For some students, suiting up for a job interview is tough — but not because they lack an eye for fashion.

Dressing to impress can be expensive, and many students cannot afford to purchase a new suit when they’ve yet to be hired for a job. With the success of their peers in mind, a group of students has established Campus Closet and, in partnership with the Georgia Tech Center for Career Discovery and Development, is holding an inaugural Jackets for Jackets drive.

“Some companies will not even consider you for a position if they find your attire inappropriate or too casual,” said Brandie Banner, one of the student organizers. “Being underdressed for an interview adds another level of unneeded stress and insecurity to an already nerve-wracking process.”

The idea for the program was conceived during conversations earlier this year about student mental health and the stress that financial constraints can create for students. Campus Closet organizers had observed students attending campus career and internship fairs dressed inappropriately, and realized that, for some, it was simply because they could not afford a suit.

Through Campus Closet, students will be able to borrow a suit for up to a week at a time to wear for their job search activities. They’ll be responsible for returning the suit with proof of dry cleaning, and will also receive a Georgia Tech pin to adorn the lapel.

Lauren McDow, who teaches a career development course in the Scheller College of Business, has helped suit up students on a smaller scale in the past. In telling her students that they needed to get a suit for their job search, she added that if it was not possible in their personal budgets, students should come talk to her in private.

McDow successfully connected two students with suits by posting a note on Facebook asking friends if they have clothes to loan or hand down that match the size and gender of the student in need. 

"People are so willing to help if they know the student is working hard and just doesn't have the resources," she said. "For each of those students who were willing to come forward, there must be dozens who need help but didn’t hear about the chance or didn’t feel comfortable asking."

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to donate professional clothing in good condition to Campus Closet. With the annual Internship and Co-Op Fair approaching at the end of January, the Center for Career Discovery and Development hopes to compile a sizeable suit collection in the coming weeks.

“For me, dress has always been about confidence,” said Sangita Sharma, another of the student organizers. “I would hate for anyone to miss out on any opportunities simply because they don’t have the right clothes for the occasion."

Specifically, Campus Closet seeks both men’s and women’s suits of all sizes, preferably in navy blue, dark gray, or black. Donors are also invited to include a note of encouragement or any job search advice, which will be shared with the students who borrow that suit. Student organizers plan to track who uses which suits and potentially let students share success stories of the suits with donors. 

Suits can be donated at the Center for Career Discovery and Development, the newly formed joint office of Career Services and the Division of Professional Practice, on the second floor of the Bill Moore Student Success Center, or in Suite 322 of the Scheller College of Business.