Graduate Assistant Career Development

Position: Graduate Assistant for Career Development

Position Summary

The term Graduate Assistant is the umbrella term that encompasses all types of GA appointments. Graduate Assistants are employed by the University to teach, conduct research, or assist with administrative duties in departments and non-academic units. Every attempt is made to assign Graduate Assistants to positions that are directly related to the student's field of study or that provide the opportunity to develop transferable, professional skills.

Graduate Assistantships are assigned in the department or unit and confirmed by the Graduate School.

Department/Office Mission

The mission of Career & Professional Development (CPD) is to provide resources to undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates as they pursue their next steps. Programs and services are designed to educate and engage students in career planning and decision-making, experiential learning, continuing education, and/or employment search activities. To provide these programs and services, Career & Professional Development establishes mutually beneficial relationships with students, alumni, employers, faculty, staff, and the community.

Reporting

Reports to Associate Director for Career Development. The associate director manages the campus-wide strategy for student career development and supervises assistant directors and graduate assistants. The associate director reports to the director of CPD.

Job Duties and/or Responsibilities

The Graduate Assistant for Career Development provides 1:1 coaching to undergraduate students across majors and class years to support their career readiness. GA coordinates career development programs, workshops, and projects each academic year. GA will conduct classroom presentations on a range of career development topics.

Allocation of Responsibilities

• 50% 1:1 direct career coaching
• 25% program planning & delivery
• 15% specialized projects
• 10% administrative work

1:1 Coaching

Resume/cover letter development, career exploration, job/internship search strategies, and interview practice to students via video, email and in-person.

Program Planning & Delivery

• Conduct presentations on core career development topics such as resume development, interview strategies, online branding, etc. to classes, clubs, and student organizations.
• Work with full‑time staff with outreach and coordination with student clubs and organizations.
• Participate in the development and implementation of other major events.

Specialized Projects

Other specialized opportunities depend on the interest of selected graduate assistants. These projects can be in collaboration with other departments in the Division of Student Affairs, or in the Division of Student Success. This unique feature of the CPD assistantship supports your development for more than one functional area of our profession.

Work Hours and Environment

Career & Professional Development thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect. As a valued member of a dynamic team of 12 professional staff members and 3 Graduate Assistants, you'll experience a welcoming environment where your contributions are celebrated. Our team is committed to fostering your professional growth, providing mentorship, and creating an inclusive space where you can thrive. Former Graduate Assistants report exceptionally high satisfaction in their roles, highlighting the respect, meaningful opportunities, and mentorship they received as key aspects of their experience.

Career & Professional Development is open from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. The associate director and graduate student will work together to determine a work schedule that fits within this time frame. We occasionally have presentations outside of business hours, and they're accepted based on the availability of coaches and the team.

Graduate Assistants are required to attend team meetings and CPD staff meetings and we will adjust the timing of such meetings if necessary to accommodate class schedules.

Graduate Assistants for Career Development will have a private office, laptop, and dual monitor.

Why Join Us?

Career & Professional Development engages over 5,000 students annually through our services, programs, and resources. As a Graduate Assistant on our team, you'll have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while gaining hands‑on experience in career coaching, program development, and higher education. This assistantship provides a unique blend of direct student engagement, professional development, and the chance to innovate in your role.

Opportunities

Include

• Empower students on their career journeys, offering guidance directly impacting their futures.
• Lead initiatives, plan workshops, collaborate with campus partners and contribute to major events - all while tailoring projects to your interests.
• Gain expertise in coaching, developing and implementing programs, and public speaking.

Additional Terms of Employment

First day of appointment, Fall 2025:
Monday, August 1, 2025

First day of appointment,…