Master's Students
The Office of Graduate Career Development is housed in the MSU Graduate School and affiliated with the Career Services Network. Career Services aims to support graduate and professional students before, during, and after their job search process, with a focus on facilitating their exposure to expanded careers in industry, non-profits, government, entrepreneurship, academic administration, and more. Alongside the MSU Career Services Network, the office focuses on fostering connections between current graduate and professional students and alumni and employers, offering programs and resources to support professional readiness, and broadening MSU students’ awareness of the value and versatility of their graduate or professional degree in the marketplace. See the Graduate Career Services website for more information: https://grad.msu.edu/phdcareers.
Appointment
The graduate assistantship (GA) will be a half-time position (20 hours/week) for the 2023-24 academic year. Start date August 15, 2024 and conclude May 15, 2025. Level and stipend based on previous experience and determined by MSU stipend range, found here.
Job summary
The Office of Graduate Career Development is hiring a masters-level GA for the 2024-25 academic year to support career development of graduate and professional students through offering one-on-one advising appointments, leading workshops, curating online resources, helping with evaluation and needs assessments, and other duties as assigned. The GA will develop a deep understanding of graduate career paths, share that knowledge with broad audiences, and support graduate students in pursuing their career goals. In addition, the GA will manage communication for relevant events and resources via social media, newsletters, and other communication strategies. Training in career advising and presenting workshops will be provided, though relevant previous experience is valued.
Position Responsibilities
- Develop a deep understanding of the variety of career pathways available to graduate students and communicating the value of a graduate degree
- Advise graduate and professional students on job search fundamentals, including writing application materials (e.g., resumes/CVs, cover letters, diversity/teaching/research statements), networking (e.g., attending job fairs, contacting employers online), and interviewing
- Assist in planning and delivering workshops and other career-related events
- Co-manage office social media accounts, newsletters, and other communication mediums as directed
- Provide general administrative support for the office
- Work closely with other programs, Graduate School staff, and Career Services staff to collaborate, build programs, and enhance capacity for work in these areas
Required qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in graduate/professional student career and professional development
- Currently a student in good standing and enrolled in a master’s degree program at MSU
- Ability to communicate and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds within and outside academia (in person, over email, and over the phone)
- Understanding of issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity in higher education (including at MSU)
- Strong writing skills; an ability to draft email correspondence, newsletter and social media text as needed, and other communications for audiences of graduate and/or professional students and community partners
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Available up to 20 hours a week for advising graduate and/or professional students in one-on-one consultations (both in-person and virtual). This position will primarily be in-person, though some virtual work is involved. Candidates must have access to technology that allows them to work remotely as needed.
Preferred qualifications
- Awareness of best practices in the job search process, including application writing (e.g., creation and updating of resume/CV and cover letter), interviewing, and networking
- Familiarity with MSU Graduate School programs, resources, and priorities
- Working knowledge of issues in graduate and professional education, especially around professional and career development
- Appreciation of (and an ability to effectively navigate) interdisciplinary university environments
- Basic web skills and familiarity with Zoom, LinkedIn and Handshake platforms (or, in the case of limited experience on those platforms, an interest in learning more about them)
- Experience and willingness to contribute to the social media presence of the Office of Graduate Career Development
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, strong communication skills, and creative problem-solving skills
Application Information
- Submit a cover letter and a resume/CV via Handshake no later than May 15, 2024. The job posting (8872269). Students can log into Handshake and find the job posting here: https://app.joinhandshake.com/edu/jobs/8872269
- Contact Dr. Julie Rojewski, Director of Graduate Career Development with questions if needed.
- Application deadline: May 15, 2024.
- Interview to follow with selected candidates.
