Photo Courtesy of Ashley Snyder
The vibe is industrial, with wood and wrought iron accents, like a specialty store you might find in downtown Louisville or New Albany. Beyond the racks of clothing are accessories like jewelry, ties, and even makeup products. What started out as a “career closet” at Ivy Tech Sellersburg has now blossomed into a modernized and welcoming space designed to help students take the next step toward their careers.
This is Ivy Threads, a new on-campus boutique, opening August 28, 2024, that helps students find the professional clothing they need to ace that interview, land that job, and successfully transition from the academic world to the professional one. The creation of the career development department known as Ivy+ Career Link, Ivy Threads is another way the Sellersburg campus is helping its students get "career-ready" by preparing them for life outside the classroom.
"We used to have a small closet on campus where we had a batch of donations, and if students needed something, we would look around to find them something. But we felt like our students deserved a lot more," said Ashley Snyder, Director of Ivy+ Career Link at Ivy Tech Sellersburg.
"Our student population is hard-working, busy, and nontraditional. They might be parents focused on their children or just managing life's challenges, so we felt they deserved better. We're working to remove the stigma of receiving free clothing, so we have created a beautiful space for our students to obtain gently used professional clothing. We even have coaches to help them shop for items."
Photo Courtesy of Ashley Snyder
Building Student Confidence
Ivy Threads was opened by Career Link in partnership with Ivy Cares, the wraparound student services department at Ivy Tech Sellersburg, which assists students with everything from emergency funds and food access to mental health and childcare. The boutique was funded by a grant from Circle of Ivy, a women's philanthropic group that supports on-campus initiatives for Ivy Tech Community College students.
Why are the right clothes necessary when an Ivy Tech Sellersburg student prepares to enter the workforce? "Professional clothing builds confidence. It might feel a little uncomfortable at first. However, once those students put on that professional clothing, they begin envisioning themselves in that professional role and ultimately feel confident in their career future," Snyder said.
"I think that's our number one mission, helping students build confidence as they enter their careers. It's nerve-wracking, but it also elevates you as a professional. People tend to take you more seriously when you show up prepared. We want our students to have that extra edge with their clothing and assist them in cultivating their personal brand."
Career coaches are available at Ivy Threads to help students shop for the right look that fits both their prospective employer and personal style. They can also support students in discerning what looks best—business casual or professional—and in preparing interview attire. There are plans to add tutorials on professional makeup. And one of the best parts is that students can keep the clothes and accessories for future use.
Beyond Ivy Threads, Ivy+ Career Link assists students with resume writing, interview preparation, and other areas that ensure they easily transition into the working world. "We want to help support students as they're getting ready to leave Ivy Tech and go into their careers," Snyder said. "We really want to prepare our students in all aspects so they're successful post-graduation."
From Ivy Tech to the Workplace
The clothes available at Ivy Threads are largely gently used items donated from the local community, local workplaces, or the Ivy Tech Sellersburg family. Some items, particularly men's clothing, are in short supply. Ivy Threads continues to work to find more donations or to raise funds to buy items they may struggle to find elsewhere.
"We work with local businesses to secure donations," Snyder said. "We have some great partners who have donated or are getting ready to donate, including suits or monetary support. Partnering with local businesses and the community allows us to provide particular items to students who might not be able to find them elsewhere."
Donations are welcome, especially from remote employees who may no longer need suits, blazers, or other office attire. There are success stories, like a recent one involving an Ivy Tech Sellersburg student who went on a tour set up by the school's talent connections manager and landed a job with Ford Motor Company.
Clothes, after all, can make a difference. "Whether it is Ivy Threads or the additional services through Ivy+ Career Link, this is the difference Ivy Tech Sellersburg makes. We help get students connected and employed," Snyder said.
Are you interested in donating gently used clothing or funds to Ivy Threads? Come to the grand opening on August 28th. The boutique will be open to the community. You can also visit the school's Ivy+ Career Link website or contact Director Ashley Snyder by phone at (812) 246-3301, extension 4209, or by email at asnyder168@ivytech.edu.
