Full-time Jobs
Finding the right opportunity takes time, research, quality career documents, interviewing skills, organization and dedication. Luckily, VCU Career Services has a variety of resources to help in your search for that next opportunity — and dedicated career advisors who can guide you every step of the way.
It’s never too early to begin planning
An intentional and successful job search plan can take months to implement from the initial research phase to application to interviews to the job offer. Get a jump-start on your planning with the resources available to you through VCU Career Services.
Research career fields
Understanding how your interests, skills and experiences match with the variety of career fields out there is an important step in helping you target employers you’d like to work for and jobs you’d like to apply for.
Meet with your career advisor
Every student at VCU has a career advisor who can meet with you one-on-one to discuss your career goals and answer all your burning questions: When should I start my professional job search? Is it too early? Too late? How do I narrow my options? Where do I even begin?
- Handshake - Handshake is a comprehensive search tool to find jobs, internships, research opportunities, volunteer positions and more. Handshake is available to all VCU students and alumni for life.
- ConnectVA - ConnectVA provides information, resources and instant access to nonprofits, civic leaders, volunteers and others interested in improving Metro Richmond. The Job Finder is a great place to find local area jobs and internships focused on the nonprofit community.
- Indeed - Indeed, the most comprehensive search engine for jobs, allows you to search based on geographic preference and job type or title.
- VCU eJobs - VCU Human Resources’ database of on-campus jobs allows you to search for student-only jobs. Many of these positions are also listed on Handshake.
You don't stop learning once you get the job
If technical skills often lead to a foot in the door at an organization, then your professional skills are what open the majority of doors in the future. Your personal work ethic, attitude, communication skills, leadership ability, emotional intelligence and other attributes often weigh just as heavily as technical skills. Learning and growing as a professional is a lifelong process and with experience comes a richer understanding of how to blend professional skills with technical skills.
Passport to Professionalism
The Passport to Professionalism is a module-based course designed to teach basic professional skills such as communication, etiquette, and teamwork. This free resource can be completed independently or with a supervisor as a part of an internship.
The steps:
- Review the learning modules and decide which ones to complete as a part of your professional development.
- Complete the modules by either watching the videos or reading the in-depth guides for each topic.
- If applicable, complete the assignments with your supervisor based upon a schedule you agree on.
Courtesy of Willamette University
The #1 business skill
Every year employers are surveyed about what they seek in candidates for job openings and communication is consistently listed among the top three skills. This module introduces you to some best practices around professional communication.
Step 1 – Learn
Read the overview of best practices for conducting business on the phone.
Step 2 – Practice and analyze
Create a fun video of yourself telling a short story. Then you will look for communication patterns and habits that you can build on.
Begin module 1: Passport to professionalism - Module 1
Courtesy of Willamette University
It’s public record now
Writing is almost as important as verbal communication. Emails, documents, procedures, and marketing require you to craft appropriate communication at work.
Step 1 – Learn
Read about good business writing.
Step 2 – Practice
Make corrections and suggestions on some sample writing provided.
Begin Module 2: Written communication - Module 2
Courtesy of Willamette University
Etiquette at work
Just like following the rules of the road while driving, you need to learn the signposts and techniques for navigating expectations at work.
Step 1 – Learn
What are some of the most common faux pas at work? How can you learn the unwritten expectations and how to avoid unnecessary problems.
Step 2 – Check the checklist
Check your understanding of the concepts presented. Make an educated guess about your workplace’s etiquette and get a reality check.
Everyone keeps talking about customer service…
Employers have learned that customer service can make or break their business. You will explore how to better satisfy customers which enhances your boss’ brand and success.
Step 1 – Learn
Learn how to identify a customer’s “real” need, and explore creative ways to effectively deal with unhappy people.
Step 2 – Apply the case study
Give it a try – you learned about creating happy customers, now see how you might apply it to a real case.
Courtesy of Willamette University
The ubiquitous phone
The phone call is still the pillar of business communication in spite of the many communication options today. Be a phone call master to move your career forward.
Step 1 – Learn
Read the overview of best practices for conducting business on the phone.
Step 2 – Improve caller experience
Check your understanding of the concepts presented using a rubric applied to a case study.
Courtesy of Willamette University
There is no “I” in team…
Teamwork is ranked by employers as one of the most important elements of a successful organization. We have to work together if we expect to grow the enterprise.
Step 1 – Learn
Explore core concepts of how teams form and how you can become a new productive member.
Courtesy of Willamette University
Is this OK?
It’s helpful to think through some of the daily decisions we make about what is OK and not OK on the job. This module covers a straightforward decision model that should help you think through questions about what is OK.
Step 1 – Learn
Read the overview of the most common ethical frameworks for decision making.
Step 2 – Decide the case study
Work through a case study or two in order to clarify the principles of ethical decision making.
Courtesy of Willamette University
Don’t just sit there…
Initiative is the single attribute that always sets one person apart from the others. This skill can benefit your entire career. When you take personal ownership for the success of the organization you will make a difference to the organization and the people in it.
Step 1 – Learn
Read about the politics of initiative and review how-to steps to catalyze your own success on the job.
Step 2 – Taking action
Brainstorm ways to take initiative in your current job.
Courtesy of Willamette University
Difference in the workplace
In today’s workplace, sensitivity to diversity and corporate culture is absolutely required. A climate of acceptance and safety means understanding your own biases and finding ways to move beyond them.
Step 1 – Learn
Explore how first impressions can influence relationships. Read the overview of best practices for understanding culture.
Courtesy of Willamette University
The reflection journal and resumes
A key component of any internship or job (paid or unpaid) is learning through reflection. We provide a structured journaling model that students find helpful and interesting. Then you can apply it to your resume.
Step 1 – Learn
Read the overview of the four-phase journaling and experiential education model.
Step 2 – Apply
Check your understanding of the concepts presented and learn how to include your current job on your resume.
Begin Module 10: Career reflections
Courtesy of Willamette University