administrative assistant

extension agent

housekeeper

postdoctoral associate

assistant professor

Virginia Tech

I'm still in contact with my previous boss and other fellow employees, and while the pay is significantly better than other on-campus opportunities, the real reward is spending down-time with interesting and welcoming co-workers while being paid to help people expand their own horizons. I helped more students and community members than I can count, and the excellent management, low-key environment, and enjoyable work force were very welcome additions to this position.

For a typical shift, I might be called to work with any number of clients. They might be old hands to this environment, returning time and again to seek cooperative aid from myself and my peers, or brand new. Sometimes I found myself face to face with someone offered additional credit to come, and spent some time convincing them that the experience was worthwhile, but more often than not, I got to work with earnest students seeking to improve their communication skills.

I learned how to communicate much better, many times over, both verbally and in writing. I learned to critically analyze without insulting someone else's work and how to delicately correct or suggest changes to people with different personalities and backgrounds. I gained valuable experience in working with international students and non-native English speakers, and was encouraged by this to grow in how I was able to relate and communicate with my clients.

The management here is fantastic, and exerts official authority only when necessary. Rarely was the staff ever addressed as a whole for negative trends in the office, and when required, the tone was not accusatory but corrective in nature. When it was necessary, the boss would pull a tutor aside and discuss any small issue that may have arisen, but more often than not this discussion was to resolve miscommunications or remind the employee of policy with regards to a minor incident. The supervisor went through great pains to train the staff efficiently before employment, and her efforts were worthwhile, as the staff as a whole was able to understand and adapt to the many requirements of the job. This center was one of her greatest works at the university, and she put much work into it to yield exceptional results.

My co-workers were also wonderful to work with. Hard-working, adaptive, understanding, and responsible, everyone sought to make sure that everyone seeking aid at our door was given it. They were all well-trained and behaved, and never hesitated to welcome new employees or clients.

The hardest part of this job is witnessing and aiding some clients in their own internal struggle. Most students seek us out when they are in need, and I have seen some students come in gasping for air as though they were drowning in the assignment they wanted help with. It's tough to convince someone, native speaker or not, that they have the skills required, and to reassure them that their work is not a failure. I once had a client who came in for a thirty minute appointment fifteen minutes late; her assignment was due within the hour and she had hurriedly printed a draft of her essay and rushed back to try and (so she thought) squeeze blood from a rock. The schedule was booked, and I could only offer her fifteen minutes, and with her deadline, she could not return for further work on her assignment. Fifteen minutes would have to do. She arrived out of breath, frazzled, and understandably stressed because the deadline was fast approaching for an assignment which the professor had effectively called a lost cause. She even told me, "I feel like I'm drowning in this." With considerable coaxing and a strongly narrowed focus on key parts of the writing, we whittled away the fifteen minutes. While it was difficult convincing her that the assignment was not a lost cause, she made it through. Fifteen minutes later, she left relaxed to type up the modifications and submit the writing. I was very pleased that I could ease her panic, but I was now considerably more stressed than when she had arrived, and the uphill battle to rescue the client from her own self-doubt had been taxing.

Still, the most enjoyable part of this job is the effect you have on clients. The fifteen minute save described above is just one example that stuck. Time and time again, clients have left me expressing gratitude as though I had literally saved their lives. Some students returned to say their work had paid off; others, I never saw as a client again. But each client who came to work, and to change, did so, and you realize there is no so-called "lost cause" except for the clients who don't try. Instead, even if the results are slow or daunting, you see a progression of change. Students evolve within the space of a few weeks, or even an hour. Clients who had panicked at the start of a project because their language background made writing, or worse, speaking, difficult would leave my table calmly after preparing their work for an oral presentation. You make a massive difference in each life that comes for help, and this was intensely motivating to ensure that each student got the best treatment and help available.

When I began working for this department, I had little experience working in the professional or corporate business environment. In the last 2 years, I have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to explore my strengths and learn new skills. My goals have been to learn as much as possible about policy, become proficient in data management, create and ensure process protocol is followed, and to network and build positive rapport with the many different departments I work with. 

I take great pride in the quality of work I produce, and understand that my personal dedication towards excellence contributes to any team as part of the collective whole. It is important to have support and collaboration with my fellow co-workers to advance the overall quality of work produced, and to build a respectable reputation for our department. We work together to ensure deadlines are met, tasks are completed, and good senses of humor are kept in tact.

Although I maintain a high expectation of excellence from myself, it can often been difficult to gain the trust and support of superior staff. In the current circumstance, there does not appear to be a direct correlation between the quality of work produced (whether it be excellent or poor quality), and supervisorial intervention with staff's assigned daily job tasks. 

Initially, my supervisor’s direction and instruction was reassuring, as I continued to learn about the job responsibilities, policies, and practices. Continuing forward 2 years, the benefits to this style of supervision (preemptive requests to complete affirmed daily job tasks, supplied with “to-do lists”) have dwindled, and my desire to possess the skills and knowledge towards establishing myself as a “specialist” in my job role is consistently suppressed. Additionally, this style of managerial participation detracts from the completeness or accuracy of the work-flow, and requires staff to revise or amend errors, which minimizes efficiency. In response to this, I proactively investigate activities, anticipate requests to complete tasks, and use organizational tools to ensure the department supervisor remains current on the status of activities and task progress. Ultimately, the positive inter-professional communication, civility, and department's team-focused mentality and support (as my work has evolved), has been indispensable to helping me to become successful.

I have been awarded provisional amendments to my contract to allow for an expansion to the range of tasks I perform, and although it was a very big challenge, it allowed me to develop a new set of skills, to learn more about the intricate systems and departments involved in this work, and to build numerous positive relationships while strategizing with staff and department managers. Although I entered this position possessing minimal skills, I can say that this experience has been an uplifting test of my dexterity and fortitude. I have enjoyed working with everyone involved in this process, and the nature of my work (although sometimes, can be disheartening) ensures that I go home at the end of the day with a smile on my face. Helping families, staff, and providers obtain support and services for struggling youths gratifies my desire to give what little I can to the bigger picture. It has been a rewarding and worthwhile experience.

First let me clearly state, Virginia Tech IS a great place to work. I've been at VT since 1997 in various roles. I've seen good and bad, leadership and employees. I've heard of good and bad experiences. But, the overall environment at VT is a pleasant one.

As with any large employer, your mileage will vary, in varying organizations within the whole. The only issue I can unequivocally say is a sticking point, is the salary paid most individuals at the university. Typically, if you're not in a director level position or above, or a more specialized IT type, you'll be unsatisfied with your salary. Market rate, in southwest Virginia, will NOT look like what you expect from other higher paid markets. This is offset by the lower cost of everything else in the area and the beautiful environment. This may not be enough for some, and I'm sure VT has lost out on many good people because of it.

Another sticking point for some single individuals may be the availability of other like-minded single individuals. IF you're 30+ years old and NOT into the usual 18-24 year-old college student, you may not like your stay here. IF you are not the type that can network between the various groups within the university to find YOUR PEOPLE, you might not like it here. I warn you, IF you are not open to actively seeking out these connections, via meetings, forums, sporting events, concerts, etc., people will generally leave you alone. I mean, really, you'll be alone and lonely. So you have to be open to everything initially, for your own mental health. I assure you, it is not YOU, but if you don't act, you will be alone.

Another point I'd like to make, speaks to the professional development offered by VT. There are various avenues for your professional development, VT offers some for those individuals so inclined. There are other opportunities that you'll have to find yourself and introduce to whoever your leader may be. Generally speaking, it's encouraged. As a point of info on this, don't EXPECT to be given a bonus or raise for that new degree, certificate, or a bit of knowledge. That's not how it works here. You take the initiative to obtain the knowledge/degree/cert. You add it to your arsenal and use it where you can in your current position. Then when you've had enough, you apply for another position, at VT, where they'll pay you a little more for that knowledge. That's how it works at VT.

Additionally, as a point of career growth strategy at VT. Do NOT stay in a position for longer than 2-4 years. You must move within the various organizations at VT to obtain the best outcomes concerning your salary. They do not generally GIVE you raises. You give yourself a raise, by moving to a new position. That seems to be the easiest way here, maybe other places too, I'm not sure.

Again, let me unequivocally state, VT IS a great place to work and southwest VA is a good place to live. If you can accept the constraints that come along with it. If you cannot, and think you're going to come and change everything, you're in for a rough time.

As a Graduate Research Assistant at the Virginia Tech Center for Geospatial Information Technology, I had a fulfilling and engaging experience with various responsibilities and projects. Here's my opinion on different aspects of the job:

A typical day at work involved a mix of collaborative teamwork and independent tasks. I would start the day by attending team meetings where we discussed project progress, shared ideas, and coordinated efforts. Throughout the day, I would work on developing the geospatial web application, optimizing SQL queries, and executing test cases. The dynamic nature of the work kept me motivated and allowed me to explore new concepts and techniques.

During my time at the Center, I had the opportunity to learn and enhance my skills in multiple areas. I gained valuable experience in geospatial technology, web development using Python and Django, and database optimization. The project involving the modernization of legacy Py2/Django1 tools to Py3/Django3 provided me with insights into the migration process and the importance of maintaining compatibility while leveraging the latest advancements.

The management at the Center for Geospatial Information Technology was supportive and provided guidance whenever required. I had regular interactions with my supervisor and colleagues who offered valuable feedback and encouraged me to explore innovative solutions. Their mentorship played a crucial role in my professional growth and development.

The workplace culture was collaborative, inclusive, and conducive to learning. The team fostered an environment where ideas were valued, and everyone's contributions were respected. There was a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and teamwork, which created a positive and engaging work atmosphere.

The hardest part of the job was optimizing the SQL queries and reducing database response time. It required in-depth analysis, careful consideration of indexes and database schema, and constant iteration to achieve significant improvements. Overcoming this challenge was a valuable learning experience and reinforced the importance of efficient database design and query optimization.

The most enjoyable part of the job was seeing the geospatial web application come to life and witnessing its impact. Being able to visualize and analyze air quality data in an interactive manner was incredibly satisfying. Moreover, collaborating with a talented team, exchanging ideas, and solving complex problems together made the work highly rewarding and enjoyable.

Overall, my experience as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Virginia Tech Center for Geospatial Information Technology was enriching, providing me with valuable technical skills, a supportive work environment, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in the field of geospatial technology.

Virginia Tech is an experience I would recommend to anyone who is passionate about learning and advancing in their respective field of study. The vibrant academic environment, balanced with a fun and engaging work culture, has made my experience here both productive and enjoyable.

First and foremost, the most striking aspect of Virginia Tech is its commitment to research. As an assistant, I've been able to contribute to meaningful projects and initiatives that are making a real difference in the world. The resources and facilities available for research are state-of-the-art, reflecting Virginia Tech's dedication to innovation and progress. 

My supervisors and colleagues have consistently demonstrated an inclusive, team-oriented approach. I have been encouraged to ask questions, take initiatives, and have regularly been offered support and guidance in my projects. This has not only accelerated my learning but also made me feel valued and part of the team. The camaraderie among the research staff is something that really sets Virginia Tech apart.

The work-life balance at Virginia Tech is another aspect worth highlighting. Despite the fast-paced and demanding nature of academic research, Virginia Tech actively encourages a healthy balance between work and personal life. From social events to wellness programs, there is a strong emphasis on ensuring that employees don't burn out and that work remains enjoyable. This creates an atmosphere that is both fun and productive, stimulating creativity and innovation.

Moreover, the university's location in Blacksburg, Virginia, offers a unique blend of picturesque natural beauty and thriving local culture. The surrounding area is perfect for outdoor activities and cultural exploration, which have been great ways to relax and disconnect from work.

Overall, my experience at Virginia Tech has been profoundly positive. The university fosters an environment that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and fun. This unique blend has allowed me to be highly productive while also thoroughly enjoying my time in the workplace. To anyone considering a research assistant role at Virginia Tech, I can confidently say that it is a decision you are unlikely to regret.

As a full-time sign American Sign Language (ASL)  interpreter/C-Print captionist for deaf students, my primary duty was to enter their classes, stand/sit next to the teacher, while still in sight of the student(s). Once the logistics were established, I would interpret the lecture and/or content of the course, in order for the students to receive the same information as the hearing students. In addition, our department also served students who identified themselves as hard of hearing, and who were not fluent in ASL;  in those cases, I would sit next to the student and caption the lecture in real time, on a laptop programmed with C-Print Captioning. 

My coworkers and I were assigned 6-8 classes per semester; I have literally "attended" more than 100 courses, varying from Beginning Theater to Advanced Thermodynamics;  In other words, I truly had the opportunity to learn new information daily. Also, as I was responsible for conveying very complex information, I researched both the topic and the ASL technical signs.

Our immediate superior was very conscientious. A former interpreter herself, she was quite aware of the type of injuries which could arise from overuse, and she scheduled us accordingly. Whenever possible, she would assign two interpreters per class, alternating at specific times to allow the other interpreter to rest.  She also made an effort to incorporate several breaks into the schedule. She was very fair in assigning her duties and empathetic should an issue arise.In all honesty, I do not believe that I've ever worked with a superior supervisor. 

Ironically, the aspects of my job that I enjoyed were often the same aspects which were the most challenging. For example, I truly enjoyed learning, every day, in virtually any topic one can imagine; however, many of these classes were in advanced engineering. It took great effort and hours of research to effectively communicating the subjects to the students.

I could make at least 30% more if I were in the private sector. How your work experience is really depends on what department you are in and what manager you work under. There are some terrible directors that make life fairly miserable and are not very supportive of the people under them but there are also really good ones that are compassionate and want to help their employees succeed. It is hard to get promoted or to get any kind of pay increase except for when the governor decrees it. If you already work on campus and did get a better position on campus, the university limits the pay increase you can get, regardless of the job posting's salary. You could get hired for the exact same position, off the street, and be hired for a lot more money than if you already worked on campus and got hired from another department. A lot of people leave, work for a private entity for awhile, then get hired back on campus making a lot more money. I actually saw one person double their salary by doing this working for another state. It's not just Virginia that does this. It is short sided thinking that inhibits people that want to better themselves within VT. I work in a creative field and under current senior direction, all of the creative groups within the department have been either dissolved or the employee numbers decimated from disgruntled workers leaving for better jobs or retiring because of the work environment and those empty jobs not replaced with new employees. It is a sad and frustrating trend. As a whole, VT is a good place to work with really good benefits but mileage may vary with leadership.

As an employee at Virginia Tech, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a reputable academic institution that values education and research. However, my experience has revealed certain issues regarding fairness in the workplace that deserve attention.

One of the main concerns is the inconsistency in how employees are treated across departments. While some areas promote a positive work culture, others fail to provide equitable opportunities for growth, recognition, and career advancement. For example, promotional opportunities and salary increases disproportionately favor specific departments or positions, leaving others feeling undervalued despite comparable contributions.

Additionally, workload distribution can sometimes feel unbalanced, with some staff members handling overwhelming responsibility while others have lighter, more manageable assignments. This lack of transparency and equity affects employee morale, often making it difficult for some of us to feel fully appreciated or motivated in our roles.

Finally, the feedback process here often lacks structure, with limited opportunities for employees to voice concerns or propose improvements without fear of potential repercussions. An inclusive environment that genuinely listens to its staff could greatly benefit Virginia Tech, helping retain dedicated employees committed to its mission.

I hope Virginia Tech’s leadership will consider these points to create a more supportive, fair, and balanced work environment for all employees.








I would have to say the mot valuable part of the experience was realizing how rigorous collegiate varsity athletics could be. From what I observed, it seemed like every bit of free time between the athletes’ schedules were filled with doctor’s appointments, rehab, or practices. I knew varsity athletics was a time commitment in itself, but not to the extent that every minute of every day was mapped out to the littlest of details. What made my experience in athletic training stand out was being able to observe different types of athletic injuries and the rehab that accompanied the recovery for those injuries. I was fortunate to witness the types of rehab that ACL injuries required as well as shoulder tendonitis for certain players. My experience as an athletic trainer assistant showed me how the trainers are there for the athletes almost whenever they need them.  More often than not the athletes would come in to talk with the trainers with any questions they may have about any little injury that they experienced and whether or not it was a big deal for medical attention. I always thought athletic trainers were there for during the sporting events and left it at that, but they’re always on call to help out their athletes in any way possible.

What is the best part of working at the company?
That I was working with experts in the field, where I learned a great deal. There was always something new to learn. The lab chief worked with us at our level, as part of the team. Very approachable and informative.  

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I was never stressed. If at all I became somewhat stressed, it was because we were working with dangerous pathogens. With knowledge about the pathogens and with procedural precautions however the stress is much minimized.  

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
There was a lot of co-operation, responsibility, teamwork and trust between the laboratory professionals. Without this culture, the nature of work involved would be compromised. Everyone took their work very seriously. There time for relaxation and fun too.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I was at that time as a part- time student, trying to balance a tough schedule. I had applied for the job as it was related to my major and had previous experience. They accepted me as a Laboratory Specialist. Everyday I had samples to analyze and diagnose according to various tests and procedures I was trained to perform. Based on these tests, we identified the pathogen causing a disease. I would each day go home happy, thinking that I had helped in the comfort and treatment of a diseased animal.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Administrative assistant 18 salaries reported	$43,428 per year
Extension agent 37 salaries reported	$55,716 per year
Housekeeper 15 salaries reported	$34,353 per year
Postdoctoral associate 23 salaries reported	$61,428 per year
Assistant professor 19 salaries reported	$77,763 per year

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