Professional Development
School of Public Information and Policy, SPIA, Virginia Tech National Capital Region, Alexandria, VA, graduate students, classroom, professor and students
We provide a range of events and activities designed to help our graduate students prepare, connect, succeed and stand out as they pursue their degree, and later, professional goals. The Graduate School partners with other university departments to offer scholarly and extracurricular activities based on the Transformative Graduate Education initiative.
Our offerings emphasize the use of innovative technologies, a commitment to excellence through diversity and inclusivity, active civic engagement, and support for interdisciplinary research and education.
Follow the weekly emails posted by the Graduate School year-round on Mondays for information, dates and times of events and activities designed specifically for you.
Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development (CPD) provides assistance through all stages of career exploration and preparation. CPD partners with the Graduate School to offer weekly walk-in career advising sessions in the GLC, and a series of workshops and seminars to help you hone skills you need for the job you want.
Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL)
CIRTL at Virginia Tech offers professional development opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral associates seeking to gain teaching-related knowledge and skills for educational environments as well as work-based contexts for which such skills are used.
Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)
Often referred to as internship, co-op provides opportunities for students to obtain professional employment experience as part of their academic programs.
GPSS Research Symposium and Exposition
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate sponsors this annual opportunity for graduate and advanced undergraduate students to showcase their scholarly pursuit and achievements. Held during Graduate Education Week each spring, it offers an opportunity to present your work to other participants, faculty members, research entities and attendees.
Networked Learning Initiatives
Specialized courses and consultations are offered to help participants explore technology-enhanced active learning across disciplines.
Professional Development Seminars and Workshops
We host a variety of workshops and seminars designed to provide graduate students with tools for success in their career pursuits. Visit the Graduate School's calendar for upcoming events, or contact Graduate Student Services (grads@vt.edu) to suggest topics for new workshops.
Research and Travel Fund Programs through the Graduate and Professional Student Sentate
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate helps graduate students with research and academic travel expenses through two funding programs that are managed in multiple cycles annually.
Writing Center
Regardless of your field, writing will be a key means of communications. The Writing Center at Newman Library offers free assistance to graduate students, and helps facilitate Graduate Student Writing Groups. The Writing Center holds sessions in the GLC during fall and spring semesters. Watch the GLC Weekly listserv for dates and times.