‘home’ – items like, kettles, bedding, toasters and academic stationery.
In response, the closet transformed from the Career Closet to the Walk-In Closet. It is hoped that the Walk-In Closet can be a vibrant space, where students can get casual wear for daily life, academic supplies and even small appliances to support their well-being and success. The Walk-In Closet should reflect the lived UJ-student experience, helping ease financial strain and foster academic resilience. How It Works The process of accessing the Walk-In Closet is simple yet effective. Students can visit designated PsyCaD offices on campus and schedule an appointment to browse available clothing options. A Social Worker assists students in selecting outfits that align with their specific professional and personal needs, ensuring they feel confident and comfortable in their attire. The Role of Donors and Corporate Partners The success of the Walk-In Closet depends largely on the generosity of donors. PsyCaD actively encourages UJ alumni, staff members, and external stakeholders to contribute gently used, student-friendly or new professional attire. In addition to clothing donations, financial contributions help maintain the initiative, ensuring that garments are cleaned, repaired, and updated regularly. By inviting the university community and beyond to participate in the Closet, we create a collaborative effort that embodies the spirit of support and mentorship that UJ is known for. Corporate partners have also played a pivotal role in supporting the Walk-In Closet. Companies often sponsor clothing drives, provide brand-new professional wear, or offer styling workshops to help students understand workplace dress codes. These collaborations enhance the programme’s sustainability while strengthening ties between the University and industry partners. Beyond Clothing: A Confidence Boost The impact of the Walk-In Closet extends beyond clothing – it is about fostering confidence and professional preparedness. When students dress the part, they exude self-assurance, which can be a game-changer in high-stakes situations like interviews and networking events. PsyCaD complements this initiative with career coaching, CV writing workshops, and mock interview sessions, ensuring students are fully equipped for their career journey. Many students who have accessed the Career Closet share stories of how it transformed their job search experience. “Walking into my first job interview in a well-fitted suit made all the difference,” says Thabo, a final-year engineering student. “I felt like I belonged in that space, and I truly believe it helped me secure my internship.”
THE SUCCESS OF THE WALK-IN CLOSET DEPENDS LARGELY ON THE GENEROSITY OF DONORS. PSYCAD ACTIVELY ENCOURAGES UJ ALUMNI, STAFF MEMBERS, AND EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS TO CONTRIBUTE GENTLY USED, STUDENT-FRIENDLY OR NEW PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE.
How You Can Contribute The Walk-In Closet thrives on collective effort, and there are several ways for the UJ community to get involved: • Donate clothing : If you have gently used casual wear and or professional attire that you no longer need, consider donating it to help a fellow student succeed. • Financial contributions : Monetary donations help • Daily essentials : Items of daily living particularly for first-year students moving into residences as well as essential academic material. • Volunteer : Assist with organising clothing, hosting styling sessions, or mentoring students on workplace etiquette. PsyCaD’ s Walk-In Closet is more than just a clothing maintain and expand the initiative, ensuring continuous support for students in need. initiative; it is a steppingstone to personal and professional success for UJ students. By breaking down financial barriers and fostering confidence, this programme empowers students to walk into their next career opportunity dressed for success. As the initiative continues to grow, it reaffirms UJ’s commitment to student development, career readiness, and community support. When we meet students’ basic need, we open doors to their greatest potential. For more information on how to access the Walk-In Closet or contribute to its success, visit the PsyCaD offices or send an email to psychservices@uj.ac.za. Together, we can ensure that every UJ student is equipped not just with knowledge, but feel valued, confident, and ready as they prepare to enter the professional realm – one well-dressed step at a time.
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 13
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online