Montana State to host Bobcat Career Closet on Sept. 24-25

BOZEMAN - As part of its set of programs to help students as they search for jobs after college, Montana State University's Career, Internship and Student Employment Services will host the Bobcat Career Closet on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Strand Union Building, Ballroom A.

This second annual event, part of MSU's Prep the Student Series, is held the week prior to MSU's major Fall Career Fair to help students prepare for successful meetings with potential employers.

The Bobcat Career Closet provides students one free, gently used professional attire outfit donated by members of the MSU and Gallatin Valley communities. Additionally, they will receive research on employers, informational interviews with industry experts, security clearance information, salary negotiation tips and have the opportunity to get professional headshots. Students will also get to participate in resume reviews and mock interviews.

This is the second year of the larger Prep the Student Event with Bobcat Career Closet. Last year's event provided professional clothing to more than 1,200 students, and hundreds of students received one-on-one coaching appointments.

MSU student Ashley Anderson, a junior majoring in business finance with a minor in accounting, attended the Bobcat Career Closet last year. She said she found it helpful in multiple ways.

"Not only did it help me with styling professional business attire, it also had great resources for career prep including resume reviews and networking," Anderson said. "It is never too early to get started on your career."

Donations of gently used professional clothes for the Bobcat Career Closet are accepted year-round from members of the MSU and Gallatin Valley communities. Clothing items that may be donated include suits, suit jackets or blazers, slacks, dress shirts, dress sweaters or vests, skirts, dresses and accessories including belts, shoes, ties, satchels, purses or clutches, and briefcases or business folders.

Event organizers say 50 to 100 individuals and businesses donate throughout the year. Donations may be dropped off at the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success in SUB, Room 177, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 406-994-4353.

For more information about the Bobcat Career Closet, visit montana.edu/aycss/careers/events/career-fair/bobcat-career-closet.html.