UVA Career Center

Does the career path you've chosen typically benefit from further education?

Use the resources below to research this question:

Check job listings in Handshake to determine positions that interest you. Identifying the type of career you would like to pursue can help you decide if grad school will help you get there.

Once you have identified positions that interest you, research the career on PathwayU.

If so: 

1. Identify programs that meet your career needs.

2. Build a list and rank your programs.

Use this guide to start your plan: 

Second Year

• Begin evaluating your career aspirations
• Explore various graduate school programs
• Talk to alumni, faculty and current graduate school students
• Look into school requirements

Third Year, Fall

• Continue to explore your career options and possibilities
• Continue targeted research and information gathering
• Research information on entrance exam testing  

Third Year, Spring

• Prepare for your entrance exam
• Obtain applications from specific schools you are interested in attending

Third Year, Summer

• Take entrance exam now or in fall
• Begin drafting application essays and your personal statement

Fourth Year, Fall

• Meet with school representatives
• Visit schools Have application essays critiqued
• Ask for letters of recommendation
• Conduct a mock interview with the Career Center
• Submit materials for early decision if applicable
• Research scholarship, fellowship and assistantship opportunities
• Complete financial aid documents
• Submit all application materials to schools

Fourth Year, Spring

• Continue visiting schools if possible
• Ensure your application is submitted by the appropriate school deadline
• Keep track of acceptances and rejections
• If you have multiple acceptances, make a final decision on which school you plan to attend
• Notify the schools that you plan not to attend