The Ohio State University is known for its strong Buckeye community and the wide range of resources available to support student success. Among these resources is the Monda Student Resource Center (MSRC), which houses the Reid Family Career Closet on the first floor of the Younkin Success Center on Neil Avenue.

The Career Closet provides students at OSU with access to professional clothing for important occasions like job interviews, internships, networking events, class presentations and conferences.

With more than 6,000 items in its inventory, the Closet offers a variety of options including business attire, medical apparel, agriculture-related clothing and other professional wear. Students can schedule appointments or stop in during open hours, where trained student volunteers assist them to find clothes that fit both their needs and their career goals.

While the Career Closet is now a permanent fixture within the MSRC, it did not always operate this way. Originally part of Buckeye Careers, the program began as a temporary pop-up shop designed to provide students with professional attire. Over time, the demand for the service grew, leading to the creation of a dedicated showroom space that now allows students access to the closet year-round, Monday through Friday.

The resource not only helps students prepare for professional opportunities but also addresses students’ basic needs. The Closet provides clothing suitable for various weather conditions, ensuring students can attend class comfortably and confidently. Ultimately, the Career Closet aims to remove barriers and help Buckeyes feel prepared for success, in both academic and professional settings.

Morgan Vibbert, Associate Director of the MSRC, had much to say about the Career Closet, how it functions and the ways it supports Ohio State students.

According to Vibbert, scheduling an appointment provides students with more access to resources than simply dropping in. By visiting the Career Closet website, students can schedule appointments, view available sizes and inventory, learn about donors and better understand how the program operates.

“A big piece for students to know…is it is all free for them and they get to keep [the clothes]. They don’t have to return any of it,” Vibbert said. “So that makes it a more personal experience.”

For Vibbert, it’s all about sustainability. Students are permitted up to 10 items per visit, and because the Closet is open Monday through Friday, they are able to return throughout the week to continue building their professional wardrobe.

Looking and feeling confident often go hand in hand, especially in professional environments. Whether a student is preparing for an interview, attending a networking event or beginning an internship, feeling comfortable and confident in what they are wearing makes a meaningful difference.

Vibbert emphasized the financial benefit of the program as well, saying that “students can save or supplement their financial cost of being at a big-time institution by not having to shop online or in store…Rather, utilize the free resources on campus and then use your money elsewhere for friends, bills or the personal things you would rather spend your money on.

Confidence is another key outcome of the Career Closet experience. Vibbert said that the way someone dresses can influence how they present themselves in professional settings.

“When you are dressed for the part that you are seeking, you're more likely to be speaking in a way that you deserve and are worthy of this role,” Vibbert said. “It allows a sense of confidence in yourself…you are prepared.”

The Career Closet is continuing to expand its opportunities for student involvement. Vibbert shared that the program is currently looking for student stylists and plans to pilot a student stylist program for Fashion and Retail Studies (FRS) students in fall 2026.

By participating in these roles, students will be able to gain hands-on experience in styling while helping others who may be unsure about their personal style or how to dress professionally.

The program will also offer styling guides (courtesy of Professor Tasha Lewis’s Fashion Promotion class) and advice to further support students in building confidence in their appearance. Through these initiatives, the Career Closet hopes to strengthen its mission of “Buckeyes helping Buckeyes.”

Looking ahead, the Closet is exploring additional services that could further support students, including the possibility of tailoring services that would allow students to adjust clothing for a better feel.

These resources reflect the university’s broader effort to support student success through community collaboration and shared support across campus departments, programs and student organizations. Visit the Career Closet today and find your best fit.

SPECIAL THANKS to BRAG (Black Retail Action Group) and the Monda Student Resource Center