This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we sat down with cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

LEXINGTON, Va. July 13, 2023 — While many cadets enter VMI with the intent of commissioning into the armed forces, academic departments and the Office of Career Services are still vital to laying a path for success in the service as well as after.

For Katie Lloyd ’23, an international studies major from Caroline County, Virginia, commissioning into active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps was always the plan. But her time at VMI was crucial for expanding knowledge and skills and finding her specific area of interest.

“VMI introduced me to both intelligence and regional affairs, particularly in the Arctic. I was able to get my foot in the door with the Arctic in my capstone research. My academic department gave me the confidence to feel like I can apply to these jobs.” 

Despite not entering the civilian workforce, Lloyd was still able to work with Career Services to build skills including navigating job applications, refreshing her resume, and networking and making important connections beyond the Institute.  

“Career Services helped polish my accomplishments to present them to possible employers.” 

When asked where she sees herself in ten years, Lloyd was hopeful to still be in the Marine Corps reserves, focused on the Arctic region. She also plans to work in intelligence as a civilian. She credits her father as her inspiration to embark on her career journey and believes that her experiences as a cadet will help in her career path and future job applications. 

“I have tried to always take advantage of opportunities that VMI has given, and I think doing that has given me the edge. There are opportunities that VMI has that other schools simply can't keep up with, and taking advantage of those opportunities is what sets a VMI graduate apart.” 

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