Career Development

Career development is about more than just finding a job after graduation. It is a reflective process which results in you making informed choices about your future. It includes choosing a major, gaining experience through internships, conducting research, studying abroad, getting involved in the community, preparing for graduate school and finding a job. Your undergraduate Richmond experience will help you find your own career path.

Choosing a major
Students at Richmond declare a major no later than the sophomore year. Your academic advisor, faculty and the Career Development Center (CDC) are all resources that can help you plan an academic path that will meet your goals.

Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a central part of the Richmond academic experience. Numerous opportunities exist to gain experience in research and in the workplace. Graduate schools and employers place great value on your ability to explain the connections between classroom study and applied experience.

• Internships will give you opportunity to learn about particular fields or companies and can help you define your career direction. Quite often internships lead directly to job offers.
• Undergraduate research, regardless of your major, allows you to explore subjects beyond the classroom and textbook. At Richmond you will have the opportunity to work with faculty in ongoing projects or propose your own research project.
• International focus is a hallmark of a University of Richmond education. A student body representing more than 65 countries and visiting scholars from around the globe create a dynamic global environment on campus.
• Study abroad will place you in a new culture where you'll develop a global perspective, cross-cultural understanding and a new level of self-reliance.
• Service learning combines academics with community service. You earn academic credit for work on community service projects that require the skills and knowledge you're learning in class.

Graduate School Placement
At least 40 percent of Richmond graduates enroll in graduate school within five years of graduation. Academic advisors, pre-med, pre-law and pre-engineering advisors, faculty and the Career Development Center are valuable resources in preparing for graduate school. The CDC's Annual Outcome Reports provide complete details about graduate schools and programs attended by Richmond graduates.

Career Development Center
The Career Development Center will work closely with you as you plan for life after college. Career advisors can assist in choosing a major, narrowing career options, finding internships, preparing for interviews, planning for graduate school, and networking with alumni. The CDC's Annual Outcome Reports provide complete details about the career and graduate school pursuits of Richmond graduates.