Academic and career resources

Hello Hokie families,

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know your students, spending time with them at Fall Family Weekend and around campus! As we prepare to wrap up the fall semester, students may find their coursework more challenging than they originally anticipated. Fall and winter break can also be a great time to search for internships and other opportunities that provide essential career experience. With these challenges and opportunities in mind, I wanted to share some important academic and career resources for your students.

Academic Resources

Virginia Tech offers numerous resources to support students through their college journey:

• Tutoring is available through departments or our online partner platform Knack, as well as individual and group tutoring. If your student is interested in in-person tutoring, they can secure sessions by signing up in advance.
• Peer academic coaching is available through the Student Success Center. Experience one-on-one mentoring to develop a personalized success plan and receive academic counseling.
• The Writing Center offers individual writing consultations and multilingual services.
• Our Dean of Students Office provides support to students by connecting them directly with resources such as absence verifications forms, assistance in crisis situations, and general support and advice. The Dean of Students Basic Needs resources are available to all students to reduce barriers and help students thrive, on and off campus.

Career Preparation

As students prepare for life after college, we encourage you to speak with your Hokie about opportunities that will ready them for their professional career. Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development (CPD) serves undergraduate and graduate students in multiple capacities:

• Using a destination-oriented approach, CPD offers sessions for those planning to attend graduate or professional schools, career coaching, and guidance on networking and interview preparation.
• CPD hosts many workshops, career fairs, and employer information sessions for students to explore academic majors and career pathways.
• Students interested in developing their personal brand can have professional headshots taken with Iris Photo Booth, as well as accessing free professional attire and accessories through Career Outfitters.

As the year comes to a close, I invite you to have a conversation about your student’s career or post-graduation plans. Here are some tips to start those conversations:

• Ask your student about their post-graduation plans. Are they considering a master’s program? Or are they hoping to enter the workforce following graduation? Not all students will have a concrete plan, and that’s okay! This can be a great opportunity to encourage your Hokie to connect with our professional staff and learn about their options.
• Gently remind your student about the benefits of networking, internships, co-ops, and other social opportunities. These experiences can propel students into entry-level roles, elevate their confidence in the workplace, and provide valuable mentorship.
• Discuss your student’s academic progress through questions like, “How’s your semester going?” or “Are there any courses this semester that you find particularly challenging?” Open-ended questions allow students to discuss academic challenges candidly. Suggest that your Hokie explores academic services for tutoring or peer coaching and schedule an appointment.

As always, our incredible staff is here to support you and your family. The Dean of Students Office provides comprehensive support services to students for personal or academic challenges. We are happy to connect you with the appropriate resources.

Let’s go, Hokies!