Professional roles in Student Affairs offer students immersive learning opportunities

In the spirit of its mission to promote student learning and growth, Student Affairs offers work and internship positions for students. Through these opportunities, students advance their professional development through work experience as they serve fellow students. 

“Not only do you get experience, but you’re appreciated for what you’re doing,” said Ajax Lambert, a senior double majoring in sociology and criminology of her work as a senior student hiring administrator.

Student Affairs encompasses an array of departments and programs, each working to uplift the student experience and promote well-being through unique learning and growth opportunities. 

Student employment within Student Affairs reflects the university’s commitment to Virginia Tech Advantage. Through paid on-campus internships and working positions, Student Affairs works to enhance student’s access to resources that will help them succeed during and after their time as a student at Virginia Tech. 

The Campus internEXP program has been embraced across Student Affairs departments, allowing students to gain experience in the diversity of disciplines that characterize higher education. This spring, the 17 Student Affairs internships through Campus internEXP give students professional experience in health and safety promotion, programming and outreach, publishing, marketing, and more.   

“I’m really passionate about how our program hires paid internship opportunities to students in a way that is very accessible,” said Julia Ward, assistant director for professional development and experiential programs. “Students are participating in paid experiential learning opportunities while they’re already here, paying rent and taking classes, in a way that’s guided and supported through our program.”   

In tandem with the internship experience, the Campus internEXP course allows students to tailor their professional experiences and aspirations through assignments that promote reflection and growth.  

“Campus internEXP helped me to focus on advancing my professional goals,” said Madison Dawson, a senior majoring in English and political science student working as social media marketing intern for Student Affairs Communications. “Setting goals for myself and reporting on my progress has given me the accountability and drive to achieve levels of professionalism outside of my current internship experience.”  

Beyond Campus internEXP positions, Student Affairs departments provide students with additional work and learning opportunities that span a range of areas and disciplines, from health and nutrition to marketing and design.

Schiffert Health Center

For students interested in pursuing a career in health care after their time at Virginia Tech, Schiffert Health Center offer roles assisting in patient care and supporting operational functions. 

In the clinical assistant program, 15-17 students each semester fulfill paid patient-facing duties and earn clinical hours through their service. Preference is given to students with prior experience and credentials, such as personal care assistants or certified nursing assistants. 

Other roles include inventory management and applying phlebotomy certification training to assist in Schiffert’s laboratory.

Recreational Sports and the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise 

Recreational Sports employs about a thousand students each semester in immersive work and internship experiences. Student get hands-on learning and professional practice while advancing the Rec Sports mission to promote the well-being of the Virginia Tech community.

“The emphasis Rec Sports puts on well-being as a resource to aid productivity and mental health has greatly shaped how I work through my responsibilities,” said Andrew McKinnis, a junior majoring in hospitality and tourism management and program assistant for Sport Clubs. “This experience has shaped my personal growth and career readiness in ways I will take with me forever.”

Through positions in aquatics, Venture Out, gym facilities, fitness, marketing, and intramural sports, students take on professional responsibilities that build essential skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and communication, growing their confidence to excel in future careers.

"The biggest thing I've gained is experience with leadership," said Colin Durken, a student majoring in cybersecurity management and analytics and intramural supervisor for Rec Sports. "There's a big thing of 'everyone can be a manager, but not everyone can be a leader,’ and being able to practice that leadership has been very rewarding."

The collaborative work environment encourages students from across majors and backgrounds to exchange pespectives and foster connection and belonging.

“I've gotten to meet so many people that I may not have otherwise met, and I've gotten to learn so much from them," said Paige Netting, a public relations major, of her work as a leader in training and facilitator of portable initiatives.

In addition to traditional roles in Rec Sports, field study students in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise participate in specialized internships as athletic training assistants, special event interns, or fitness program interns. Through these hands-on learning opportunities, students explore their career fields and interests as they enhance their academic experience and career preparedness.

"I got to meet people, make money, and have fun," said Durken. "You can't go wrong with that."  

Dining Services 

Virginia Tech’s Dining Services is the largest single employer on campus, hiring students in service, operational, and administrative roles.  

Dining Services employs over 1700 student frontline staff and 241 students in managerial and training positions throughout 56 dining venues in nine dining centers. Flexible work schedules prioritize academic responsibilities and let students pursue leadership roles.  

“My entire time spent with Dining has been very ‘by the students, for the students’,” said Zach Topich, a senior majoring in corporate financial management and marketing management who works as a student general manager for Deet’s Place. “We have a ton of latitude to go about work by ourselves, getting lots of real-world experiences in leadership, individual motivation, and proactivity.”  

Over 20 student employees tailor their learning toward administrative career prospects through their responsibilities with Dining as student hiring administrators, student recruitment specialists, and interns in development, sustainability, graphic design, and dietetics.  

“I started as a student manager and wanted to get experience in another realm I felt would be applicable after college,” said Lambert of her transition from her work in West End Market to her current position as a student hiring administrator. “I applied, got the job, and have been doing it a little over a year – I love doing what I do.” 

Both Topich and Lambert said their time in Dining Services equipped them with interpersonal skills to flourish in prospective careers. Topich said the sense of cooperation and belonging with his team is a significant, rewarding aspect of his job.  

“When you come into Dining, you’re instantly part of something positive to the community” said Topich. “That’s something really special.”  

Work with Student Affairs  

Work opportunities across Student Affairs departments can be found on Handshake, offering students unique, flexible learning and work experiences.  

Campus internEXP applications for summer semester are open through April 2 on Handshake. Fall positions will open June 18 and close July 2.  

Written by Kyndall Hanson, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism and philosophy, politics, and economics