Issue 6: LinkedIn: Allowing Recruiters to Contact You about Employment

Robert Brandau teaching prospective employees about the ins-and-outs of LinkedIn Recruiting. 

Robert Brandau is the Founding Director of Career-Confidence.org. He has been in the recruiter field since 1998 in full time and part time capacities. He teaches, coaches and encourages people in job transitions. He has spoken at Virginia International University in March and April of 2016.

Issue 6: When an Entrepreneur Becomes a Student

Pictured: Abror Nazirov on-campus at Virginia International University. 

Abror Nazirov is an Uzbekistan native working on his Master's Degree in TESOL at VIU.  Not only does he study on a day-to-day basis, but Mr. Nazirov is a young entrepreneur who founded and remotely runs his own language school in his home country.  Abror challenged the status quo by seizing an opportunity to advance academically and gain experience in the United States, which will benefit his company and his country in the long term. 

Issue 6: John Hughes: A Journalist's Journey to Success

Tamila Khalikova and Mohamed Moustafa, two Virginia International University students on the path to graduate this May 2016, had an opportunity and interview John Hughes, this year’s keynote speaker.

John Hughes is an editor for Bloomberg News’ First Word DC, a breaking news desk in Washington DC, and the 108^th president of the National Press Club, the world’s leading professional organization for journalists.

Hughes welcomed the students to the Bloomberg offices in DC, where they had the chance to take a tour.  Bloomberg News produces approximately 5,000 stories each day from more than 150 bureaus in 73 countries.

Issue 5: Marija Smilevska, Macedonian Student in America

Marija Smilevska came to VIU from the University American College in Skopje, Macedonia, with whom Virginia International University (VIU) has a strong bond due to the academic collaboration between the institutions. Marija is enjoying her time at VIU, studying with diverse students, learning a new culture and languages, and exploring America through her active lifestyle with she has made at VIU. University Magazine asked Marija to share her personal experience in the United States. Her story is inspirational and informative for those students who are looking forward to studying with us at VIU. 

Issue 4: Why I Love Teaching at VIU?

When people ask me why I teach at VIU, which is far away from my home, instead of teaching at nearby universities in Maryland, I have one answer: I love my students at VIU and I feel that they love me too. But there are many reasons why I love teaching at VIU.

Issue 4: Don’t Call VIU’s “Adventure Guy” Disabled

Xabier Mendes, a graduate student at VIU, enthusiastically agreed when we asked to feature him on the cover of this issue of University Magazine. Through the process of photographing and interviewing him, we were constantly reminded of his positive attitude, infectious spirit, and kindness to others. Hailing from Spain, Xabier fills his life with adventure. His list of activities has no end: he climbs, surfs, runs, snowboards and skateboards, lifts weights, plays soccer, swims – you name it, he has done it. But most importantly, Xabier dreams big. His future goals include starting a family and investing in his own business and watching it grow globally. What challenges has Xabier Mendes overcome to get where he is today and what is he doing now to achieve his dreams? Continue reading to find out.