This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
VCU Career Services
Box 842007
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2007
Phone: (804) 828-1645
careers@vcu.edu
VCU BEST seeks to transform the culture of biomedical scientist training at VCU by developing AEGDS, a training platform that broadens student awareness of potential careers, provides opportunities to experience career paths, provides guidance for career paths(s) selection, allows students to develop the skill sets necessary to be successful and encourages students to share their experiences, thereby broadening exposure of others in the community. To register for any upcoming VCU BEST events log in to Handshake and search for "VCU BEST" in the event search.
Objectives
- Create an innovative student/postdoctoral professional and personal development program that puts student on an optimized, individualized career path that incorporates their strengths and personal goals
- Build a sustainable program that builds on existing/volunteer faculty and resources and unique training opportunities already in place at VCU (Each participating unit will be counseled in mechanisms to sustain and continue the program after the funding period in collaboration with a campus steering committee.)
- Develop mechanisms to engage the entire VCU community, as well as alumni, and community partners — alumni engagement/participation, providing and encouraging interdisciplinary participation throughout schools/programs and with partner organizations, seminars for campus community
- Empower students to engage and take responsibility for their future, improve self-knowledge and self-management, and to mentor others to do the same
- Perform ongoing evaluation to optimize the program and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of trainees and mentors
Program requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| Select two from: | ||
| GRAD 610 | Career Planning for Graduate Students | 1 |
| GRAD 615 | Biomedical Science Careers Seminar Series | 1 |
| GRAD 617 | Biomedical Sciences Projects in the Community | 2 |
| Career or skills electives | ||
| Select two credit hours from: | ||
| GRAD 612 | Oral Presentation Skill-building for Career Professionals | 1 |
| GRAD 614 | Introduction to Grant Writing | 1 |
| GRAD 616 | Becoming an Entrepreneur | 1 |
| GRAD 693 | Graduate Internship | 1-9 |