Kaylee Roberts, Staff Writer, and Karis Hudgins, Social Media Manager
At the University of North Carolina Greensboro, preparing students for the transition from campus life to the professional world goes further than crafting resumes and expanding interview skills. It also means helping students present themselves confidently and professionally. A leading initiative in this effort is the Career Closet Pop-Up hosted by the Career and Professional Development Office (CPD). The Career Closet Pop-Up is a free event designed to give UNCG students access to professional attire they might not otherwise be able to afford or have readily in their wardrobes. Students can attend the event on February 16th and 17th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the CPD office, located on the ground floor of the EUC.
Bianca Smith, Employer Relations Specialist at CPD, shares that the purpose of the Career Closet is a simple but powerful one. She states that their goal is, “to help ensure no student is held back from advancing in their professional endeavors because they lack the access to appropriate clothing.”
To put this mission into action, students are given the opportunity to select professional attire at no cost, including suit jackets, pants, ties, blouses, and other essentials. “We have talented, prepared, and motivated students whose access to professional attire doesn’t always match the opportunities they are seeking. The pop-up shop was created to remove that barrier,” Smith states. “By bringing professional attire directly onto campus in a welcoming, inviting space, we’re helping students show up as their best selves.” In addition to clothing, CPD career coaches were present to give students styling guidance on professional dress expectations.
This semester marks the second pop-up closet, with the first one taking place in early February of 2025. “We saw nearly 400 students,” Smith says—a huge success. “The amount of donations and where we received donations from has been the biggest evolution from the first one.” Smith also expresses that many donations came from students, staff, and alumni, as well as personal networks. This amount of support reflects UNCG’s commitment to student success and the generosity of the Greensboro community.
Alongside the CPD Office’s goal to make professional attire accessible, they also value student confidence and identity. Director of the CPD Office, Megan Walters, states, “Professional presence matters. The right outfit doesn’t just change how others see you—it changes how you see yourself. When students feel confident walking into an interview, career fair, or internship, they show up differently.”
While the Career Closet has already grown tremendously, CPD organizers say that this is only the beginning. Smith shares, “It is my hope that one day this can grow from a pop-up shop into a permanent closet that students have access to all the time.” Beyond the Career Closet, the CPD Office offers many campus events throughout the school year to guide students toward career success.
For example, this month current Spartans and alumni can plan for success by attending the Career & Internship Fair. The event welcomes all majors to explore a variety of internships and full-time job opportunities. This semester’s fair will take place in the Kaplan Center on February 25th from 12-4 p.m., giving students another opportunity to confidently enter the workforce.
Students can prepare for this upcoming career fair and other employment opportunities by attending virtual workshops and drop-in coaching sessions hosted by the CPD. These sessions are designed to help students strengthen their resumes, refine their interview skills, and build confidence before meeting with potential employers. By participating, students can gain tools and insights to make a strong, professional impression. With accessible resources and continued support, the CPD aims to help Spartans step into their future careers.
Photos by Chris Flores-Rivera.
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