MyCareerCloset
in the Real World

MCC Case Study at the University of Virginia

Cavalier Career Closet at UVA

A MyCareerCloset Success Story

The Challenge
At the University of Virginia, students expressed a clear need for professional attire but faced barriers: limited shopping options, lack of knowledge about professional dress codes, and financial constraints. The existing donation-based closet couldn't meet sizing and style needs for every student.

The Solution
In August 2025, UVA Student Council President Clay Dickerson launched the Cavalier Career Closet in partnership with MyCareerCloset. The program provides students with professionally styled, custom-fit business attire at no cost.

 
Investment: $20,000 for 140 vouchers (one-year pilot)

Results
Just 3.5 months later, the Career Closet was already a success; supported by Student Council and the Career Center:

  • Served 170 students in need of professional outfits

  • 100% of the vouchers were utilized within 90 days of launch

  • 593 students expressed initial interest even before the launch

  • 53% of them immediately redeemed their vouchers for events such as career fairs, interviews, and networking events (versus 37% national average)

  • The popularity of the closet had led to it being funded and approved by the University of Virginia until 2031 (click here).

  • The Career Closet now features prominently in the Career Center’s readiness program, and with Basic Needs 

Student Story: Troy Chesser

Troy, a UVA senior, was deep in the medical school application process. He had interviews lined up at multiple schools but didn't own professional attire suitable for the high-stakes settings.

Through the Student Council, Troy connected with a MyCareerCloset stylist, received interview outfits, and showed up to his interviews feeling confident and prepared. Troy was accepted to four medical schools and is now choosing where to attend.

Building a Community-Backed Career Resource

Engagement with the community: 

  1. Student Government Leadership: Student Council championed the initiative, building peer-to-peer awareness and trust. The Career Closet has become a mainstay for the student council and career center - approved until 2031.

  2. Career Center Partnership: The UVA Career Center, led by Michelle Ball (Director of Career Communities), provided institutional backing and long-term sustainability planning. Director Christian Garcia brought experience from a similar program at the University of Miami.

  3. First generation and Limited-Income Focus: Collaboration with the Hoos First Center (UVA's hub for first-gen and limited-income students) ensured the resource reached students with the greatest need.

Media Coverage

- Cavalier Daily: "Student Council Launches Cavalier Career Closet"

- UVA News: "5 Tips to Make the Most of a Career Fair"

- Cavalier Daily: "Student Council Passes Resolution to Support Beardsley

TESTIMONIALS

  • “Good experiences with the stylists, beautiful clothes, high quality brands, two full outfits are offered and there are ample professional clothing options.”

    Hegi Family Career Development Center
    - Southern Methodist University

  • “The career closet been great for the office, and weekends…I’ve never received so many complements.”

    Rachel, American University

  • “We are thrilled to be the first university to partner with Hyde. This collaboration not only provides students with access to more affordable, sustainable clothing options, but aligns with the Toppel Career Center’s commitment to fostering opportunities for more equitable and inclusive offerings on campus.”

    TOPPEL CENTER - UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

IN THE MEDIA

  • "A degree is expensive enough without having to shell out hundreds of dollars for a professional wardrobe when it comes time to find a job.”

    Click here

  • "Professional-Services firms ….have had to tell some young workers what type of clothes are appropriate for client-site visits.”

    Click here

  • "The average human formulates their first impression of someone in 33 to 100 milliseconds."

    Click here.

  • "You’re sending a message about where you position yourself and what you aspire to..."

    Click here