Unlock Your Future with Graduate School - An Infographic

Applying to graduate school has been a big topic of discussion in our house for the past month or so. My daughter, Maggie, a rising senior at Virginia Tech, is gearing up for her applications to master's programs in history or education, and one of my best friend's daughters, Cara a senior at Clemson, is preparing for her vet school applications. Thanks to Maggie and Cara, I got the inspiration for the infographic below. Let us know in Career Services if you have other questions about applying to graduate or professional school, and go get 'em, Maggie and Cara!

Job Search MAD LIBS: 5 You May Need

Several times as I met with students this past year, they wanted to hear a recommended script for a phone call they were preparing to have with an employer. To help you prepare for conversations related to your job search, here are 5 different Job Search Mad Libs.

A few weeks after you apply online or via email, be sure to follow up with an employer. Why? It shows you're genuinely interested and have initiative and it gets your name in front of them.

Mad Lib for follow up after initial application: 
Opening: Hi, this is First Name Last Name. I applied online a couple of weeks ago and am calling to check on the status of my application for the Title of position.
Questions: Do you have all the information you need to consider me for an interview? What is the timeline for this position? When should I check back with you?
Close: Thank you so much for answering my questions. I'm excited about this opportunity at company name and look forward to learning more about the position in an interview.

As you interview, ask an employer what the next step is and when you can expect to hear back from the organization. If the date they stated to you passes, then give the employer a call to see where you stand.

Mad Lib for follow up after interview: 
Opening: Hi, this is First Name Last Name. I interviewed for the position of position title a couple of weeks ago and am calling to follow up.
Questions: Do you need any other information to consider me for this position? When do you expect to have a decision? When should I check back with you?
Close: Thank you so much for answering my questions. I'm excited about this opportunity at company name and look forward to hearing from you.

During your job search, you may receive an offer with a deadline for a response before you have heard back from other companies where you are interviewing. You may need to ask for an extension on the offer deadline.

Mad Lib for asking for an extension on an offer deadline:
Opening: Hi, this is First Name Last Name. Thank you for your recent offer of position title at company name. I am excited about the opportunity in terms of my job duties and location, and I very much appreciate your confidence in offering me the job.
Request: You asked that I make a decision by next week on deadline date. This is an important decision, and unfortunately I do not have all the information I need in order to make this decision by that date, as I have had several other interviews I am waiting to hear back from. As a result, I am asking you to consider a time period extension of my deadline to proposed date. I would very much appreciate such an extension, and assure you that I will be able to make a firm decision by that date.
Close: Thank you very much for considering my request. I will follow up this phone request in writing via email.

If you have several offers and must decline one, be sure to call the recruiter or manager before emailing them that you are declining their offer. And, do not leave a voice mail message stating you decline an employer's offer. Rather, you need to have a conversation to let the employer know.

Mad Lib for declining an offer:
Opening: Hi, this is First Name Last Name . Thank you very much for your telephone call and letter offering me the position of Position Title with Organization Name.
Request: While I believe firmly in the mission of your organization and appreciate the challenging opportunity you offer, I have another offer which more closely aligns with my current career goals and interests. Therefore, although it was a difficult decision, I must decline your offer.  I will follow up this phone call with an email.
Close: I do appreciate all the courtesy and hospitality extended to me by your office, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors. Again, thank you for the offer.

When you are ready to accept an offer, call an employer before you accept in writing, but you do want to follow up your phone conversation and put your acceptance in writing.

Mad Lib for accepting an offer:

Opening: Hi, this is First Name Last Name. Thank you for your offer of employment as a Position Title at Company and Location. I am delighted to accept your offer and look forward to beginning work with Company Name. 

Request: You indicated that I will be receiving a salary of $Amount per year, and will have initial duties reporting to Supervisor Name.  As your offer stated, I will begin work on Month, Day.  After relocating to the area, I will call you to see what information or materials I may need before Month, Day. In the meantime, please let me know if I can provide you with any information. I will follow up this verbal acceptance with my acceptance in writing.

Close: Again, thank you for offering me this exciting opportunity. I look forward to beginning my career with you after graduation.

Still have questions about a conversation you need to have with an employer? One of our Career Advisors can help. To make an appointment, call 540-231-6241 (we can meet by phone as well as in person). Or email us your questions. Let us help you navigate these important conversations you have with employers.

Summer in Blacksburg: What to Do?

Wondering about things to do if you're staying in Blacksburg for the first time this summer? The town is so different without the majority of your classmates around, so here are 5 recommendations:

Go tubing on the New River McCoy is a short, pretty drive away where you can rent tubes at New River Junction  if you don't have your own. They even have a bus shuttle service. Great place to cool off and enjoy the view from one of the oldest rivers in the world.

Get wet. If you would prefer to swim on a lake or at an outdoor pool rather than the indoor ones on campus, there are several spots you can visit: Claytor Lake State Park, The Frog Pond, Randolph Park (the lake and Randolph Park are about a 30 minute drive away).

Play golf. Whether it's putt-putt golf at Cox's Putt-A-Round or 18 holes at The Hill, Auburn Hills, or other local courses, there are some nice courses in the area, in addition to VT's The River Course and on-campus course.

Take a hike. Easy hikes/walks: Pandapas Pond or Falls Ridge.  The Cascades is one of my favorite local hikes and you can cool off swimming below the falls after you reach them. Several years ago, I hiked with my son to the top of Buffalo Mountain on July 4. Great view!

Jam to some music. Every Friday night in Floyd, VA, you can listen to blue grass music at the Floyd Country Store's Friday Night Jamboree. Or if you would rather stay in Blacksburg, head downtown for the Market Square Jam or Friday Night Out Concert series. Chateau Morrisette, a local winery, holds music festivals periodically. And, if you want a whole weekend of music, head to FloydFest in July.

An extra tip: Restaurant Week is coming up in Blacksburg! June 15 - 21.

What's your favorite thing to do around Blacksburg in the summer? Let us know other tips we can share.