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. July 9, 2025 — Josh Kiggans ’25 has always wanted to help others. He came to Virginia Military Institute with the mindset to join the military. However, over the years, he realized another goal.  

“In high school, I told people that if I didn't join the Navy, I would like to find a way to help people in a foreign country,” he said. “I realized that this previous goal was one that I really wanted to pursue and was motivated to follow.” 

Kiggans, a psychology major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, will be part of the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) through the Embassy of Spain following his graduation from the Institute.  

“I applied to NALCAP because I wanted the opportunity to help others and teach, as well as travel the world and learn more about other languages and cultures. I had previously studied abroad through VMI's summer study abroad programs to Spain,” he explained. “When the program ended, I knew that I had to find a way to get back to Spain.”

With the help from Dr. Sabrina Laroussi, associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, he was able to find the right program that fit his needs. 

“In the NALCAP program, I will serve as a teaching assistant in a classroom helping teach English and coming up with activities about American culture,” he said. “I currently do not know which age group I will help teach, but the ages I can teach range from 1 to 18 years old.” 

Thanks to the Office of Career Services, Kiggans was able to land the job with the Embassy of Spain.  

"There was an Embassy of Spain table at a career fair where I was able to get in touch with someone who worked with the NALCAP program. I was able to keep in contact with their representative, and he was very helpful throughout the application process,” he stated. 

He credits Laroussi with helping him get through the process by answering any questions he had, while also developing his Spanish and connecting him with people to attain the job. 

“VMI prepared me for this next step in my life with the opportunities to study abroad and develop cultural experiences in areas most people don't go to,” he commented. “I believe that having a VMI degree on my resume has given me a competitive edge in obtaining this job, because it tells an employer that you're hardworking without directly telling them that you're hardworking. And with all the opportunities VMI gives you to develop your professional career outside of the military, whether it be through the career services, network of alumni, opportunities to gain leadership experience, etcetera, my degree certainly sets me apart from the crowd.” 

He said another important person in his life who’s inspired him is his mother.  

“When she was my age, she did a similar program in Japan and has given me advice as well as been extremely supportive the entire time,” he said. “Both of my parents have given me the opportunity to further my education and have been supportive along the way. I would not have been able to get through a place like VMI without them.” 

He’s hoping in the next decade he’s able to have a career based around building a better community for people to live in. After his work with the embassy, he hopes to join the U.S. Navy and give back to the country that has given him so much. 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE