Career and Professional Development

Career Success

Many students arrive on campus with no idea what kind of career they want to pursue. Others arrive with a clear plan, only to discover that their chosen field isn’t for them. The beauty of a liberal arts education is that it opens doors and encourages exploration. Our faculty advisers and career counselors are seasoned mentors who will work one-on-one with you to clarify your interests and help you take full advantage of the distinctive education you’ll get at Washington and Lee. 

The Career and Professional Development Office offers a four-year plan that outlines the steps that you can take each year to ensure professional success, including a Foundation Series that walks students through career exploration, résumé and cover letter writing, internship and job searches, networking and interviewing. Our alumni are also active advisers and mentors, returning to campus for career panels and alumni-in-residence programs and hosting students for career exploration trips in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, N.C.

Services

Peer Advisors

Peer advisors partner with students to explore careers and application materials, including resumes and cover letters. They also help navigate the job and internship search. 

Career Exploration

Don't know what you want to do post-graduation? Most students don't. At Washington and Lee, career consultation is available to all students, whether you a first-year or a senior and whether you are searching for an internship, externship, research position, volunteer experience, summer job, or full-time work.

Help with Applications

When applying to jobs and internships, professional documents are a big part of the process. Our office has resources to help you draft your resume, CV, and cover letter. In addition, staff offers interview prep as well as mock interviews so you're prepared from submission to handshake.

Help for Alumni

Your career exploration doesn't end after you've gotten your first job out of college. That's why our Career and Professional Development Office will help you navigate your path through your first job transition and beyond. 

Internships & Opportunities

Our students have had opportunities all over the world. Where will you go?