Graduate Assistant for the FOCUS Program

Description, Responsibilities, and Qualifications

POSITION SUMMARY
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 the 2025-2026 academic year with a possibility of extension beyond that time.

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.
• 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 sessions