Career Opportunity Fund

Thanks to the generosity of donors, we are able to provide a limited amount of money for degree-seeking students each semester. These funds allow students access to career development opportunities during their career exploration and job search processes. In order to fund as many students as possible, students are limited to two funding opportunities per academic year while funding is available. 

Please note, career development opportunities do not have to be sourced by Career Services in order to qualify for funding. 

Follow the steps below to determine funding eligibility and apply for funding. DO NOT make any purchases prior to receiving funding approval. Items purchased prior to approval will not be reimbursed. 

Due to the upcoming Workday implementation, the 2024 deadline to receive Career Opportunity Fund applications and receipts is December 1, 2024.  For all applications and receipts not received by December 1, 2024, Career Opportunity Fund application review will resume on January 13, 2025. 

Apply Now
Expand All
  • Steps To Apply for Funding
    1. Carefully review the “Types of Funding Available” and “Qualifying for Funding” sections below prior to submitting your application. 
    2. If your request falls within the guidelines listed, fully complete and submit the application at the bottom of the page. 
    3. Applications for funding will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applications should be submitted as far in advance of the opportunity as possible, but no less than 1 week prior to the opportunity for which you are seeking funding. It can take a week or more to determine funding eligibility.  
    4. You will be notified of eligibility/ineligibility within a week. If eligible, next steps and guidelines will be outlined along with the notification. 
    5. Approved purchases must be made prior to the end of the academic year or they will not be reimbursed. All receipts should be submitted immediately after purchase for reimbursements. Receipts older than 60 days will not be reimbursed.  
  • Types of Funding Available

    Travel Reimbursement 
    Students who have a career development opportunity such as (but not limited to) interviews for job, internship, or professional graduate school; Health Preceptorship; Spider Shadowing; or Spider Road Trip may apply to receive funding to cover all or part of the travel expenses necessary to make the opportunity possible. 

    Professional Wardrobe Reimbursement 
    This funding will provide reimbursement for one business professional outfit such as a suit, lab attire, etc. that are a necessary part of career development and job search or graduate school interview processes.  

    Graduate/Professional School Application Fees 
    Funding is available for graduate/professional school application fees and/or testing fees. Prior to requesting funding, we ask that you first seek a waiver from the university/testing agency for which you are applying.

  • Qualifying for Funding
    • Students may be granted up to $250 for a single opportunity and funding will be given as a reimbursement after a purchase made by a student. 
    • Students must qualify for need-based aid per the University’s policies to be eligible for funding. If you are unsure of whether you qualify for need-based financial aid, contact the Financial Aid office. 
    • This fund is primarily designed for degree-seeking undergraduates in the following schools: Jepson School of Leadership Studies, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Professional & Continuing Studies, and Robins School of Business.  
    • There is limited funding available for graduate and professional students in the following schools: School of Professional & Continuing Studies, School of Law, and The Richmond MBA.