Graduate School offers networking tool to help graduate students connect with jobs
Virginia Tech's Graduate School has subscribed to a new web-based resource aimed at helping graduate students considering careers outside academe.
Virginia Tech students can use Versatile PhD, which tailors tools and resources for each of its subscribers' students, faculty, and alumni. The site focuses on students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); humanities; and social science fields and offers help identifying and preparing for careers with companies, organizations and governments that value graduate degrees in those areas.
According to Versatile PhD officials, the resource website began as a free online listserv in 1999, originally aimed at doctoral students. The listserv grew into what became Versatile PhD and the site expanded to include information and tools for master’s degree and other graduate students as well. Company officials said the resource is invisible to search engines and user identities are not shared.
Students, faculty, and alumni with valid Virginia Tech (vt.edu) email accounts can reach the login page via this portal. At the site's login page, users can create a member account or sign into their existing accounts.
Available resources include sample resumes and cover letters and tips on converting curricula vitae into resumes, analysis and advice from professionals who earned doctorates, and a tutorial on the application and hiring process for those pursuing jobs outside academe.
The service offers narrative success stories, job search listings and opportunities to network with other Virginia Tech graduate students and alumni. There also are several discussion forums available to users.
