Students find professional image with Dress for Success

For more than two years, Baylor College of Medicine’s Career Development Center has partnered with Dress for Success to better prepare students for the workplace with professional wear.

This spring, several students in the one-year Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences and Health Equity program (BSHEq) were fitted for suits in what was, for many of them, their first styling experience.

In nearly 30 years, Dress for Success Houston has worked to empower women in achieving economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools. By partnering with 140 nonprofit agencies, community groups and colleges, as well as working with individuals through a self-referral process, the organization offers one-on-one attention from a personal shopper to select a complete interview outfit.

In Houston, men find help with suit fitting and styling at Career Gear, a nonprofit organization established in 2004 to address a gap in resources for men who are going to job interviews and seeking career opportunities. Four BSHeq students were fitted for suits at Career Gear to dress for a Career Development Center job fair at main Baylor.

BSHEq helps students who have earned a bachelor degree prepare for the medical school application process, said Dr. Caitlin Deis, career services associate. With additional certifications under their belt, students may feel more prepared and competitive as they start the medical school process, she added.

Part of that process is the medical school interview, she said, and professional wear plays an important role. Dress for Success provided each student with a suit, a top (blouse), shoes, a handbag and a set of pearls.

“The sheer confidence gained from wearing a suit is a big component of being job interview-ready,” Deis said. “We offer workshops on interviewing, and mental preparation is a big factor, but this is physical preparation.”

Dress for Success Houston, as well as Career Gear Houston, are local resources are available to all enrolled Baylor College of Medicine students and trainees. Those interested in learning more may reach out to Dr. Caitlin Deis at caitlin.deis@bcm.edu.

Three BSHEq students – Madlene Lewis, Judyth Magana and Mitzy Mendoza – shared their Dress for Success experiences with BCM Family.

Madlene Lewis, Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences and Health Equity program

Q: Why did you want to participate in this year’s Dress for Success event? 

A: I saw this as an opportunity I couldn’t pass up and not just for the clothes, but for the cause. I truly admire what Dress for Success stands for. The way they uplift women, prepare us for the workforce and remind us that we’re worthy of success even in moments of discouragement – that’s  powerful. They help us see that what we didn’t have before, what we now do have and that we’re not alone in the journey. I also love that the support doesn’t stop once you land the job, but they want to stay in touch and keep cheering you on. That kind of ongoing encouragement is rare and deeply appreciated.

Judyth Magana, Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences and Health Equity and communications chair, Hispanic Women in Science (HWIS)

Q: In today’s world, how important is professional wear for physicians or other healthcare workers?

A: I believe professional wear is very important for physicians and healthcare workers. While there’s often a standard uniform in clinical settings, professional attire allows individuals to express a bit of their personality while still maintaining a polished and respectful appearance. It helps build trust with patients and conveys a sense of professionalism and confidence.

Mitzy Mendoza, Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences and Health Equity and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Q: Why did you want to participate in this year’s Dress for Success event?

A: I participated in this year’s Dress for Success because Dr. Deis and the Career Development Center extended an opportunity to BSHEq post-baccalaureate students. The post-bacc program consists of workshops to prepare us for the application process for medical school. Part of those sessions involves career development services, such as resume / CV support, interview practice, etc.

By Julie Garcia

Want to help students in their quest to dress professionally? Dress for Success has many opportunities to volunteer, become an advocate or donate to the cause.