Bobcat Career Closet opens to provide free professional clothing to MSU students

For MSU students preparing for a job interview or career fair, finding something to wear is now one less thing to worry about.

The Bobcat Career Closet, located in Room 134 of the Strand Union Building (SUB), provides currently enrolled students with free professional and business-casual clothing. The student-run closet allows students to select up to two complete outfits per semester at no cost.

The closet is a new chapter for a program that previously operated as a limited, once-a-semester event. Before the permanent storefront opened, students could only shop the available clothing during a few hours scheduled ahead of each career fair in the SUB ballrooms.

Elizabeth Feary, director of MSU Career Services, said the previous format could serve hundreds of students, but required them to attend during a specific window which did not fit into most students' schedules.

The move into the SUB allowed Career Services to turn the program into a permanent resource.

“This is for students, by students, all about the students,” Feary said.

The closet is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins welcome. Students can browse different types of professional attire. Inventory may vary depending on donations that are received and processed.

According to Feary, donations come from residents throughout the Gallatin Valley and surrounding communities.

Feary said some donors have personal connections to MSU, while others simply want to support students entering the workforce.

According to Feary, one donor planned to travel from Wyoming to donate suits belonging to her father, who had taught at MSU and recently passed.

The closet focuses on professional clothing rather than general secondhand apparel. That includes clothing students might use for any professional event.

For Ruby Bancroft, one of the student associates helping lead the closet, the program goes beyond simply providing clothing.

Bancroft initially applied for the position because of her previous retail experience and a desire to gain skills related to business. However, the appeal is also the closet's mission.

“I just really liked the concept of it,” Bancroft said. “Getting students the opportunity to get some clothes that they were confident in.”

Bancroft said she began working at 14 and did not have access to resources like the Career Closet. She wanted to help prevent other students from being in the same position.

The closet's student associates are also responsible for helping operate what is essentially a new retail space, giving them experience in areas such as operations, marketing, and customer service.

The program’s startup phase began in the summer of 2026. Student associate Ian Dugan supported the development of human resources and operational processes, as well as marketing and storefront design. Former ASMSU Senator Nathan Heiland and former ASMSU Chief Justice Emma Forster also contributed to the program’s initial development and implementation. 

This academic year, Bancroft and fellow student associate Camdyn Waterman have taken leadership roles in daily operations and preparations for the store's opening.

The student associates are supported by an advisory board made up of volunteer retail professionals from Meridian Boutique, Owenhouse ACE Hardware, Foundant and MSU Career Services. 

Halley Perry, assistant director of Industry and Employer Relations at Career Services, supervised and mentored the student associates throughout the startup process. 

Feary said the program's significance is ultimately measured by the students who use it. With this program, a student who walks into the closet without professional clothing can leave with an outfit for an interview or career fair without having to spend money on a new wardrobe.

“When a student walks into the Bobcat Career Closet, we want them to know they're in a welcoming, judgment-free space where anyone can find support,” Feary said. “You don't need to pull out your wallet. Whether it's a single piece or a full outfit, you can find something that helps you feel more confident for an interview, a career fair, or your first day on the job. It's amazing what a little extra confidence can do.” 

The program's first year as a permanent storefront will also help determine what comes next. According to Feary, the team plans to spend the first year evaluating demand, inventory and operations before considering additional partnerships or expansion.

Bancroft said she hopes the closet eventually reaches more students and potentially moves into a larger or more visible location.

For now, the goal is straightforward: make sure students know the resource exists.

“I definitely think the future of the closet will continue,” Feary said. “I have no doubt about that.” 

The Bobcat Career Closet is located in the SUB near the MSU Bookstore and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All currently enrolled MSU students can use the closet at no cost. 

To learn more, visit https://www.montana.edu/studentsuccess/careers/career-ready/bobcat-career-closet.html.