How can I make the most out of Career Day 2023?

The School of Architecture and the School of Design will be hosting Career Day 2023 from 10 – 4 pm on Monday, Feb. 27th, at the Inn at Virginia Tech.

What can I expect from the event?

All students interested in pursuing careers in any design-related fields are encouraged to attend. This year we will have more firms than ever before, representing a variety of design fields.

The companies will each have a booth set up where students can talk to representatives to learn more about what fields and project types the company specializes in, what a potential career at that company would look like, and what kind of positions they’re currently hiring for.

Students should bring their resume/CV along with a work sample to show the company representatives. This will allow the companies to learn more about student backgrounds.

How can i prepare for the event?

Before Career Day, you have the opportunity to attend multiple workshops focused on preparing resumes, LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, and elevator pitches.

Make an appointment at VT Career and Professional Development for additional help. You have the option to schedule a 15-minute mini-appointment or a longer 30-60 minute appointment with an advisor.

Representatives from VT Career and Professional Development will have a booth and be present throughout the day to help students with elevator pitches, prepping for interviews, and confidence. If you are feeling a bit nervous, visit their booth and talk with a CPD representative.

Reach out to your academic advisors, studio faculty, and professionals at the AIAS workshop for a review of your resume and portfolio.AIAS Portfolio Review hosted by AIAS Virginia Tech, December 2nd, 2022 (more details will be made available soon)

“Blueprint for Success” Workshop Series will be hosted by A+D and Career and Professional Development in February (see the schedule here)

More resources for students:

• Career Outfitters
• IRIS Photobooth – Free Professional Headshots
• LinkedIn Profile Tips for College Students & Recent Graduates
• LinkedIn Profile for College Students
• VT Career and Professional Development: Career Q&A Today – Episode 4
• Check out books available through VT Career and Professional Development
• VT Workshops and Presentations

Do I need a resume and portfolio?

Yes! Please be prepared to highlight your skills and experiences to company representatives. If you have not created a resume or want to edit your resume, please attend our Resume Workshop on November 10th, or our virtual session on February 2nd. For your portfolio, attend the AIAS Portfolio Review – December 2nd.

Make sure to upload one combined pdf containing both your resume and a brief work sample on Handshake a few weeks before the event so firms can find you in advance! Keep the sample short (no more than two pages) and focused on work directly relevant to the kinds of jobs you’re interested in.

How do I register?

Register for the event on Handshake. 

• If you are new to Handshake, see the career services page for information on activating your account. 
• Make sure your profile is set to be fully public. This is a requirement for registering for the event. 

Make sure your resume is up to date and polished. 

• Watch the recorded Resume Workshop with Meredith Gerber for guidance, or set up an advising appointment with career services for one on one help. 

Upload your resume and a short, targeted work sample to your profile. 

• Upload both your resume and work sample as ONE PDF FILE in the resume section of your profile. Your work sample will not reach the firms otherwise. 
• Firms will be searching through a high volume of students before Career Day so keep your sample brief and focused on work related to the jobs you’re looking for. Do not include a full portfolio. You may upload or link your full portfolio elsewhere on your Handshake profile if you’d like firms to be able to search for it on their own.
• Upload your pdf document and register for the event by the extended deadline: February 15th if you want to guarantee that firms will have access to your information. 

We will automatically pull the resume files from all registered students’ profiles on that day, so if you have your documents up to date on your profile, you’re good to go!

If you upload your resume after that deadline, we will still do our best to provide it to the attending firms, but we cannot guarantee that firms will have time to review it.

Registration for the event will remain open until Sunday, Feb. 26th, and meeting this deadline will make check in easier for us and you, but no AAD students will be turned away from Career Day for lack of registration!

Will the companies be hiring?

Some companies have current staffing needs and are seeking hires. Some companies are also participating to meet and connect with students. Each exchange is important, as some connections made this year can result in a hire/partnership in the future.

What companies will be there?

Check back here soon for a list of participating firms!

What are some of the resources for after career day?

• Interview follow-up & thank you notes
• Interview questions employers & candidates can ask
• STAR method for behavioral interview questions
• Group interview
• Career Day and Professional Development Further Resources: Job Search