Virginia Tech® home

Consumer Studies Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer Studies graduates can pursue roles across multiple sectors, including:

  • Consumer educator, financial counselor/planner, policy advocate
  • Community relations specialist, public relations, consumer affairs roles
  • Market research analyst, marketing strategist, account executive
  • Stock broker, insurance representative, human-resource coordinator
  • Employment opportunities with organizations like American Red Cross, Consumer Federation of America, CPSC, Consumers Union, SOCAP International, Virginia Department of Agriculture, Enterprise, Ryan Homes, Sherwin-Williams 

Consumer Studies offers a flexible interdisciplinary curriculum. Courses typically include:

  • Finance-related: economic well-being, personal finance, financial counseling (leads to Accredited Financial Counselor credentials)
  • Public policy & advocacy: courses on consumer issues, public policy, consumer education labs, financial education strategies
  • Consumer research & product development: product analysis, market data interpretation, consumer behavior
  • Retail & management: market research, business fundamentals, product analysis, marketing strategy

Advisors and faculty can guide specific elective choices aligned with these career goals.

  • Nearly 90% of Consumer Studies students complete internships with local businesses, national firms, and market research agencies 
  • Use resources like Career & Professional Development – Handshake, CareerShift, GoinGlobal, plus career fairs 
  • Participate in the Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) or Student Internship & Co‑op Network (SICN) to access job postings, employer events, and resume books 

  • Faculty mentoring: Professors support undergraduate research and internships 
  • Student-to-professional networks: 
    • Join the Consumer Interest organization to engage in consumer-focused professional and community events 
    • Participate in Virginia Association for Teachers in Family and Consumer Sciences, attending annual conferences to meet alumni and professionals 
    • Engage in SOCAP International and other internships for direct exposure 

Consumer Studies complements many fields such as:

  • Marketing, Finance, Data Analytics, Management, Economics
  • Fashion Merchandising & Design; Residential Environments and Design; Property Management; Public Policy; Communications

The curriculum includes Pathways electives, allowing you to design a double major or minor across these areas. Speak with your advisor to create an ideal combination.

  • Consumer Interest organization: Focused on consumer awareness, professional development, and service 
  • VA Family & Consumer Sciences Association: Annual conferences foster networking with alumni and industry professionals 
  • Broader connections via GobblerConnect with about 800 student organizations campus-wide 

  • Internships: Almost all students complete one through local and national firms 
  • Consumer Education Lab: Work directly on consumer education projects in a flexible lab environment
  • Undergraduate research & independent studies: Collaborate with faculty on research, designing your own projects 
  • Credentialing: Complete accredited courses to become a Certified Financial Counselor via Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education 

 

  • Analytical skills: Interpreting market data, product trends, consumer behavior
  • Communication: Public speaking, client education, policy writing
  • Business fundamentals: Customer service, financial counseling, marketing strategy
  • Technical tools: Market research software, MS Office suite, data analysis platforms
  • Networking & professional skills: Resume writing, interviewing, LinkedIn, attending industry events
  • Leadership & service: Take on roles in student organizations or community outreach