Questions about an offer? Show me the MONEY! An infographic

Deciding on a offer? Ready to call and say YES?! 

Wondering what Hokies get paid? 

Check out our new infographic sharing tips for handling offers and data from our Post-Graduation Report based on an annual survey of Virginia Tech undergraduates and from the National Association of Colleges and Employers: Show Me the MONEY!

If you have more questions about an offer, come see us in Career Services!

Bloom for the 32, Hokie Nation

For all of us in the Hokie Nation, this verse has deeper meaning because for many of us, these words bring to mind that terrible day, April 16, 2007, when 32 members of the Hokie Nation lost their lives on our campus. And yet, here in this sleepy little college town in the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia, just as the Bradford Pear, Dogwood and Crab Apple trees start to bud, in April, the Hokie Spirit blooms on this campus even more than it used to before that dark day eight years ago.

We bloom with the Big Event.

We bloom with the 3.2 Mile Run in Remembrance.

We bloom with the International Street Fair.

We bloom with Spring Family Weekend.

We bloom with the Maroon-Orange Spring Football Game.

We bloom with the Relay for Life.

We bloom with Open Houses and Hokie Focus where more young minds are invited to come Invent the Future with us and join the Hokie Nation.

You see, April is a busy month for us, for we have a greater purpose to make our university motto, Ut Prosim, That I May Serve, a part of our daily lives. We’re not just living for ourselves. We pursue our purpose and drive to serve others for the 32 who had that purpose and drive taken away forever.

Be cruel, no more, April.

Spring is here. 

The Hokie Nation is positively blooming.

Mind the Gap, as in Your Gap Year!

Mind the Gap. I used to see this sign quite a bit as I waited for a ride on the Underground (subway) when I studied abroad in England. The recording of a woman with a British accent warning, "Mind the gap," still runs through my head when I think of that saying. For you, though, this may mean something different if you are thinking about a Gap Year before pursuing an advanced degree.

Why a Gap Year makes sense? (or cents?!!)

Make the time to find a position related to what you want to study in the future. Thinking of applying to medical or vet school but feel you need added clinical experience? Use this year to gain more experience and test out the field you're considering. Actually, some advanced degree programs, like MBAs, require that you have several years of experience before you apply.

Maybe you're like me - when I graduated, I was so ready to take a break from writing papers and researching assigned topics. I was done spending my time in the library or typing away on a paper. And if you take a Gap Year, there is an added bonus: NO HOMEWORK!

Use this time to save some money to apply toward your future education. Many graduate or professional schools have extremely high price tags, so making some cash before you take on that financial commitment is a smart plan. It does "make cents," doesn't it?

During your Gap Year, you might find an employer who supports your advanced study, meaning a Gap Year may not even be needed. You can keep right on working as you pursue your degree with your current employer paying for it (depending on what you're studying).

In this year, you have time to learn more about yourself and the world of work if you're unsure what you want to study. A Gap Year gives you more time to do research on programs, interview various professionals, and prepare for the application process, some of which are very rigorous and competitive.

Not happy with your LSAT score for law school? You can work to improve your scores on entrance tests. I took the LSAT and applied to law schools after taking more than one Gap Year. Neither my score nor my barely cum laude GPA were high enough for the law schools where I applied, so after more thought and planning about my future, I took the GMAT and applied to MBA programs, which worked out.

Still another way to spend this 12 months is to use this time to live and travel in a different part of the world. There are organizations that offer international internships or if your English speaking skills are strong, you could pursue teaching English as a Second Language or working for some sort of service program. The Global Education Office has helpful links for you to research these kinds of opportunities while Career Services provides you access to over 40 Country Guides with GoinGlobal.

Embrace Ut Prosim spending a Gap Year (or two) before pursuit of an advanced degree by working for AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, or Teach For America. Bonus: after you honor your commitment, these organizations assist you financially in your pursuit of additional education.

Those are just some of the advantages of taking a break from higher education after completing your bachelor's degree. Be sure you use your time wisely during your Gap Year. Seek out assistance from Career Services whether you're deciding on the direction you will take during your break from school, or you need help with your applications to graduate or professional schools. If you decide to take a Gap Year, we're here to help you "Mind the Gap."

It's April Fool's Day, but don't be a fool forever

I was that person. You know, the one in your classes, who is too scared to ask a question or share an opinion. I was afraid of being wrong or looking stupid. They say with age, comes wisdom, and I'm definitely old enough to know how dumb I was then because I didn't raise my hand when I didn't understand or had a comment to share. The quote in the picture above hangs in my office as reminder to me to ask questions.

On this April Fool's Day, we don't want you to be a fool forever.  Below are 12 typical questions we often receive from students.

What are typical careers for a communication major? (or any other major)
Where can I go to get more information about what environmental engineers do? (or the occupation that interests you)
How can I answer the interview question, "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"
Is this where I take the "test?"

What is the difference between a co-op and internship position?
Where can I find a summer internship in Seattle? (or some other location of interest)
What are other ways I can get experience besides working in an internship?
Does leadership experience count with employers or graduate programs?

What is the best format to use for my resume? (hint: there is not one right answer!)
Where can I get help with practicing for an interview?
What is the timeline to follow for my graduate school applications?
What kind of help do you provide as I apply to medical schools?

Which one of these questions do you want to ask? We have answers for these questions and more! You just need to take that first step and come see us for advising, available at these times and locations.

What questions do you have about your future plans? Career Services advisors can assist you. 

Let us help you reach the next step of the journey to your career.