Forbes recently published its annual list of America’s Best Employers for New Grads, a list of 300 companies identified as most liked by new workforce entrants. Virginia Tech ranked in the top 30 and was the third-highest ranked educational employer on the list.
Forbes partnered with Statista, a market research company, that surveyed 20,000 Americans with fewer than 10 years of professional experience working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees. Respondents were asked to rate their employers on a variety of criteria, including safety of work environment, competitiveness of compensation, opportunities for advancement, effectiveness of diversity and inclusion efforts, company image, and how likely they would be to recommend their employer to others.
“We are pleased to be recognized as part of Forbes’ annual list,” said Bryan Garey, vice president for human resources. “One of our goals at Virginia Tech is to be a destination for talent. We know we are producing top talent every day in our undergraduate and graduate students. To know that these talented individuals want to both learn and work at Virginia Tech is a great honor and goes to show that being part of the Hokie Nation is a lifelong experience.”
With the support of the university, Human Resources continues to invest in making Virginia Tech a great place to work. Systems such as a web-based site for new hire paperwork and onboarding portal make getting started with Virginia Tech easier. Improved recruiting practices ensure alignment with the university’s inclusion and diversity efforts. Tuition benefits and other professional development opportunities provide employees ways to keep growing in their career. In response to employees’ work-life balance requests and concerns, the university offers flexible work options and wellness resources and is working to address caregiving needs.
Additional initiatives include updates to the universitywide onboarding program, the launch of a new staff performance management system, a review of nearly 2,200 administrative and professional faculty roles to develop clearer career pathing and organizational structure, and ongoing work to review the university’s compensation practices to ensure competitiveness.
Here’s what several members of the Hokie Nation had to say about their choices to learn and work at Virginia Tech:
“Virginia Tech felt like home as soon as I stepped onto campus. I had an incredible undergraduate experience and went into industry to work. In the spirit of Ut Prosim [That I May Serve], I still had a desire to serve. When I saw the opportunity at the Hume Center [now the Virginia Tech National Security Institute], I jumped at the chance to return ‘home.’ I stayed because of the empowering and inclusive atmosphere.” – Tiasha Khan ’10, program manager, Virginia Tech National Security Institute
“I chose to learn at Virginia Tech because of the people. Being raised in a Hokie family, I found myself enamored with the community, campus, and opportunities that the Pamplin College of Business provides their students. I was privileged to participate in the Pamplin internship in the Division of Human Resources with the compensation team. This internship helped guide my career and turned into a full-time position. Learning and working in a place you love makes all of the difference, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that Virginia Tech has offered me.” – Danielle Krisfalusi ’22, junior compensation analyst, Division of Human Resources
“As a graduate, I always felt like Virginia Tech was home. I chose to join the workforce here because employment at Virginia Tech felt more like family than a job.” – Susanna Ratcliffe ’11, patrol sergeant, Virginia Tech Policy Department
“I chose to work and learn at Virginia Tech because of the flexibility, professional development opportunities, and tuition benefits to nationally ranked programs relevant to my career goals. I am now a double Hokie, having earned my bachelor’s degree in 2012 and my master’s in 2022. I do my best to embody the university’s motto in my daily life, and working at Virginia Tech is one of the many ways I am able to make a positive impact on our community and share what I’ve learned to better the lives of others.” – Matthew Strickler ’12, ’22, associate director of systems operations, Network Infrastructure and Services
