Career Adviser

Overview and Responsibilities

The Career Adviser supports the retention, graduation, and career success of Saint Mary’s University students by collaborating with faculty and staff across the university to develop and deliver comprehensive, impactful, and inclusive career and professional development initiatives that engage students in all aspects of their development and career readiness. The Career Adviser will develop and implement career focused events, deliver presentations, and hold career advising appointments. This position reports to the Director of Career Services.

To ensure accessibility and inclusiveness of services, the Career Adviser role is dynamic and flexible including occasional evening/weekend career programming, the possibility of late afternoon/early evening appointments, and use of varied modalities (in-person, remote/virtual). Occasional travel to our Minneapolis campus, Rochester campus and the Twin Cities for programs (i.e., career fairs, networking events, etc.) is required. Job responsibilities include:   

Career Advising (45%)

• Provide in-person, phone, and/or virtual career advising to assist traditional undergraduates, adult undergraduates, and graduate students from all majors and programs. Topics include career planning, job search assistance, internship preparation, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking, negotiation, and graduate school planning.
• Engage students in clarifying and understanding their values, strengths, interests, personality and multiple identities and how they influence their career decision-making and academic goals.
• Utilize Handshake for scheduling appointments, managing case notes, posting events and workshops, etc.
• Understand the extracurricular, community and industry opportunities related to programs in order to support students in exploring possibilities, connect them to relevant resources, and encourage students to pursue opportunities that support their decision-making process and career goals. 
• Establish trust, build authentic relationships, and have meaningful, sometimes difficult conversations through various contact methods (i.e., in-person or remotely). 
• Maintain a high level of working knowledge and understanding of university policies and practices and procedures, program requirements, resources, and student services across the University.  
• Assist with assessment of learning outcomes, services, program evaluation and collection and compilation of information for reporting to campus leadership.

Career Programming & Outreach (30%)

• Develop and conduct programs (workshops, classroom presentations, events, etc.) on various career-related topics both in person and virtually, utilizing engaging multimedia and activities that are effective for various learning styles.
• Build rapport with students through outreach to acquaint them with resources and encourage their engagement in career planning.
• Establish and sustain relationships with academic departments, athletic teams, student clubs, and staff to support department efforts, develop collaborative events, promote connections with Career Services and encourage students to utilize resources and participate in events.
• Consult with the First-Generation Initiative (FGI) to develop and implement programming to support all aspects of students’ career readiness.
• Represent Career Services at university programming including New Student Orientation and Registration (NSOR), student training, panels, presentations, and admission events.
• May instruct a 1-credit undergraduate career course and maintain student interactions and records.  

Resource Management & Communications (15%)

• Create and regularly update career resources for students that are accessible, accurate and relevant including content on the Career Services website and print materials.
• Assist with approving and promoting events and programs in Handshake.
• Stay current on hiring trends and salary information related to majors/programs.
• Serve as a resource for Student Services, faculty and staff on major and career decision making, and the internship/job search process. 
• Keep well-informed on career outcomes of Saint Mary’s graduates utilizing the First Destinations Survey, labor market information, and other data sources.
• Contribute content and resources relevant to majors and degrees for distribution via various electronic media.

Career and Employer Events (10%)

• Support the planning and participation in specific career fairs, networking, and employer events
• Collaborate with other career services offices and state associations to plan career fairs/events and participate in relevant committees as needed. 

Ratios may change depending on the needs and goals of the office.

Essential skills and abilities:

• 1-3 years: Experience in career advising in a postsecondary institution, a college-and-college-readiness or youth program, and/or advising in employment services, non-traditional education program, or related experience.
• 1-3 years: Experience providing instruction on career development topics through individual advising, presentations, and programming.
• 1-3 years: Demonstrated ability to establish rapport and build effective relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences including students, faculty/staff, alumni, employers, parents and families.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in work practices. 
• Strong presentation skills with experience creating and conducting in-person and virtual presentations, workshops or small groups tailored to specific audiences.
• Technological competence related to student support services, and ability to learn new systems and software programs, including experience using social media for professional use.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply student and career development theories, and workforce development trends, while adapting to individual student needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus one to three years of relevant experience or master’s degree.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Student Affairs, Student Development, Human Resource Development, Social Work, Higher Education, or other areas related to Counseling or Workforce Development.
• Experience with uConnect web platform and/or Handshake career management platform or similar.
• Experience interpreting and using career assessments (e.g., MBTI, SII, StrengthsFinder) to help individuals understand their unique potential and strengths.
• Strong writing skills and experience developing content for students or job seekers.
• Event planning and execution skills.

Application Requirements

Apply online at https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.