Career Services Specialist

This role is located in the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) and focuses on supporting the career development needs of graduate students and the international student population.

About the role

This position designs and delivers career programming tailored to graduate-level career exploration, professional skill-building, and successful career transitions, with particular attention to the unique needs of international students navigating the U.S. job market. The Career Services Specialist collaborates with students, employers, faculty, and Penn State Global staff to connect graduate and international students with meaningful career opportunities while helping employers understand the value of hiring from this talent pool. The role also offers flexibility to support undergraduate students during peak seasons and as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and lead workshops and programs addressing career exploration, resume and CV writing, job searching strategies, professional networking, and interview skills, tailored to the needs of graduate and international students.
• Provide individualized career coaching to graduate students, helping them assess career goals, skills, interests, and qualifications and translate these into actionable career plans.
• Partner with Penn State Global to build a strong working understanding of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and other work authorization pathways, and guide international students through these processes.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with employers interested in hiring graduate students and international students, including companies with experience sponsoring visas or supporting CPT/OPT.
• Engage and collaborate on employer outreach strategies specifically aimed at expanding job and internship opportunities for graduate and international student populations.
• Collaborate with academic departments, faculty, and other University offices to integrate career development into the graduate student experience.
• Plan and support career fairs, networking events, and employer connection opportunities.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student interactions, progress, and outcomes while ensuring confidentiality.
• Collect and analyze data on program effectiveness, student outcomes, and employer engagement to inform continuous improvement.
• Develop communication strategies to promote engagement with Career Services among graduate and international students.
• May assist with undergraduate student support and programming as needed.
• Manage and instruct the IST 495 course for World Campus learners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Familiarity with Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and F-1 and J-1 visa considerations is beneficial, but not required.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.