Career Advisor

Department: University Life - University Career Services

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

University Career Services (UCS), a unit within the Division of University Life (UL), is the centralized career center for George Mason University, serving 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students. UCS is dedicated to helping students identify and pursue opportunities where they can make a positive impact in a complex and quickly evolving world. In partnership with our strong network of employers, alumni, and faculty, we are able to break down barriers and successfully connect students with meaningful opportunities in their industries of interest to help them reach their full potential and advance not only themselves socio-economically, but their families too. Existing services and programs include one-on-one appointments, career exploration, industry specific programs, career fairs, experiential learning opportunities, and graduate school preparation.

About the Position:

The Career Advisor provides career advising virtually and in-person for students/alums on all aspects of their career development including goalsetting, career planning, and internship/job searching to increase students’ career readiness and post-graduation outcomes. Includes career counseling in complex areas that require specialized expertise, such as career assessments, mid-life transitions, balancing work and family, imposter syndrome, international student hiring in the US, etc. Incorporates a depth of knowledge in assigned career fields to educate students/alums about industry-specific recruiting/hiring trends, top employers, application processes, and changing workplace norms.

Responsibilities:

• Provide career advising to students/alums representing a broad range of career concerns including choosing/changing majors, choosing/changing careers, and planning for graduate school. Interpret vocational assessment instruments (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Skillscan Driver, Clifton Strengths). Assist students in exploring career options and identifying sources of experiential learning to further clarify their career and industries of interest, and to develop necessary skills/knowledge. Provide advising to students/alums interested in the assigned career fields (Education, Human Services and Health, etc.) and educate students on how to research employers, network, and engage in the internship/job search process using current technology. Serve as center specialist on assigned industry areas, maintaining current information on recruiting practices, timelines, and industry trends. Educate and prepare students on the specifics of their job/internship search strategy, including document review, networking techniques, interview preparation, and salary negotiation. Assist students in leveraging the use of social media and other technology in their search strategy. Use career management system (e.g., Handshake) to track all interactions with students/alums and track their progress; compile and understand data to evaluate and address student needs in a timely fashion.
• Develop content for and conduct workshops, career panels and training sessions on a variety of career topics to educate and prepare students for the world of work. Utilize virtual technologies and resources in the delivery of service to students as appropriate. Consult with academic stakeholders to identify gaps in career education and provide relevant content.
• Develop career programs or provide relevant content for inclusion in large-scale programs (e.g., career weeks). Regularly engage with Employer Engagement Consultants and Program Managers to remain up-to-date on industry/market trends by attending at least five employer-related events per semester. Stay current on career development trends, relevant on and off-campus resources, and related technology; use career management system (e.g., Handshake) to understand and analyze hiring trends and future employment opportunities. Establish and maintain effective cross-campus relationships to promote UCS services, resources, and employer programming.
• Support staffing needs for large-scale UCS events (e.g., career fairs, orientation), both in person and virtually. Contribute to UCS strategic plan development and implementation. Serve on division/university committees to represent UCS. Serve as liaison to university departments as appropriate. Participate in all-staff meetings, trainings, and symposia for UCS and the division.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counseling (preferred), student affairs, higher education, human resources or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience;
• Some experience in a higher education setting counseling/advising students on academic, career, internship, and job search issues or in human resources/talent acquisition working in college recruiting (typically one or more years);
• Knowledge of career development theories and job search strategies;
• Familiarity with career assessments (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Skillscan Driver, Clifton Strengths);
• Demonstrated proficiency in designing and delivering presentations, virtually and in-person; and
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively on team projects/initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Related work experience typically obtained in three years;
• Demonstrated experience building positive relationships and partnerships with stakeholders (e.g., students, alumni, faculty, employers, and administrators);
• Knowledge of majors/careers in Education, Human Services and Health;
• Knowledge of career management systems (e.g., Handshake);
• Demonstrated proficiency in using career assessments (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Skillscan Driver, Clifton Strengths);
• Ability to research and quickly develop knowledge of employer recruiting strategies and job market trends; and
• Demonstrated commitment to DEI and ability to work with diverse populations.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Career Advisor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  April 25, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  May 22, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes