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 11, 2025 — It was never the intent of Christian Walker ’25 to go to law school. Initially, he had no desire to. He was also incredibly unsure about what his future would hold.  

“My 2nd Class year is when my interest in potentially attending law school was ignited as I would take several classes that involved different sectors of the law,” he explained. “Through taking these courses, I discovered a passion for law and hope that I would one day be able to pursue a career as a lawyer.”

The international studies major from North Chesterfield, Virginia, said he has long felt his purpose in life is to serve others.  

“I feel that law is one of the professions where you can consistently help people day after day,” he said. “This is something I was seeking when I was trying to figure out what to do after college, and it was something that I found in the law.” 

Walker is expecting law school to be a challenging experience, something he hopes will help with his goal of becoming a JAG officer.  

"From what I've heard talking to other individuals who are currently in law school, there is a new challenge every day that your professors expect you to not only think critically about but also expect you to apply relevant legal arguments to,” he commented. “However, law school creates an environment for individuals to work together ... at the end of the day, everyone has the same goal, which is to be a lawyer." 

He credits Maj. Tim Passmore, assistant professor of international studies, in helping him discover what law school could do for him.  

“He taught the very first law class that I took during my cadetship, and it set the foundation for my interest in the law,” he stated. “Through taking other classes taught by Major Passmore, and getting the opportunity to attend the Law of Armed Conflict Competition in Sanremo, Italy, he has helped foster my interest in the law and give me the knowledge required to succeed as a first year in law school.” 

Walker said VMI has instilled structure and drive in himself, which will allow him to succeed in all facets of life. From the early wakeups and tidy rooms, Walker knows that even the smallest details need to be thought about. 

The bonds he created while at VMI have shown him that there are always people who will go out of their way to help, if ever you should need it.  

"That’s something that I feel very few other colleges create while people attend. Without the environment that VMI creates and the challenges it puts you through every single day, I would not have had the tools to succeed and the drive to achieve greater things,” he said.  

He hopes in the next decade he will be able to provide legal support as a JAG officer, then potentially a federal prosecutor. Most importantly, he wants to make an impact on people in a positive way, especially if they are going through tough times where they may have nowhere else to turn.  

“I absolutely believe VMI gives me a competitive edge on my resume. The Institute has a reputation for helping create strong academic habits that will help cadets even after their time at VMI is over, and that is something that is taken into consideration when applying to schools after VMI,” he said. “The reputation that alumni of the Institute have helped create is strong and has spread to graduate institutions. It is through their hard work and dedication that allows my application to look stronger because ‘Virginia Military Institute’ is on it, and it is my hope that I can carry on this legacy.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE