Organization
The Career Center
Type
Graduate Assistantship
Percent
25%
Description, Responsibilities, and Qualifications
25% Graduate Assistantship (10 hours per week) for Spring 2025, with a possibility of reappointment for future semesters. Eligibility for waiver-generating assistantship is determined by the campus Tuition Waiver Policy (https://grad.illinois.edu/files/pdfs/handbook.pdf)
The Graduate Assistant for the FOCUS Program position is a part time, student employment position within The Career Center. This position will work closely with the Assistant Director and Senior Assistant Director for Inclusion Initiatives to support the FOCUS Mentors who are peer mentors to first generation students seeking to advance their professional and career development through the FOCUS Scholars program. The FOCUS program is an intensive semester-long program created to increase exposure to occupations and careers, foster development of critical career readiness competencies, and cultivate a professional network of mentors and advocates. The Graduate Assistant for the FOCUS Program will serve in this position during Spring 2025 with a possibility of extension beyond that time. If need be, a new process will be initiated to hire the 2025-25 Graduate Assistant for the FOCUS Program in Summer 2025.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Participate in Mentor Training and Orientation at the start of the Fall and Spring semester.
2. Assist in the facilitation of FOCUS program weekly in-class sessions.
3. Assist in the training and ongoing development of FOCUS Mentors in Fall and Spring.
4. Provide 1:1 peer mentoring to 6-8 FOCUS Mentors.
5. Hold FOCUS Advising Hours (1:1 with FOCUS Students).
6. Create a sense of community amongst FOCUS Scholars and FOCUS Mentors.
7. Aid the FOCUS Mentors in tracking the progress of FOCUS scholars through program requirements on the Canvas course site.
8. Track the progress of FOCUS scholars through program requirements.
9. Offer Career Drop-in Advising (CDA) for up to 3 hours per week.
10. Participate in FOCUS program weekly in-class sessions and review meetings.
11. Assist with campus wide career development programs/events as part of the larger Inclusion Initiatives team.
12. Help publicize FOCUS scholar and community programs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Enrolled as a graduate student with career and academic goals that align with the field of higher education, student affairs, student services, or human resources in an eligible academic graduate program (https://grad.illinois.edu/files/pdfs/handbook.pdf).
Desired Experience and Skills:
- Experience working with diverse groups of students; knowledge and appreciation of cultural differences. International Students are encouraged to apply to the International Student Career Navigator position in November.
- Exceptional leadership, organizational, communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
- Experience developing and/or presenting programs or workshops.
- Experience with information technology, including use of online resources and presentation software.
- Excellent customer service and public relations skills.
- Able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and occasional weekends, ability to balance assistantship duties with coursework/class schedule.
- Prior experience with and knowledge of career planning resources and activities is preferred.
- Must have demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives.
- Must be able to attend all training sessions, the interview process, and all FOCUS program session
Compensation
Commensurate with current University of Illinois policies on graduate student stipends and waivers. This position may be funded through the federal work-study program, which is a type of financial aid. The successful candidate is expected to complete a FAFSA application or the corresponding academic year, if eligible, which may be accessed at www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine eligibility for the federal work
study program.
Application Procedure
Evaluation of qualified applicants will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. Interested applications must submit their application here: go.illinois.edu/FOCUS-GA-25-26. Candidates must pay attention to describe how this GA position connects to their field of study and career goals. For questions regarding the position or application process, reach out to Dr. Pankaj Desai, Senior Assistant Director for Inclusion Initiatives at pankaj1@illinois.edu
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit https://go.illinois.edu/eeo/
Application Deadline
October 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm
Start Date
Monday, January 13, 2025