contact Amy VanHorn with any questions at career@bethanywv.edu .