MSU PhD Career Services Graduate Assistantship 2019-20

The Office of PhD Career Services is hiring a GA for the 2019-20 academic year to support career development of doctoral students through curating online resources, one-on-one advising appointments, and leading workshops.  The GA will develop a deep understanding of PhD career paths, share that knowledge with broad audiences, and assist in developing new collaborations with MSU partners and potential doctoral employers. 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. The GA is also expected to work 10-15 hours/week in the summer of 2019 (July and August, paid hourly during the summer) preceding the GA-ship. There is flexibility in the timing of the summer work.

Appointment

Half-time graduate assistantship (GA) for academic year 2019-2020 (20 hours/week)

Position Responsibilities

  • Develop a deep understanding of the variety of career pathways available to doctoral students
  • Advise doctoral students and postdocs on job search fundamentals, including writing resumes, CVs, and cover letters, networking, and interviewing
  • Assist in planning and implementing workshops and other events
  • Contribute to building new relationships with potential externship hosts and employers at sites relevant to doctoral students (in industry, non-profits, government, start-ups, etc.)
  • Co-manage office social media accounts, monthly newsletter, and other communication mediums
  • Provide general administrative support for the office
  • Develop video content for the Graduate School website and YouTube channels


Required qualifications

  • Demonstrated interest in graduate student career and professional development
  • Currently pursuing doctoral degree
  • 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 to lead up to six, 90-minute workshops during the fall of 2019 (primarily in the evenings)
  • Available 4 hours a week for advising primarily doctoral students and a few postdocs

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 online resources as well as the PhD Career Services web presence, social media accounts, and monthly newsletter
  • Working knowledge of academic goals and issues in graduate education
  • Appreciation of an interdisciplinary university environment
  • Basic web skills and familiarity with Zoom, Drupal, LinkedIn and Handshake platforms (or an interest in learning these platforms)


Application Information

  • Send a cover letter (one page) and a resume (maximum two pages) to Dr. Ryan Bixenmann, bixenman@msu.edu 
    • Please note the date that you are available to start working this summer
  • Contact Dr. Ryan Bixenmann bixenman@msu.edu with any questions
  • Application deadline: Friday, May 24, 2016, 6:00 PM
  • Interview to follow with selected candidates