Cadet Career Resources

The Office of Career Services provides assistance and resources to all cadets and recent alumni up to one year after graduation.  

Cadets wishing to set-up an appointment with a member of our staff can do so by emailing careerservices@vmi.edu or by visiting our office in 311 Carroll Hall.  

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College & Graduate School Planning

• Four Year Plan for Cadets – Finding the right career choice starts during your first year at VMI. The four-year plan is designed for the VMI cadet so you can make the most of your four years as you prepare for your life s career. The plan will help you assess your accomplishments and determine what your next steps should be.
• Graduate School Considerations – This guide gives an overview of the graduate school application process, from figuring out your “why” to an application timeline.

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Resume Preparation

• A resume serves as a brief summary of your qualifications and experiences as they relate to the type of job you are seeking. For more information on writing a resume, please see our Resume Writing Guide.
• Use this checklist to help ensure that your résumé is polished, professional, and ready to share: Résumé Review Checklist
• Cover Letter Guide – A well-written cover letter will compliment your resume by discussing your interest in the position and the experiences and skills that qualify you to be considered for the position. An employer may not be able to tell why you are interested in a position from your resume alone, so the cover letter enhances your resume while showing why you are interested and why you are a good fit for the position.
• This Résumé Guide: Research Experience handout includes information on how to highlight your research experience on your resume.
• Interested in research and scholarship opportunities? Below are some resources you may find helpful:
  • Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service 
  • The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship
  • ARL’s Summer Student Experience
  • Database of Scholarship, Internship, and Other STEM Student Opportunities for DOD-Affiliated Organizations

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Job Searches, Interviewing & Networking

These resources will help you navigate how to network and interview online, as well as tips on how to update your job search:

• Job Search Process – This handout is designed to provide insight into the stages of a typical job search process for a graduating senior. VMI OCS Job Search Tracker [Excel]

• Interviewing Guide: From the VMI Office of Career Services, this resource provides tips and steps to take to best prepare for an upcoming interview.
• 9 Tips for Mastering Your Next Virtual Interview: Harvard Business School gives tips on how to prepare for your virtual interviews. 
• 20 Video Interview Tips: The Muse offers 20 suggestions on how to prepare for your Google Hangout, Skype, or Zoom interviews.  
• 11 Tips for Video Interview Success: VAULT has 11 tips on how to communicate your value during virtual interviews.
• STAR Guide – Behavioral interview questions ask candidates to share examples of particular situations where they had to use certain skills. This guide will assist you in breaking down your answers so you can best articulate your responses.
• Thank You Guide – It is important to say thank you to the employers, faculty, alumni, and other networking contacts who have assisted you in your internship, career, or graduate school application process. This guide will show you how to send a professional thank you note or email.

• LinkedIn Profile Essentials – LinkedIn can be used to network, build your online reputation, and search for jobs. A LinkedIn Profile includes descriptions of your internship, volunteer, and work experiences, like an online resume. Your LinkedIn Profile will also include information about your skills and education.
• Preparing for Networking Events – There are several opportunities to network during your cadetship at VMI. Attending a networking event is an excellent way to meet new connections and begin preparing for your job search. We’ve created this guide to give you an idea of what you can do to get the most out of attending a networking event.
• Job Offer Presentation – This presentation covers how to effectively evaluate, negotiate, accept, and decline a job offer.