The M.S. in Commerce Program at the University of Virginia provides students with critical skills and prepares them to enter the workforce. One great thing about the M.S. in Commerce is that it focuses on providing students with academic, student life, and professional career support.
Career Support
As soon as you enter the M.S. in Commerce Program, Commerce Career Services start to prepare students for their career development, interview preparation, and alumni connections. In the first half of the fall semester, M.S. in Commerce students are placed in a weekly career development session with one of the professional staff at McIntire. These sessions cover a variety of topics, such as personality assessment, information interviewing tips, job search strategies, and social networking skills. Throughout the semester, Commerce Career Services also hold the “Careers in” business series both in person and virtually. This is a great opportunity for students to meet potential employers, learn about the recruiting cycle and jobs in various industries, and develop connections with professionals in the industry that they are interested in. Commerce Career Services also provide one-on-one career consulting to best advise students based on their individual plans.
“I met with Kelly a few weeks ago for career preparation. Coming to the appointment, I was expecting more generic advice since there was just over 100 of us in the School of Commerce. Surprisingly, after chatting about my background as well as career goals, Kelly and I together created a personalized job searching plan including the timelines for upcoming applications and interview practices, which helped me a ton during the recruiting process.” – Nicole Bi
Student Services
Besides the strong career support that McIntire provides to its students, the School also ensures that students are being supported in their daily life. The Office of Student Services at McIntire is extremely helpful. The staff help with arranging course schedules, organizing community events, preparing for the Global Immersion Experience, and any other on- and off-Grounds resources that you might need as a student at UVA. Caroline, Assistant Director of Student Life, always surprises us with sweet treats in the graduate lounge! Also, there are always opportunities for students to connect with faculty and other students at McIntire at different social gatherings that are held throughout the semester. The Student Services Team at McIntire always help provide a warm and welcoming space for students.
Supportive Faculty
Faculty at McIntire are at the top tier of their areas of expertise. Professors have a combination of rich research experience and industry working background, where they can connect class topics with real-life examples. Professors are always open to connecting with students, listening to their ideas, and providing opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning outcomes. The M.S. in Commerce Program aims to provide a collaborative and interactive learning environment that prepares students to enter the workforce, and faculty play a critical role in terms of providing guidance and advice along the way.
“I think the faculty are extremely responsive and diligent; they are willing to provide help in or out of class, in person, or online. They are always able to direct students to the resources they need, such as other study resources, practice sets, or TA office hours.” – Theo Crowley
