Why does ODU offer Career Pathways?

In a series of survey started in 2014, ODU graduate students identified career exploration and career planning as their top professional development needs.

In the most recent survey conducted in Spring 2018,

  • A third of students were concerned about work or career prospects
  • Just over half felt prepared for their chosen career path

The ODU Career Pathways program is designed to fill graduate students’ career and professional development needs, preparing you for successful transition into thriving careers.

How can the Career Pathways program help me?

Career Pathways offers two professional development programs and associated certificates:

Preparing Future Faculty (PFP)Preparing Future Professionals (PFF)
Designed for graduate students interested in an academic career. You can earn the PFF Certificate by:
(1) completing a mentored teaching experience
(2) creating a CV
(3) attending PFF and other professional development events
(4) producing an ePortfolio to document and highlight their professional development and growth.
Designed for graduate students interested in a non-academic career such as in industry, non-profit/non-governmental organizations, or government agencies. You can earn the PFP Certificate by:
(1) developing an individual development plan
(2) creating a resume
(3) attending professional development events or completing professional development activities
(4) producing an ePortfolio to document and highlight their professional development and growth.

The Career Pathways program is free, and is open to all ODU graduate students. Workshops are offered on campus and can be accessed via web conferencing. An archive of previously offered professional development workshops is also available for students to access 24/7.

Watch this video for more information about Career Pathways.

Events