Information and Resources
Career and Professional Development is dedicated to supporting the unique career development needs of graduate students. Our mission is to empower you with resources, connections, and opportunities to thrive in your chosen career path. Whether you’re exploring career options, seeking internships, or preparing for your first job, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
For Virginia Tech graduate students seeking graduate assistantships or on-campus jobs, these are resources and guidance:
1. Contact individual departments and look on their websites or in departmental communications.
2. If the Virginia Tech Graduate School is made aware of opportunities, they will post them via: Graduate Life Center (GLC) weekly newsletter.
3. Handshake: There may be additional opportunities posted on Handshake.
To effectively plan your job search, start by reflecting on your future goals. Consider what you want to achieve in your work, the types of organizations that align with your goals, and your preferred location for living and working.
Engage with your faculty for advice on professional associations, conferences, and the reputations of institutions and individuals. Their insights can be invaluable, but also seek opinions from multiple sources to get a well-rounded perspective.
Networking is crucial. Attend and present at professional or academic conferences to expand your network and visibility. Connect with faculty, graduate student colleagues, and professionals in your field through various activities.
When you see a job announcement, it’s just the starting point. Research the institution and department to see if you fit their culture and mission. Apply for positions that seem like a good match and accept interviews to learn more about the environment and let the department understand your potential.
Search committees, usually made up of four to six members, review applications and narrow down candidates. Video/phone interviews are common initial steps. If you advance, campus interviews involve multiple meetings and presentations. Always clarify travel expense coverage and be prepared to negotiate job offers.
Teaching Philosophy Statements
Your statement of teaching philosophy should be deeply reflective in nature, and should be closely connected to the institution to which you are applying to teach.
Ask yourself the following before drafting:
- What pedagogical methods influence your teaching?
- What evidence do you have to support that your teaching is effective?
- How do you ensure a sense of belonging and inclusion in your classroom?
- Are there concrete examples that demonstrate your teaching philosophy?
To tailor your statement for each application, research the following before drafting:
- What are some keywords that stand out from the job description?
- What is the institution’s mission and how does that align with your teaching philosophy?
- Are there particular strategies or components to their academic experiences (i.e., emphasis on experiential learning)?
Resources for writing teaching philosophy statements:
Application Materials for the Faculty Job Search from the University of Pennsylvania
Writing a Teaching Philosophy Statement from Cornell
Teaching Philosophy Statements from the University of Michigan
Guide to writing a teaching statement from the University of Notre Dame
Guide to writing a teaching statement from University of Connecticut
Research Statement:
This document is an opportunity to not only reflect on your current and previous research, but also an important chance to speak to the future of your research interests.
Consider what your audience – the search committee – wants to learn about your accomplishments and goals related to research at the institution to which you are applying.
Your statement should be tailored for each academic institution by considering the following: potential faculty collaboration, grants for which you would apply, and how your research can positively impact that particular institution/department.
Resources for writing research statements:
Writing a Research Statement from Cornell
Application Materials for the Faculty Job Search from the University of Pennsylvania
Guide to writing a research statement from the University of Notre Dame
Guide to writing a research statement from the University of Connecticut
The job search for master’s and Ph.D. candidates in industry and government demands the same skills as for undergraduates, but with higher expectations for career focus and professionalism. For Ph.D.-level research roles, the process may resemble academic job searches. Many positions require a presentation during the interview, showcasing skills and knowledge developed during graduate studies.
