Job Posting: PhD Career Development Doctoral GA 21-22

The Office of PhD Career Development is housed in the MSU Graduate School and affiliated with the Career Services Network. PhD Career Services supports graduate students before, during, and after the job search, with a focus on expanded careers in industry, non-profits, government, entrepreneurship, academic administration, and more. PhD Career Services fosters connections between current PhD students and alumni and employers, offers programs and resources to support professional readiness, and broadens awareness of the value and versatility of the doctoral degree in the marketplace. See the PhD Career Services website for more information: https://grad.msu.edu/phdcareers

Appointment

Half-time graduate assistantship (GA) for academic year 2021-2020 (20 hours/week). State date August 16, 2021. Level and stipend based on previous experience.

Job summary

The Office of PhD Career Development is hiring a GA for the 2021-22 academic year to support career development of doctoral students through 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 PhD career paths, share that knowledge with broad audiences, and assist in developing capacity of the office to 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 previous experience is valued.

Position Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain and understanding of the variety of career pathways available to doctoral students and current research on graduate-level careers.
  • Advise doctoral students on job search fundamentals, including writing resumes, CVs, and cover letters, networking, and interviewing
  • Assist in planning and implementing workshops and other events
  • Co-manage office social media accounts, monthly newsletter, and other communication mediums
  • Provide general administrative support for the office
  • Work closely with other program, Graduate School, and Career Services Network staff to collaborate, build programs, and enhance capacity for work in these areas.

Required qualifications

  • Demonstrated interest in graduate student career and professional development
  • Currently pursuing doctoral degree 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
  • Strong writing skills; able to draft email correspondences, newsletter and social media text, and other communications for audiences of graduate students and community partners
  • Public speaking and presentation skills
  • Available up to 10 hours a week for advising doctoral students in one-on-one consultations.

*For the 21-22 year, we anticipate that some aspects of this work will be done virtually. Candidates must have access to technology that allows them to work remotely.

Preferred qualifications

  • Awareness of best practices in the job search process, including resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, and networking
  • Familiarity with MSU Graduate School programs, resources, and priorities
  • Working knowledge of issues in graduate education, especially around professional and career development
  • Appreciation of an interdisciplinary university environment
  • Basic web skills and familiarity with Zoom, LinkedIn and Handshake platforms (or an interest in learning these platforms)
  • Experience and willingness to contribute to the social media presence of PhD Career Development
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and part of a team, strong communication skills, and creative problem solving.

Application Information

  • Send a cover letter and a resume/CV to Dr. Julie Rojewski, Director of Ph.D. Career Development, no later than Monday, July 26, 2021. Please combine your cover letter and resume or CV into a single PDF file labeled “[Last Name] PhD GA 21-22 Application”
  • Contact Dr. Rojewski (rojewsj@msu.edu) with questions.
  • Application deadline: Monday, July 26, 2021.
  • Interview to follow with selected candidates
  • Ideal start date will be Monday, August 16, 2021.