Career Success Coach

The Career Success Coach reports to the Director of Career Development and plays a pivotal role in guiding students and alumni in their career development journey. This role provides comprehensive career coaching, delivers career readiness programming, and builds strategic relationships with employers and campus partners to enhance student career outcomes. This Career Success Coach role will be designated to serve the College of Arts & Letters and College of Education students, while collaborating with faculty and staff to integrate career readiness into the student experience at Austin Peay State University.

The Career Success Coach will serve in a student-centered capacity to help students explore career pathways, develop career readiness skills, engage in experiential learning opportunities, and gain the skills and confidence needed for professional success.
 

Characteristics of a successful candidate:

• Integrity, kindness, creativity, and decisiveness.

• Passion for student success and career readiness.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and inspire others.

• Desire to collaborate with faculty, employers, and campus partners.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Career Coaching & Development

• Provide individual and group career coaching for students (undergraduate and graduate) and alumni exploring careers, navigating the job/internship search process, and preparing to transition from college to career, with a focus on College of Arts & Letters and College of Education students.

• Meet with students and alumni to assist with resume and cover letter development, practice interviews, graduate school planning, and other career-related topics.

• Discuss and interpret career assessments to support students in making informed decisions regarding majors and careers.

• Guide students and alumni in utilizing Handshake and other career platforms to support their career development goals. 

Campus Partnerships & Programming

• Plan, design and facilitate career workshops/programming, classroom presentations, and professional development training for students and campus partners, including career events tailored to the College of Arts & Letters and College of Education.

• Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and student organizations to integrate career readiness initiatives into curriculum, co-curricular activities, and extracurricular programs.

• Support career events, including career fairs, networking events, and employer engagement activities.

• Attend regular meetings with the College of Arts & Letters and College of Education faculty/staff and leadership team, contributing to college-wide strategic planning.

Employer Engagement & Industry Connections

• Network and maintain relationships with employers and alumni to support employer relations efforts, expanding career opportunities for students.

• Serve as a liaison between designated academic departments and employers to promote career opportunities to students and stay informed on hiring needs and industry trends.

Data Analysis, Reporting & Technology Platforms

• Utilize Handshake and other online platforms to maintain accurate and current records, track student engagement, and support the day-to-day operations of the center. 

• Contribute to the assessment and reporting of career services, student engagement, experiential learning, and post-graduate outcomes.

Department and Division

• Maintain open communications with the Director of Career Development, the Career Success Center team, and College of Arts & Letters and College of Education leadership team to share information and engage in creative problem-solving to benefit the University community.

• Represent the Career Success Center at university-wide events, committees, and initiatives, as needed.

• Stay informed on career development best practices and employment trends.

• Participate in related professional organizations for continuing development.

• Provide general support for marketing and outreach efforts.

• Work occasional evenings and weekends for career-related events.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and related experience.

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, including presentation experience.

• Demonstrated ability to provide coaching, advising, and mentoring to others.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and operating a personal computer. 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Affairs Counseling, Education, Communication, Business, or a related field, and at least two (2) years of experience in career services, student advising, or a related field in higher education or industry (Any appropriate combination of relevant education, full-time or graduate assistantship experience, and/or certifications may be considered).   

• Knowledge of career and student development frameworks and best practices, including NACE competencies. 

• Experience using career management platforms such as Handshake.

• Interest in engaging with employers and developing strategic partnerships.

• Interest in working specifically with College of Arts & Letters and College of Education students. 

Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.