Assistant Director, Careers in Business

About The Department

Career Advancement serves a student population of approximately 7,000 arts and sciences undergraduate students, in addition to alumni who have graduated within the last five years. Career Advancement offers innovative and comprehensive career development services focusing on pre-professional preparation, experiential education, and access to internship and full-time opportunities.

Career Advancement supports undergraduate students and alumni as they develop the skills necessary to manage their career development while working with alumni and employers to provide students with meaningful opportunities.

Job Summary

UChicago Career Advancement’s Careers in Business programs build on the world-class UChicago liberal arts foundation to give students a competitive edge in their professional development and recruiting in a wide range of financial services institutions and other business roles.

Responsibilities

• Serves as career adviser for a cohort of 1st – 4th year students in the undergraduate College.
• Uses industry and company knowledge to provide targeted, outcomes-driven guidance and support for students pursuing a career in finance and business.
• Identifies and sources job and internship opportunities that match student career interests.
• Communicates frequently with students to share opportunities and help them stay on track for success.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to ensure students are prepared for and receive career development opportunities.
• Reaches out to employers and alumni to develop relationships and source opportunities for students ranging from job shadowing and site visits to internships, primarily for selective cohort programs.
• Conducts mock interviews, reviews resumes and cover letters, and coordinates other interview related programming in both individual and group settings.
• Develops program strategy for business and finance career readiness activities focused on interview prep, networking, application materials, and building technical finance skills, designed to prepare students for a successful career and support engagement and recruiting outcomes.
• Researches and develops innovative workshops, events, and activities to prepare students for a career in today's environment.
• Plans, designs and executes workshops and events, virtual or on-site, as relevant. Leverages virtual technology to provide innovative programs and fosters student engagement and satisfaction.
• Supports weekly Careers in Business communications promoting workshops, events, and job opportunities.
• Supports drafting strategic communications for high level donors, University leadership, and employer partners.
• Manages and maintains efficient methods to track student data, quantify student engagement, and report on student outcomes.
• Tracks student progress in securing a job or internship using Salesforce.
• Writes annual reports and regular program updates or presentations for program donors and University senior leadership.
• Supports data management and analytics, correspondence, and reporting to senior leadership and other constituents.
• Manages and administers Treks and Career Exploration Week visits to domestic and international business centers, virtual or on-site, as relevant. Includes, but is not limited to, connecting with firms and alumni, and developing the visit schedule and logistics.
• Conducts job search and career management related large lectures, hands-on workshops, special events, training programs, and one-on-one career coaching sessions.
• Acts as a resource for and directs students to other career resources as needed.
• Analyzes markets and trends as they relate to job searches. Assesses student feedback and evaluations and collaborates with other career services staff members, student organizations, or other staff to determine program offerings and innovations.

Education

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience

• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Background working with college-aged students and/or new recent college graduates.
• Developing and managing an internship program.
• Professional experience working in a corporate or financial services firm.
• Background working across teams to drive outcomes quickly and efficiently.
• Expertise in program development, or a related area.

Technical Skills Or Knowledge

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Utilize Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other digital platform for meetings and events.
• Expertise in counseling, program development, or a related area.
• Knowledge of career development theory and strong coaching or counseling skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Outcomes-driven and action-oriented attitude.
• Multitask, meet deadlines, and work successfully and positively in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptable and able to shift priorities, as needed, to ensure student outcomes and manage leadership priorities.
• Self-starter who works proactively to solve complex problems.
• Deep commitment to customer service, strong interpersonal skills and a high level of professionalism when interacting with internal and external clients.
• Develop and deliver presentations; communicate to large groups as well as one-on-one with students, senior management, faculty, staff, and senior leadership.
• Handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion and maintain confidentiality.