Collegiate Times

As the end of spring semester quickly approaches, many Hokies have graduation on their minds - even for those who aren't graduating this semester. Undergraduates everywhere are constantly considering options upon graduation. So what comes after Virginia Tech grads receive their diplomas?

For the many students who are unsure or confused about their future, the Academic Opportunities Program at Virginia Tech is introducing Beyond the Baccalaureate, a series of post-baccalaureate seminars designed to answer those questions that have been lingering in the back of students' heads. The seminars will explore possibilities beyond graduate school and employment with the assistance of undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and industry personnel.

?We believe that many of our undergraduate students are aware of the option to pursue graduate study, but many more may not know that they can conduct graduate-level research in post-baccalaureate research programs. We want students to know all of their options and how those options can impact them professionally and academically,? said Nini Smiley, associate director of the multicultural academic opportunities program.

Smiley said the seminars will be threaded together with the common themes of the benefits, challenges, potential impact, planning and goal attainment of individual students' goals of future employment.

Ed Smith, professor of animal and poultry sciences and a presenter at today's seminar, is a program director for a $2.5 million, five-year National Institutes of Health Funded post-baccalaureate program for students interested in pursuing careers in the biomedical and behavioral sciences.

His seminar will explore the various possibilities of research and post-baccalaureate programs for students.

?A post-baccalaureate program is a second chance at developing the foundation students missed out on during their undergrad - research experience, better grades and gateway courses,? Smith said. ?For example, because of lack of research experience, a student may not be competitive for assistantship. A post-baccalaureate experience will help change that.?

Many students are unaware that they can pursue a higher level of education or a career outside of their major. Smith said that possible post-baccalaureate experience will help an applicant's chances if they are interested in furthering their education in a different field of study.

Kimberly Ware, assistant director at Career Services, said students may be gaining the experience necessary without realizing their accomplishments. Her seminar, to be held on April 12, will assist students in discovering possible leadership skills that they have already acquired.

?We'll speak about leadership opportunities both on and off campus. A lot of the times you don't understand your experience because you're too busy doing them. We'll be putting the experience and leadership into context. We will bring to the students mind and forefront where you're getting experiences and contacts that may be helpful to students,? Ware said.

Ware said that beyond an outstanding GPA and work experience, employers will be looking for strong leaders as well as followers.

?We want students to understand that it's more than work experience and grades. Employers are looking for a complete picture: leadership skills, a good follower in an activity. We are really trying to bring to the forefront what one is bringing to the table aside from classroom and practical work experiences,? she said.

The first event of the seminars will be held today at 4 p.m. in 1810 Litton Reeves. The next scheduled event is to be held on April 12.