Career Advising

• When: Thursday, August 27, 3:30–5:00pm
• Where: Kelly Hall 310

The event will feature a talk by an NSA researcher, followed by an overview of the NSA Summer Program for Operations Research Technology (SPORT) internship program presented by Beth Goodman (NSA).

Students will have the opportunity to learn about internship and career opportunities within the intelligence community, including the application process and what day-to-day work in the intelligence community looks like. The application for the 2027 NSA summer internship program is currently open August 15–September 5.

Internship opportunities are available to undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science. This event is a great opportunity for students interested in applying to hear directly from NSA representatives, learn more about the program, and ask questions.

• When: August 27th at 5:30 pm
• Where: Virginia Tech Center for the Arts (formerly the Moss Arts Center)
• Join us to learn about research and other experiential learning opportunities in national security offered through the Hume Center, and how you can get involved!
• We will be begin with the general session portion of the event followed by pizza and networking to allow students and faculty to discuss projects in more detail. 
• RSVP for the Fall Open House

• When: August 31, 11am - 3pm
• Where: Owens Ballroom
• This is a great opportunity for students to meet with local and on-campus employers about jobs, internships, research, etc. to enhance their career goals. This fair is open to all grade levels and academic majors.
• We recommend checking in no later than 2:30 PM to allow enough time to speak with employers. Please look at the positions available, as well as employer websites, and come prepared to promote yourself (background, classes, relevant experiences) for these jobs, internships, research, etc. opportunities. Bring copies of your resume for each employer and your Hokie Passport for check-in.

Looking to feel more confident heading into technical interviews? Attend Career & Professional Development's (CPD) Technical Interviewing virtual employer panel on September 3 at 5:30PM.

This session will feature a small group of some employers who will also be attending the CS Source Career Fair. Employers will share insights into how technical interviews are structured, what they look for when evaluating candidates, and how you can effectively communicate your skills during the interview process.

This event is designed to help you better understand employer expectations and walk into technical interviews feeling prepared and confident. 

Featured Employers:

• Peraton
• Metron, Inc

• CapTech Consulting

Link to event: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/events/1992305/share_preview

• When: Tuesday, September 8, 7-8pm
• Where: Data & Decision Sciences Building 150

Accenture Federal Services (AFS) hires data scientists and people with quantitative/technical backgrounds! They will be on campus at least twice in September, during the career fair season. Chase Ackerman, a VT alum, and his colleagues are hosting an informal information session on Tuesday, 9/8, 7-8 pm. The event starts in DDS 150 and then moves outside (weather permitting) for pizza and conversation. 

Chat With AFS Over Pizza, an informal info session where you’ll learn what Accenture Federal Services does, the career fairs we’re attending and events we’re hosting on campus, and practical recruiting and interview tips to help you stand out. We’ll wrap up with open Q&A and time to chat 1‑on‑1 with our team. And yes—pizza is on us!

Note: This event is open to students of any year with a focus on data science!

• September 15, 5:30pm
• Owens Ballroom
• Ready to take your academic experience beyond the classroom? Join us for the Undergraduate Research Workshop to discover how you can get involved in hands-on research on campus. Whether you are looking to find a faculty mentor, join an existing lab, or launch your own independent project, this session will give you the roadmap you need to get started. Come learn practical strategies for reaching out to professors, navigating the interview process, and balancing research with your coursework. All experience levels are welcome!
• If you require any accommodations to participate in this event, please contact Jess at jessh@vt.edu at least 10 days prior to the workshop.
• RSVP on GobblerConnect (must be logged in)

• When: Monday, September 14th @ 6:30 PM
• Where: MCB 113
• RSVP: https://forms.gle/LqutqoQey4ZiC4Vv6

Deloitte professionals will lead a short presentation followed by interactive stations where you can get personalized career advice and prepare for recruiting.

• Resume Reviews with Deloitte professionals
• Elevator Pitch Practice
• Consulting 101 + insights into Deloitte
• Networking & Q&A

The event is open to all majors, so feel free to invite friends!

Exciting news! Virginia Tech's Fall 2026 Data Science Connections Career Fair will be held on September 22nd. You can now register in Handshake. (Note that employers are still signing up).

We encourage you to visit the career fair website and check out the "student information" for important updates (like dates/locations of employer information sessions). 

Event Overview 

• Date: September 22, 2026 (some employers will conduct interviews on campus on 9/23)

• Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Location: Owens Banquet Hall, 101 Owens Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg

This career fair is open to all undergraduates and graduate students who wish to pursue a career in the data sciences. 

On September 22, join students from across campus for the 2026 Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence Career Fair—an exclusive opportunity to connect face-to-face with top recruiters and representatives from government agencies and industry leaders.

This event is designed to connect top engineering students with internships, co-ops, and full-time career opportunities across the national security sector. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, data analyst, scientist, or policy expert, this is your gateway to careers that matter.

Why You Should Attend:

• Meet one-on-one with employers in the intelligence, defense, and aerospace communities

• Share your resume and make a lasting impression

• Schedule interviews and take the first step toward your future career
  

Who They're Looking For:
Recruiters are seeking students across a wide range of disciplines—including aerospace and ocean engineering; computer science and data analytics; mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering; as well as physics, mathematics, national security, and political science.

Before you go:

Virginia Tech’s Career and Professional Development office is here to help you show up confident and prepared, no matter your major or academic year.

• Resume & Interview Support: Make an appointment for resume reviews and interview tips

• Career Outfitters: Make sure your outfit matches your ambition

• Career Fair Prep Tips

Ready to make an impression?

Register here on Handshake to secure your spot and take your first step toward an impactful career. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the fair, but registration is strongly encouraged. Make sure you set your Handshake profile to public so employers can view your background before the fair.

Co-sponsored by the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering and The Hume Center for National Security and Technology.

Wednesday, September 23, 5pm-6pm

This session will guide you through gathering accurate salary data, identifying your target compensation range, and assessing the full value of a job offer before any conversation begins. Open to all students.

REGISTER HERE

• When: September 25, 4-5 pm
• Where: 101S Newman Library
• Speaker: Dr. William Jenks, Core University Student Programs Lead at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a huge and diverse research center located in eastern Tennessee near Knoxville.  Its mission is exceptionally diverse: biology and the environment, clean energy including fission and fusion, isotope production, basic physical sciences, national security in multiple contexts, neutron sciences, and supercomputing.

You are invited to a presentation given by William Jenks of ORNL’s Office of Research Education to learn about ORNL’s many opportunities for summer internships and other student programs aimed at undergraduates and recent graduates.  The session will give you an idea of different research areas and give you the keys to a successful application.  Applications for Summer 2027 will open in October.

The presentation will give information on multiple Summer 2027 internship opportunities, including:

• SULI – for research projects across the full ORNL portfolio
• TPI – for professional-style internships helping manage and operate research projects and activities
• OMNI – for internships in the field of cybersecurity and other IT-related fields

Pizza will be provided!

The Graduate and Professional School Fair at Virginia Tech is taking place on Monday, October 5 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Squires Commonwealth Ballroom.

This event brings together students and admissions representatives from a wide range of graduate and professional programs at Virginia Tech and across the country. Programs span fields such as business, STEM, humanities/social sciences, law, medicine, health professions, and many more!

Why Attend?

• Exclusive Perks: Many participating programs are offering application fee waivers exclusively to fair attendees. Come apply to grad programs for free and grab some free swag while you're there!
• Direct Networking: Chat one-on-one with university representatives to find your best academic fit.
• Inside Insights: Learn what makes a graduate application stand out, receive direct feedback, and explore available funding and research opportunities.

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/7hE9b3y1em

VT News: https://news.vt.edu/notices/2026/09/apply-to-graduate-and-professional-programs-for-free.html

• WHEN: Tuesday, October 6, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM EDT
• WHERE: Virtual,  [REGISTER HERE]

Leadership is more than holding a title. It's about how you show up, work with others, and make a positive impact in your community, workplace, and beyond.

In this interactive workshop, you'll explore how leadership, professionalism, and global perspective work together to help you build meaningful relationships, navigate diverse environments, and prepare for future career success.

During this session, you'll:

• Discover ways to lead through initiative, collaboration, and positive influence.
• Explore how professionalism shapes your reputation in classrooms, workplaces, and online spaces.
• Learn strategies for communicating effectively and working with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
• Reflect on your personal strengths and identify opportunities for continued growth.
• Develop practical skills that can be applied in campus involvement, employment, and future careers.

Whether you're leading a student organization, working in a campus job, or preparing for your next professional opportunity, this workshop will help you strengthen your leadership, professionalism, and ability to engage in an interconnected world.

As part of your participation in this session, your camera is expected to be on for its duration to promote engagement with one another.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Julia Ward at jebhokie@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 3 business days prior to the event.

Graduate School Information Session

Date: Friday, October 16
Time: 2:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: Data & Decision Sciences 130

Are you curious about graduate school but not sure where to start? This session is your chance to get a comprehensive and realistic picture of what graduate school looks like. We will have a panel of CMDA faculty joining us to share their personal experiences, insights, and advice to help you navigate this important decision. Current graduate students will also be there to give you a firsthand look at what graduate school life is really like!

Topics we plan to cover include:

• Why pursue graduate school and is it worth it?
• Master's vs. PhD programs what's the difference?
• Graduate school fields available to CMDA majors
• Application process, timelines, and recommendation letters
• Funding - can you actually get paid to go to grad school?
• Staying at VT vs. going elsewhere
• Going straight to grad school vs. working first

Whether you're seriously considering graduate school or just exploring your options, this session is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and hear real stories from people who understand your journey as a CMDA student. This event is open to all CMDA students. No matter where you are in your academic journey, freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, you are welcome and encouraged to attend. It is never too early to start planning ahead!

• When: October 21, 4-6pm
• Where: Owens Ballroom

Looking to connect with fellow student researchers and faculty? Join us for the Undergraduate Research Mixer! This casual networking event is the perfect opportunity to discuss ongoing projects, share ideas, and discover new research opportunities on campus. Whether you are currently working in a lab, hoping to find a faculty mentor, or simply curious about what undergraduate research entails, come mingle with peers and professors in a relaxed setting. Light refreshments will be provided, so bring your curiosity and your questions!

The event will be on October 21, 2026 from 4-6pm in Owens Ballroom. For more information, and to RSVP, visit the Undergraduate Research Mixer gobblerconnect webpage. 

• WHEN: Wednesday, November 11, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM EDT
• WHERE: Virtual,  [REGISTER HERE]

Strengths and Competencies in the Job Search - Telling Your Professional Story

You have valuable skills and experiences, but can you confidently communicate them to employers?

In this interactive workshop, you'll explore your unique strengths, identify the career-ready skills you've developed through academics, campus involvement, employment, and leadership experiences, and learn how to effectively communicate your value throughout the job search process.

During this session, you'll:

• Discover personal strengths and skills that contribute to your success.
• Connect your experiences to Career Ready competencies employers are seeking.
• Learn how strengths and competencies work together to support career success.
• Practice identifying examples from coursework, campus involvement, employment, and other experiences.
• Develop strategies for communicating your value in resumes, interviews, networking conversations, and applications.

Whether you're exploring career options, preparing for an internship, or searching for your next opportunity, this workshop will help you tell your professional story with confidence.

As part of your participation in this session, your camera is expected to be on for its duration to promote engagement with one another.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Julia Ward at jebhokie@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 3 business days prior to the event.

• Career Information from the American Mathematical Society (AMS)
• Career Advice for Students from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
• Career Center from the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• Career Resources from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)

Employers of Recent VT Math Majors: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, Deloitte, GEICO, Google, Hilton, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, MIT Lincoln Lab, NSA, Raytheon

Job Titles of Recent VT Math Majors: Business Technology Analyst, Cognitive Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Database Manager, Deep Learning R&D, Economic Analyst, High School Math Teacher, Operations Research Analyst, Project Manager, Python Developer, Research Associate, Software Engineer, Spacecraft and Satellite Operations Tech, Technical Consultant, Web Developer

The average starting salary for May 2022 VT Math graduates was $84,600.

30% of May 2022 VT Math graduates pursued graduate degree programs.

Note: All information above is based on information voluntarily reported to the Mathematics Department or the Office of Career and Professional Development by recent VT Math graduates.

VT student post-graduation information from Career and Professional Development.

Math-major post-graduation information from Career and Professional Development.

The top "I wish I had..." responses from 2025 math graduates:

• learned more, or earlier about career options
• started my job search eariler
• used more or different job search resources
• gotten more experience related to their major or career goals before graduating
• asked advisors, staff, and professors for advice earlier or more often

The most common first methods of contact that 2025 math graduates had with their employer were:

• worked/volunteered with the employer in the past
• job-seeker website such as Handshake or other

• Career Resources for International Students
• Career Q&A videos
• 15-minute mini appointments available with Career and Professional Development advisors
• Career and Professional Development Liaisons