VandyPASS

A digital roadmap of experiences and skills. Recognized by Suitable for ‘Most Creative Marketing Strategy.’

About VandyPASS

When it comes to showcasing skills and accomplishments to potential employers, your Vanderbilt degree is vital.

But at Vanderbilt, we know students receive a world-class education outside the classroom, too.

From student organizations to professional development to community involvement – how will you represent the skills gained through these experiences?

It’s the power of VandyPASS.

Pathways for Achieving Skills and Success is the Career Center’s innovative approach to showcasing skills students obtain. Engineered by Suitable, VandyPASS provides students a virtual roadmap by tracking their experiential learning and connecting it to different career pathways.

VandyPASS empowers you to tell your unique stories to employers, to other institutions, and to peers.

Login to VandyPASS using your Vanderbilt email and password.

Three Steps to a Roadmap

ENGAGE in co-curricular learning

Participate in various events on and off campus to learn more about various careers and disciplines. 

TRACK skills using badges

Make progress in developing core competencies that stand out to internationally recognized employers. 

STORYTELL to your network

Learn to reflect on various experiences to show how you have grown throughout different experiences. 

VandyPASS has allowed me to engage with meaningful career development opportunities I might not have otherwise known about.

Nick McCoy
Class of 2025

Student FAQs

  • What Types of Badges Does Vanderbilt Offer?

    VandyPASS badges are based on current workforce trends. The badges are indicative of skills that are in high-demand by employers and are always up-to-date.

    Through this program, Vanderbilt offers a variety of badges that align with critical skillsets that employers across industries seek. These skillsets are based on current workforce trends. Visit the National Association of Colleges and Employers website to learn more.

  • How Will a Digital Badge Make Me Standout to Employers?

    Collaboration with employers is key to identifying the skills that are in high demand in today's evolving workforce. By earning digital badges, students have the opportunity to develop valuable skills both inside and outside of the classroom. These can be tracked visually, making it easy for students to communicate their skills to employers across industries.

  • How Can I Share My Digital Badges?

    The digital badges students earn can be shared through social media sites like LinkedIn, showcased on resumes, linked on job sites, or sent via email. Learn more about sharing your badges through the digital scorecard.

    You can also check out this quick video How to add badges to LinkedIn.

  • How Do I Register My Event to Be Considered for VandyPASS?

    To simplify the VandyPASS event request process, we have added this into the event submission form in Anchor Link. When you go in to submit your event in Anchor Link, please be sure to follow all three steps to ensure your event is approved for VandyPASS.

    If your event is approved in Anchor Link, that does mean your event was also approved for VandyPASS! Once this is approved, it will show up in Suitable as an event for people to attend.

    If your event is not approved for VandyPASS, our administrators will deny your event in Anchor Link. If it is denied for VandyPASS (which it will mention in the comments for the event denial), when you resubmit your event request, you can either follow their instructions to adjust your competencies/description or you can remove the VandyPASS competencies from event categories and unclick the prompt to be considered for VandyPASS.

  • How Can I Create a New Activity/Task for VandyPASS for Recognition?

    For students, please follow these instructions in Suitable to create a new activity/task.

  • What Are the Recommended Tasks to Get You Started?

    Getting into anything new can be challenging, and we understand that VandyPASS is no different, with a somewhat intimidating, endless list of tasks to choose from. These tasks we find are easiest for students to complete, and draw upon some of the more common experiences across campus. 

    Follow the Career Center Instagram (C&S Level 1) - 10 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/282778 

    Opt into the VandyPASS Leaderboard (C&S Level 1) - 10 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/313685

    Proficiency with using Zoom, WebX, Skype (Technology Level 1) - 10 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/225926

    Attend Professor Office Hours (Critical Thinking Level 2) - 20 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/238718

    Life Experiences: Cultural Event / Festival / Showcase (Equity & Inclusion Level 2) - 20 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/225820

    Big Interview - AI Interview Tool (Professionalism, Communication Level 2) - 40 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/398652

    Lead a Team Meeting for a Group or Club (Teamwork Level 3) - 50 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/225892

    Serve as an Officer of an Organization (Leadership Level 3) - 50 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/266356

    Participation in a Language Table (E&I, C&S, Communication Level 3) - 150 points

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/262566

  • What Are Examples of Strong Task Reflections?

    A strong reflection can be challenging to create, whether it be because what you are writing about was a while ago, or because it may be hard to connect to what the task is asking personally. These example responses are meant as guides to what a strong reflection can look like, and are meant to spur your own creativity and introspection. 

    Help Raise Funds For a Club or Greek Life: “Every year, my sorority hosts several fundraising events to support charities we care about. All of our members contribute, and I’ve seen how much collaboration and shared effort it really takes to pull things off. We come up with strategies that make sense for our community and adjust as needed along the way. Clear communication helps keep everyone on the same page and motivated. Overall, it’s shown me how effective teamwork can be when everyone is working toward a common goal.”

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/225880 

    Lead a Team Meeting for a Group or Club: “During my freshman year, I led weekly House Programming Advisory Council (HPAC) meetings, which helped me grow a lot in teamwork and collaboration. I’d start each meeting with a clear agenda but made sure everyone had space to share their ideas. We focused on brainstorming ways to boost participation in Commons Cup events and ensured our plans reflected the group’s input. Open communication with HPAC members, our program coordinator, and our faculty head of house was key to building strategies that worked. It reminded me that the best ideas come from working together and creating space for everyone’s voice.”

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/225892 

    Serve on the Executive Board or as an Officer of an Organization: “Serving as the Vice President of Finance for my sorority has taught me that leadership means being both accountable and approachable. I manage our chapter’s budget, collect dues, and support other officers in planning events within our financial limits. This role has shown me the importance of being organized, transparent, and proactive—especially when we’re facing financial constraints. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is navigating late or missed payments, which requires setting clear expectations while also being understanding of individual circumstances. These moments have helped me strengthen my communication skills and approach difficult conversations with empathy. I’ve also had to find solutions that protect the chapter’s financial health without disrupting operations. Consistency, fairness, and open communication have been key to building trust within the chapter. This role has developed my confidence in decision-making and taught me how to lead with both structure and compassion.”

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/266347 

    Research/Applied Project: “In my Applied Marketing class, I worked on a group project where we developed a strategy to help a real business increase profits from their existing customers over time. We did a mix of qualitative and quantitative research—like interviews, surveys, and focus groups—to understand consumer behavior better. Digital tools played a big role throughout the project. We used Zoom for meetings, Qualtrics for building our survey, and platforms like Datawrapper and Flourish to visualize our data. Google Docs made it easy for us to collaborate in real time. All of these tools helped us stay organized and made it easier to turn our research into clear, strategic recommendations. It showed me how digital technology can aid in marketing research and how it helps teams work efficiently from start to finish.”

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/225935 

    Attend Professor Office Hours “I attended my professor's office hours for Algorithms. I discussed a homework question that I was confused about. This led to a sample walkthrough of an example, allowing me to better understand the algorithm relevant to the homework. Afterward, I was able to better understand Tarjan's Articulation Point Algorithm and complete the problem.”

    https://app.suitable.co/institution/2396/activities/238718

  • What Are Students Saying About VandyPASS?
    • “VandyPASS has helped me be more intentional about how I grow outside the classroom. It’s encouraged me to reflect on my strengths and take small, meaningful steps toward building confidence in my professional journey.” - Class of 2027 
    • “VandyPASS has supported me to expand my technical and soft skills while engaging with multiple initiatives on campus. I value that it encouraged me to reflect on my career growth and have fun while developing my professional portfolio!” - Class of 2028 
    • “I found VandyPASS to be a helpful tool that encouraged me to explore more of our campus's resources and push myself to reach new heights. “ - Class of 2026 
    • VandyPASS has been a fun chapter of my year. It allows you to really reflect on the good things you've learned and done in the community. It allows you to compete with your classmates in a very constructive way. The greek life association also adds chapter-level competition which is great. I think going to events should be weighed more heavily than simple reflections, as the reflections was where I earned all my points. - Class of 2025 
    • VandyPASS offers students the opportunity to receive recognition for different skills they have certified on. Personally, I feel that it promotes professional development skills by allowing you to reflect on different immersive experiences you may have had, and it also encourages more engagement with the Career Center. It can showcase to employers that you are actively engaged in paving your future path, making you a more attractive candidate for career development opportunities. - Class of 2026 
  • Can I Use AI For VandyPASS Task Reflections?

    The purpose of VandyPASS is to help students intentionally reflect on their experiences, develop their skills, and become strong storytellers who can confidently articulate their growth to future employers, graduate programs, and mentors. While generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) can be helpful in getting started or organizing thoughts, your reflection responses in VandyPASS are expected to be authentic, personal, and grounded in your own lived experiences. Students who submit AI-generated responses without meaningful personalization or who use AI to "game" the system rather than engage with the reflection process are not meeting the expectations of the program and will be denied points for their task submissions.

    We encourage students to:

    • Use AI tools only to brainstorm or outline ideas, not as a substitute for reflection.
    • Write in your own words, drawing directly from your personal experiences.
    • View VandyPASS as an opportunity for self-awareness and professional growth, not a box to check.

    For more information on academic integrity and the use of AI at Vanderbilt, please visit Vanderbilt’s Generative AI & Academic Integrity page.

    If you have questions about this policy or need help crafting a task reflection, feel free to contact the VandyPASS team at vandypass@vanderbilt.edu.

  • What is the Job Search Academy by Indeed?

    The Job Search Academy is a free, virtual career development program brought to you by Indeed and Vanderbilt University to help you excel in your job search. The Academy focuses on mastering the 5 key areas of the job search so you feel confident every step of the way–because everyone deserves better work. Learn more.

Campus Partner FAQs

  • What Is The Value of VandyPASS, and Why Should I Tell Students to Engage With It?
    • VandyPASS helps students intentionally build career-ready skills, reflect on their experiences, and create a strong personal story to share with employers, graduate schools, and mentors. It gives students a structured way to track their development outside the classroom through events, activities, and reflections. 
    • By participating in VandyPASS, students not only strengthen key competencies and feel more confident navigating their career journeys, but they also become more aware of the valuable campus resources and support systems available to them. Encouraging students to engage with VandyPASS means helping them take ownership of their growth and better prepare for future success. 
  • How Do I Register My Event to Be Considered for VandyPASS?

    To simplify the VandyPASS event request process, we have added this into the event submission form in Anchor Link. When you go in to submit your event in Anchor Link, please be sure to follow all three steps to ensure your event is approved for VandyPASS.

  • What Do I Need to Do if I Want to Create My Own Badge?

    Step 1: Review this governance document to learn more about what components should be considered when creating a badge.

    Step 2: Complete the Badge Request Microsoft Form

    Step 3: Schedule a 1:1 with the Assistant Director of Badging & Skills

  • Are There Brand Guidelines I Need To Follow If I Create A Badge?
    • All VandyPASS badges are developed by the Vanderbilt University marketing team in collaboration with the Career Center Marketing & Communications Specialist. Our goal is to ensure that every badge reflects a cohesive and recognizable style, reinforcing the VandyPASS and Vanderbilt brands. Within this framework, each office or organization has the flexibility to customize specific elements of their VandyPASS badge while adhering to these branding standards. 
  • How Do I Fill Out the Curriculum Import Template?
    • After completing the initial steps for building a badge, you’ll receive the VandyPASS Curriculum Import Template to map out your badge activities. This template is designed to make the process easier and ensure your badge is structured clearly before uploading into the Suitable platform. 
    • To help you navigate the template, we’ve created a video tutorial and there are helpful tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet that provide instructions, examples, and tips for building strong tasks. Following the structure in the template will help minimize edits later in the system and make your badge ready for a smoother launch. 
  • How Do I Promote A Badge To Students?
    • There are several ways you can promote your badge to students and encourage engagement! Common strategies include sharing information through email campaigns, posting on social media or group platforms, including badge details in newsletters, and making announcements during classes, meetings, or student organization events. You can also collaborate with faculty, advisors, and student leaders to help spread the word. 
    • To make it even easier, we’ve created a badge promotion template with sample emails and messaging you can customize for your students. 

     

  • How Do I Review My Badge Tasks For Approval?
    • Once your badge tasks are live, you are responsible for ensuring the student reflections meet VandyPASS standards for clarity, relevance, and meaningful student learning outcomes. Having clear and actionable task descriptions is important because it helps students understand exactly what is expected of them and encourages stronger engagement and reflection. 
    • Campus partners are encouraged to review their badge tasks and submissions on a weekly basis to ensure students receive timely feedback and acknowledgment for their work. Keeping up with approvals helps maintain momentum and keeps students motivated to continue participating. 
    • If you notice that you are not receiving strong or thoughtful reflection responses from students, please reach out to vandypass@vanderbilt.edu for support. We can work together to modify or strengthen your task prompts to elicit more meaningful reflections. 
    • We’ve also created a Badge Task Review Guide to walk you through how to review tasks effectively and make updates when needed. 
  • What Do I Do If Students Are Using AI For Their Task Reflections?
    • Students are encouraged to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) only as a starting point — for brainstorming ideas or structuring their thoughts — but not for generating full reflection responses. Authentic, personal reflection is a key part of the VandyPASS experience and critical for developing meaningful storytelling and career-readiness skills. 
    • If you notice that a student’s reflection appears to be heavily AI-generated or lacks personal connection to their experience, you are encouraged to deny the task and provide feedback referencing the Vanderbilt Academic Integrity guidelines & the VandyPASS AI Use statement listed under the Student FAQ section.
    • We recommend using the denial message to kindly remind students that VandyPASS is designed to help them reflect intentionally on their own experiences, and that using AI to complete tasks without meaningful personalization goes against the expectations of the program.
    • Instructions to Approve Activities in VandyPASS

Employer FAQs

  • What Is VandyPASS & Why Should I Know About It As An Employer?
    • VandyPASS is Vanderbilt’s career readiness platform that helps students build, track, and reflect on the key skills employers are looking for. Through VandyPASS, students complete badges by engaging in events, activities, and experiences that strengthen competencies like leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and more. 
    • As an employer, you may start to see students highlight the badges they’ve earned by linking them on their Handshake profiles, talking about them in interviews or networking conversations, or adding them to their LinkedIn profiles. These badges are designed to help students tell a stronger, more skills-focused story about their development outside of the classroom. 
    • Our goal with VandyPASS is to bridge the gap between college experiences and career readiness, making it easier for employers like you to connect with candidates who are intentionally building the competencies needed to succeed in today’s workforce. 
  • What Types of Badges Does Vanderbilt Offer?

    VandyPASS badges are based on current workforce trends. The badges are indicative of skills that are in high-demand by employers and are always up-to-date.

    Through this program, Vanderbilt offers a variety of badges that align with critical skillsets that employers across industries seek. These skillsets are based on current workforce trends. Visit the National Association of Colleges and Employers website to learn more.

  • Are There Employer-Specific Badges?
    • Yes, we offer employer-specific badges to help companies intentionally support Vanderbilt students in developing the skills that align with the company's goals and the roles they recruit for. Through these badges, employers can provide students with targeted experiences such as resume support, mock interviews, skill-building workshops, networking events, mentorship opportunities, and more. 
    • To ensure that both the company and students engage in a meaningful and goal-oriented way, we only offer a limited number of employer badges each year. This allows us to maintain a high level of intentionality and alignment with both employer needs and student outcomes. 
  • How Can Our Company Get More Involved With VandyPASS?

    There are several ways employers can engage with VandyPASS to connect with and support Vanderbilt students: 

    • Create a Custom Badge 
      Complete our interest form to propose an employer-specific badge. You’ll work with our team to define the competencies, tasks, and events (e.g., mock interviews, skill workshops, mentorship sessions) that align with your recruiting goals. We limit the number of badges each year to ensure quality and intentional engagement. 
    • Host Exclusive Networking Events 
      Partner with us to run pre-career fair mixers, “lunch & learn” sessions, or virtual coffee chats. These small-group settings allow your recruiters to meet high-potential students in a more personal environment. 
    • Sponsor Challenges & Case Competitions 
      Collaborate on themed challenges or a “hackathon”-style case competition (like InnovationX) where students develop solutions or badges tied to your company’s real-world needs. Judges can include your mentors or hiring managers, and winners can earn special career experiences. 
    • Offer Workshops & Mentorship 
      Lead targeted skill-development workshops (e.g., technical skills, resume clinics, interview prep) or mentor small cohorts of students through their badge journey, providing feedback and industry insights. 
    • Table at VandyPASS Promotions 
      Join our monthly tabling in the student center or virtual info sessions to showcase your company, distribute branded swag, and answer questions about your badge or other opportunities. 
    • Share Opportunities & Resources 
      Provide us with links to your open internships, events, or professional development resources. We’ll promote them through VandyPASS notifications, newsletters, and site announcements so students can immediately apply their skills. 

    If you’re interested in any of these opportunities—or have other ideas—please let us know, and we’ll connect you with the right person on our team to get started! 

Contact Us

If you are interested in creating a digital badge or learning more about this program, please email vandypass@vanderbilt.edu.