Hiatt Career Closet
The Hiatt Career Closet provides students free access to professional attire for interviews, career fairs, networking events, and other career-oriented activities and occasions. Our goal is to help students feel prepared, professional, and comfortable when making a first impression without having to leave campus or spend a lot of money.
Hours of Operation
Students are invited to shop anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday—Friday (no appointment necessary) when the office is open.
How It Works
The Hiatt Career Closet is located on the second floor of the Hiatt Career Center in the Usdan Student Center. Students may take (and keep) any items of their choosing free of charge. We constantly have a rotating inventory, so the best way to shop for your specific needs is in person!
When you arrive, you will be greeted by our staff. We are there to answer questions, give advice and help you check out (students are required to check out even if no items are taken). We also keep in mind that shopping is a personal experience, so we will leave you to it unless you need additional assistance. Our space also offers a private, gender-inclusive restroom so you can try on items in private to help decide if they are right for you.
What to Expect
We aim to offer items that represent diverse shapes, sizes, and styles, though availability may fluctuate. Our clothes are categorized into two groups: masculine style and feminine style. Within these categories, we offer a variety of items such as suits, jackets, blouses, pants, etc. Students are encouraged to freely shop in whichever category they prefer. If you need assistance finding a style that suits you, please reach out to us.
Donations
Accepted donations must be new or gently worn, in good condition, and cleaned before donating. Items must be of high quality: not ripped, stained, broken, or missing pieces (buttons, zippers, straps). Review our donation guidelines and standards.
Donations can be brought to the Hiatt Career Center during business hours or dropped off in our donation bin after hours. For additional information, email Hiatt or call (781)-736-3618.
Sponsored by the Hiatt Career Center in partnership with the Brandeis Department of Community Service and the Division of Student Affairs.
Decoding Dress Codes
There are various terms associated with workplace attire, and though most organizations don't have a written set of standards of what is appropriate, it's important to ask your manager and then familiarize yourself with these common categories.
General Guidelines for Workplace Attire
- Model Your Boss: Your boss can serve as a great guide as to what is appropriate to wear at work. See how they approach professional and casual days to better gauge what is expected.
- Plan Ahead: You want to present the best version of yourself and not look like you just rolled out of bed. Do your best to plan your attire the night before and be sure that it is clean and wrinkle-free.
- Comfort: High heels, tight collars, and suits on summer days may not feel ideal. When shopping, find more breathable fabrics, lighter colors, and footwear that accommodates how much walking/standing you will be doing.
- Working From Home: Follow tip No. 1: Mirror what your boss does. If they are showing up on video calls with a pressed shirt, you should as well. Avoid wearing casual tops, pajamas, robes, or anything else that looks too "relaxed." Professional impressions also go a long way over video calls, so it's important to dress the part.