This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

LEXINGTON, Va. June 9, 2026 — With a plethora of opportunities during the summer, Katelin Patrick ’27 was looking to accomplish something that made an impact. Taking up an instructor role with Success Oriented, Achievements Realized (SOAR), an outdoor camp to empower youth and young adults, was something she was drawn to with its motto and purpose. The camp focuses on impacting those with ADHD and other learning differences to build self-confidence, self-esteem, and critical life skills.

"I am deeply committed to working with youth who require extra support, and I believe that the outdoor setting offers a unique therapeutic value that a traditional environment cannot,” Patrick explained. “This position allows me to help children build essential life skills and confidence while simultaneously helping me narrow my focus within the field of psychology. It is a rare opportunity to combine my interest in social psychology with my personal passion for outdoor activities.” 

The psychology major from Roanoke, Virginia, said she’s been looking for a role that bridges the gap between academic theory and clinical practice. 

“By working directly with youth who require specialized support and collaborating with the social work staff, I can gain the on-the-ground experience necessary to make an informed decision about my future specialization.” 

She will serve as an instructor that is assigned to a group of 7- to 8-year-olds 24/7. She’ll take them horseback riding, canoeing, rock climbing, camping, hiking, and more. They’ll also be learning life skills and accomplishing all the activities as a group. 

Patrick’s career path has been influenced by her mother, who is an educator. Growing up, she saw her mother’s commitment to her students, despite the systemic challenges within education.  

"I saw firsthand how students with disabilities or difficult backgrounds often lacked the necessary resources to succeed. Witnessing my mother navigate these hurdles as a single educator inspired me to pursue social work. I want to provide the specialized support these children need,” she commented. “Additionally, her unwavering support during my time at VMI from the rigors of the Rat Line to my competitions with the pistol team taught me the value of resilient mentorship, which I aim to bring to my professional practice.” 

Partrick feels like VMI has prepared her for the future. She credits the support of the alumni network, specifically the Henderson Family Hope Scholarship and the Jonathan M. Daniels Scholarship, in allowing her to have the stability to pursue her goals, like the research she’ll be conducting with the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute on PTSD. 

“By conducting an original study with the intent to publish, I am gaining the analytical and clinical insights necessary for the next phase of my career. Additionally, the resources provided by the VMI Office of Career Services were essential in connecting me with organizations like SOAR, ensuring I am well-positioned to transition from a cadet to a professional,” she said.  

Also, serving as a career ambassador with the Office of Career Services has given her unique access to professional networking tools. 

"When a company was unable to attend the spring career fair, I coordinated with our office to obtain their primary contact details,” she said. “I then personally spearheaded the communication and interview process. My position at career services not only helped me identify the opportunity but also provided the professional foundation to pursue the position successfully on my own initiative.” 

Her hope is in the next decade to be a licensed clinical psychologist. 

“My professional goal is to specialize in trauma-informed care, specifically focusing on two populations I am deeply passionate about — youth within the social work system and veterans struggling with PTSD,” she stated. “Personally and professionally, I hope to have contributed to the field through published research — building on the foundation of my current SURI project — and to be in a position where I can influence clinical practices to better support underserved communities.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE