Gaining experience

The skills and information you learn from your studies are only amplified with hands-on experience, which can be gained through part-time employment, Federal Work-Study, internships, job shadowing, volunteering and more.

Not sure where to begin? Explore our resources below or make an appointment with a career advisor to start strong.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study allows you to earn money for education and living expenses through employment with authorized on- and off-campus organizations.

Part-time jobs

Working a part-time job while you're in school can help you supplement college expenses and develop your resume.

Volunteer, on-site visits, and shadowing

You can learn more about organizations and roles through on-site tours. You can "try on" various career paths through volunteering and shadowing.

Internships

Internships are a great chance for you to explore a potential career field or organization before committing to a full-time job.

Avoiding fraudulent jobs

While you are working hard to ensure that you land a job, be aware that the perfect opportunity may not be what it seems.

Informational interviews

Want to know more about a particular career? Try an informational interview. This type of interview allows you to learn from another person’s career path, discover how they gained experience in the field, and learn the strategies and advice they have for someone entering the field today.

VCU Career Services

Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success