Welcome to CareerThreads, Rutgers University – Newark’s boutique career closet, where we provide students with access to professional attire at no cost, supporting their career readiness by ensuring they are equipped for interviews, internships, and other career-related opportunities.
Our mission is to reduce barriers to career success by offering a wide variety of high-quality clothing and empowering students to achieve their professional goals with confidence and style. Whether you’re preparing for a job interview or your first day at work, we’re here to help you look and feel your best!
If you are an actively enrolled student at Rutgers University – Newark, you can schedule a CareerThreads appointment through Rutgers Newark Handshake. Each appointment lasts 30 minutes. Please ensure that you arrive on time, as appointments will be canceled if you are more than 10 minutes late, and you will need to reschedule.
Students can take up to five (5) clothing items from CareerThreads per semester, with a maximum of ten (10) items per academic year. The Office of Career Resources and Exploration also hosts pop-up shop events throughout the semester, where students are welcome to browse and select items, even if they have reached their semester limit.
Please note: Only one student is allowed in the store at a time, and no additional guests are permitted.
For any additional questions, please contact us at careerthreads@newark.rutgers.edu.
Location
CareerThreads is located within the Office of Career Resources and Exploration’s Career Coaching Suite on the First Floor of Engelhard Hall.
Address: 190 University Avenue Suite 115G
Hours of Operation
The CareerThreads storefront is by appointment only Monday – Thursday. We conduct inventory on Fridays and do not accept appointments on this day.
CareerThreads equips Rutgers-Newark students with the professional attire and confidence needed for success in their careers. This initiative is made possible through the generous support of our campus and community partners, including alumni, faculty, parents, employer partners, and members of the Newark community. We welcome contributions as we continue to grow and enhance CareerThreads.
For donations of six or more items, we kindly request that donors schedule an appointment. Please contact us at careerthreads@newark.rutgers.edu to arrange a drop-off.
Amazon Wishlist
Want to support CareerThreads but don’t have clothing to donate? You can still help! We’ve curated a selection of professional attire and other items to enhance the inventory available for students, making it easy for you to contribute. On the CRE CareerThreads Amazon Wishlist, you choose and buy the items, and they will be shipped directly to the Office of Career Resources and Exploration!
Monetary Gifts
In addition to donating new or gently used professional clothing items, you may also make a financial gift to the Career Closet by clicking HERE. Please specify “Career Resources and Exploration, CareerThreads Career Closet” in the Fund Name section to properly designate your funds.
Donations We Are Seeking
Interested in donating professional attire to CareerThreads? We’d love your support! By donating professional clothing and accessories, you’re helping Rutgers University-Newark students feel confident and prepared for interviews, internships, and their first steps into their careers. Every donation—whether it’s a blazer, a pair of shoes, or a tie—makes a big impact and helps remove barriers to success. Together, we can empower our students to step into their future with confidence and style!
CareerThreads accepts donations year round! See below for the types of items we are currently seeking.
Professional Attire
Help students dress for success! Your donation of professional clothing attire can make a world of difference for students preparing to step into their career.
All-Gendered Items
- Blazers (solid colors or subtle patterns)
- Dress shirts (button-downs, solid or conservative patterns)
- Professional slacks (neutral colors like black, navy, gray, beige)
- Professional skirts (knee-length or longer, neutral colors)
- Sweaters and cardigans (solid colors, business-appropriate styles)
Feminine Presenting Items
- Blouses (neutral tones or subtle prints)
- Professional suits (pantsuits or skirt suits)
Masculine Presenting Items
- Ties (solid or professional patterns)
- Suits (two- or three-piece suits in neutral tones)
Accessories
It’s the little details that complete the look! Donate accessories to help students feel confident and polished.
- Belts (black, brown, and neutral tones)
- Scarves (professional and lightweight styles)
- Briefcases and professional bags (neutral or professional colors)
- Professional shoes:
- Flats, heels, and loafers for women
- Oxfords, loafers, or dress shoes for men
- Jewelry (minimalist styles suitable for interviews)
Outerwear and Specialty Items
From first impressions to functional style, outerwear and specialty items keep professionals ready for any weather or occasion.
- Professional coats and jackets (e.g., trench coats, wool coats in neutral tones)
- Hosiery (unopened and new)
- Professional head coverings (e.g., hijabs, scarves, or caps for cultural or religious purposes)
- New socks (neutral colors for business wear)
CareerThreads Donation Policies
Clean and “Gently-Loved” (Used): All items must be free from stains, rips, and odors.
Good Condition: Items should be free from significant wear, including fading, stretching, or pilling.
Current Styles: Please donate items in style within the last 3-5 years to ensure they are professional and appropriate for the current workplace environment.
We also accept monetary donations.
Items that are torn, excessively worn, or damaged.
Casual clothing (e.g., jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops)
Items with visible logos or excessive branding.
Items that require extensive cleaning, repairs, or alterations
Unprofessional or inappropriate attire
Drop-Off: We accept donation drop-offs on Fridays between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Donations can be dropped off at the Office of Career Resources and Exploration located in Engelhard Hall, Suite 115 at 190 University Avenue, Newark, NJ, 07102.
Appointment for Large Donations: If you have a large donation, please contact us by email at careerthreads@newark.rutgers.edu in advance to schedule a drop-off appointment.
Eco-Friendly: We encourage donations of items that are gently used, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Giving Back: Your donations help give Rutgers-Newark students professional attire at no cost, supporting career readiness, success, and overall confidence.
Seasonal Donations: Please donate seasonally appropriate clothing. During the colder months, winter coats and outerwear are in higher demand and very much appreciated!
Gender-Neutral and Inclusive Attire: We welcome and encourage donations of gender-neutral professional clothing and accessories to support all identities.
