• Many students secure employment within a few months after graduation, especially in fields related to technology, research, and data analysis. Job searches typically happen through internships, networking, faculty connections, and online job platforms like LinkedIn or company career portals.

• Most students find accommodation through online housing groups, university housing portals, or local rental listings. Monthly rent in Blacksburg typically ranges from $500–$900 depending on whether the housing is shared or private. Many apartments also include utilities, internet, and basic amenities.

• The Aerospace Engineering program at Virginia Tech was particularly challenging with a lot of ups and downs. In the U.S., most core aerospace jobs are restricted to U.S. citizens due to security and export control regulations. As a result, international students often find it hard to even secure interviews in these companies as they are mostly rejected during the resume shortlisting itself. While most American students from my class were employed after graduation due to the nature and abundance of defense jobs, international students faced significantly more challenges. But that is how the Aerospace job market is in the US and people know what to expect. 
• Statistics wise, about 80% of my class (mainly US citizens) did secure jobs after graduation. Many of my Indian friends and other international students chose to continue to pursue their PhD's after graduating with a Master's degree. The average starting salary for graduates ranged between $80,000 and $100,000 for entry level graduate positions.
• Most job opportunities for my classmates came through referrals from their professors networks or Virginia tech alumni. While campus hiring does happen twice a year, it is generally limited in the aerospace sector for international students due to defense regulations. Networking plays a significant role and I’ve seen my classmates land roles simply by reaching out to the right people and maintaining those professional connections.
• Some of my classmates were hired by companies like Honda, Cummins, Torc, Boeing, and Joby, mostly in Mechanical or Test Engineering roles. Others found positions in major aerospace companies such as Collins Aerospace, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, Tesla, Honda, Volvo, NASA, the Department of Defense, and Lockheed Martin.

• I found my accommodation through online websites. The monthly rent was $750, which included electricity, water, garbage disposal, and internet. The apartment came with several amenities like a private bathroom, a swimming pool, study and collaboration rooms, a fire pit, barbecue grills, coffee machines, daily nutrition bars, a game room, TV rooms, and a small library.
• Initially, I struggled to find suitable roommates, but eventually, I met a few other Indian students living on the same floor, and I ended up moving in with them.
• My apartment was about 10 minutes away from campus by bus. Most Indian students, however, lived on the other side of town in a larger, gated community-style housing setup.

I have done a study abroad in Dubai through my college for a month and we had various company visits and did a research project for flydubai.

I chose this university as their cybersecurity program appealed to me and I am a in-state student and it was in state college for me. When I first started I wasn't too fond of it as it was covid but as time grew and I made friends and explored campus it really grew on me and now I love it.

I have heard post-study opportunities are very strong for Virginia tech students and have only heard good things.

I genuinely enjoy my experience at Virginia Tech. I’m very comfortable here and I like the athletics and the food.

I was eligible for work-study but I decided not to do it this year so I did not get in over my head. Unfortunately, a lot of the jobs that are most common are in the dining halls which can be a little difficult. If I chose a job next year, I would like it to be an academic one.

Virginia Tech is the campus of inventing the future, and the future lies in the potential of the students. I have been accepted early-decision into Virginia Tech and will major in broadcast journalism and plan to minor in psychology with a long-term goal of being a reporter. One of the main reasons why I fell in love with Virginia Tech is because of the school's motto, 'That I may serve. Throughout my high school career, I have inspired others to get their stories heard through journalism as well as inspire others to give back to the community. Virginia Tech is the perfect school to continue these passions both on campus, and into the future. Virginia Tech is expanding its communication studies major at just the right time for me to take advantage of all there is to offer. From state-of-the-art equipment to the best connections possible, a multimedia journalism major is very versatile and I believe that Virginia Tech is one of the best places I could ever gain these skills from. The 'Hokies-Hiring-Hokies' program makes me confident that I will have the resources provided to me to be successful even after graduation. Being able to communicate with people is a crucial part of being a journalist. Virginia Tech is the perfect campus for me and I am beyond excited because they provide plentiful opportunities to get involved through leadership in the field of journalism to create positive change. I will use the experiences I have gained throughout my high school career to step up and continue to make a difference on campus and in the future. I am confident that I will leave Virginia Tech as a stronger student with all of the resources I need to excel as a reporter in the field of multimedia journalism.

The placements and job opportunities because of this college are wonderful. When they notice I have a degree from Virginia tech they immediately know I am the real deal and I should be hired on. It really makes me feel good knowing I chose the right college.

It's an amazing job outlook. It is very perfect for friend making. It has an amazing football team. The parties were good. The campus life is good. You never feel alone and people will always be around if you need anyone.