Six things students should know about Career Services
The Smith Career Center’s location at the intersection of West Campus Drive and Washington Street portrays its purpose: a place for students to discover the crossroads of their academic pursuits and their goals for life after Virginia Tech. Here are six things students should know about Career Services.
1. It’s about the journey, not about the job.
Career Services offers more than help with an internship or job search. It can also assist with:
- Advising appointments—in person, by phone, or through walk-in appointments at Smith Career Center and other locations on campus
- Developing self-knowledge through exploring self, majors, and careers. This will help you consider how interests, skills, values, and personality can mesh with career interests and options.
- Getting a copy of our Career Planning Guide
- Using online resources that are available to all Virginia Tech students
2. Come early and often.
The career development process starts long before the job search. Come see us for assistance with:
- Reviewing resumes, cover letters, and personal statements
- Exploring career resources and programs designed to help you succeed in your career goals
- Learning about opportunities to hone skills to be successful as a professional
- Creating internship and/or job search strategies
- Applying for graduate or professional school
3. We’re here to help you explore, experience, and achieve.
- Consider shadowing professionals in your chosen field
- Put your plan for your future to work
4. Do you have career questions?
We can point you to all sorts of answers, including:
- Deciding on a different major
- Researching careers in your current major
- Answering the “salary expectation question” in your next interview
- And so much more!
5. Experience matters.
- We can help you research the many ways to get career-related experience before you complete your degree requirements.
- Wishing they had more experience is the number one regret graduates with bachelor’s degrees share with us in our Post-Graduation Report.
6. We care.
Our goal is to guide, support, and educate you on your career journey. Your success is important to us—that is why we are here, so come see us.
Written by Holly Paulette.
