Career Planning
Prepare for a career that gives you purpose—and joy
At AAD, we believe success means more than just landing a job. It means finding a career where you can make a difference and doing work that excites you, challenges you, and makes you genuinely happy. That’s why our approach to career planning is woven into everything we do, from helping you discover what you love to building your creative confidence to guiding you through a successful job search.
You’ll graduate ready to step into a meaningful career — one you can shape to fit who you are and who you are becoming.
Get started by getting real-world experience
Career planning in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design isn’t a checklist — it’s part of how you learn and grow every day. You’ll gain experience by doing real work, connecting with professionals, and building a toolkit that reflects your own unique vision, process, and experience. Here are some ways to dive in:
1. Say “yes” to hands-on learning.
- Apply for an internship or sign up for a short-term architecture W_Internship.
- Plan to study abroad to expand your skills on a global scale.
- Manage your own research project to investigate what matters to you.
2. Connect with people doing what you love.
- Join a student chapter of a professional organization.
- Attend talks, critiques, and panels with AAD alumni and visiting professionals.
- Create your LinkedIn profile and follow AAD.
3. Build a portfolio that stands out.
- Explore Career and Professional Development resources for help with resumes and interviewing.
- Take part in a portfolio review workshop.
- Network, network, and then network some more — it takes practice!
Our career fair is fueled by alumni connections
The Architecture and Design Career Fair is more than just a recruiting event — it’s a celebration of where your education can take you. Each year, professionals from across the country — including many Hokie alumni — return to campus to connect with students, review portfolios, share advice, and offer real-world opportunities.
They’ve been in your shoes, and they’re excited to help you take the next step.
Meet the interior designers in the making
When it comes to career connections and industry partnerships, AAD’s interior design program sets the standard. From early feedback sessions to final presentations, students build real relationships with professionals who support their growth and open doors to future opportunities.
Each fall, Meet the Sophomores takes second-year students into top design firms in Washington, D.C., including Gensler, Steelcase, and Knoll. By senior year, students return to the city for Meet the Seniors, presenting their final projects at Gensler’s office and connecting directly with industry leaders.
Meet the "Witcher" and other alumni who give back
Doug Cockle ’92 is best known as the voice of Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher video game series. Long before that, he was finding his creative niche as a theatre arts major. Today, Cockle lives in the UK and works as an actor. But he still finds time support Virginia Tech and offer students advice. His biggest tip? “Do what makes you happy. Don’t do what you think you’re supposed to do.”
There are many ways to stay connected as an alum, and they all make a difference. Once you find your own path, help the next generation of artists and designers find theirs.
Read more recent AAD alumni stories:
