Description

Career and Professional Development is a centralized office of 32 staff dedicated to educating and supporting students as they explore and choose academic majors and career options, obtain and reflect upon career-related experiences, develop professional presence and essential skills for workplace success, and launch post-graduation career plans, including graduate/professional school and employment.

The Assistant Director reports to the Associate Director for Health Professions Advising (HPA) and is responsible for relationship-building, communication, and programming efforts for HPA, as well as advising students and delivering presentations. HPA team members will work with external partners to understand the breadth and depth of experiential and post-graduation opportunities available for students interested in pursuing careers within healthcare and health related fields.

Job Duties:

Advising 55%

Advise prospective and current students as well as alumni on career planning and decision-making regarding course selections and extracurricular activities for careers in the health care professions. Present advice such that expectations are clear and well- communicated relating to the goals of the student. Provide information and resources to students about professional programs and career opportunities in health-related fields. Assist students with application process for admission to professional schools which entails understanding prerequisite course requirements and obtaining appropriate clinical experiences as it pertains to chosen health profession. Assist students in learning how to use professional skills to obtain community service experiences, internships, research opportunities and letters of recommendation. Provide consultation to students as they submit the required paperwork to their electronic folder. Conduct application workshops, provide students with simulated health professional interviews, edit personal essays, provide evaluation letters for students, and serve as a liaison to professional school admissions staff. Refer students to other Career and Professional Development resources to assist with meeting desired outcomes, as appropriate. Other advising duties as assigned.

 Programs, Seminars, Events (25%)

 Develop programs, seminars, and events to assist students in researching, preparing for, and applying to professional schools, and have them reviewed by HPA Associate Director prior to publication. Organize receptions, information sessions, and panels of admissions personnel of health professional schools and alumni, inviting diverse groups of health professionals to campus to speak and serve as mentors to current undergraduates. Develop knowledge about and present on topics such as the application process, personal statements, and interview preparation. Provide group orientation sessions regarding the Health Professions Advising Program. Assist with summer orientation sessions for incoming students and parents. Represent Career and Professional Development and the Health Professions Advising team at on- and off-campus events. Collaborate with other Career and Professional Development staff to create programming and services. Develop other programs and materials as assigned.

Committee Interviews and Reference Letters (15%)

Participate in Committee interviews for students pursuing the graduate school application process; assist with writing reference letters as a result of the interviews and information from student electronic folders.

Other team and office involvement as opportunities arise (5%)

CPD currently offers the opportunity to work remotely 2 days per week.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, life sciences, psychology, sociology, or related field.
-Previous advising/educating/mentoring experience
-Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
-Experience as an engaged team member working collaboratively toward successful outcomes..
-Demonstrated commitment to appreciating and valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
-Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
-Demonstrated ability to foster relationships among a diverse range of constituents including; students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, employers, and health professions graduate programs.
-Demonstrated understanding of professional skills necessary to succeed in the health professions school admissions interview process.
-Demonstrated excellent written communication skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Master’s degree in biological sciences, life sciences, health sciences, higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or related field.
-Significant experience providing career and/or academic advising/coaching within a college/university setting.
-Familiarity with health-related fields as well as knowledge of trends in medical/health professional school admissions.
-Knowledge of and experience applying appropriate developmental and advising theories and approaches
-Experience with Clifton Strengths.
-Experience with a variety of vendor products for the career services field such as Handshake, TypeFocus, and CareerShift.