Career Advisor

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Retirement planning

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Career Advisor within the College of Engineering's Career Services Team. Your role will guide undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, and partners in exploring careers, preparing resumes, and pursuing internships, co-ops, and full-time roles.

You will develop workshops and events, coordinate with departments and external employers, and support students through professional development opportunities in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with relevant experience in higher education, career services, student affairs, recruitment, or related field.
• Knowledge of career development practices and current trends in higher education employment.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Exceptional customer service and written/verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and professional development.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and university partners.
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies and guidelines.
• Commitment to respect, professionalism and civility with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized career advising to undergraduate, graduate students, and alumni, including career exploration, resume/cover letter development, job searches, and interview prep.
• Develop and deliver career-related workshops, classroom presentations, and programming to enhance career readiness.
• Assist students in identifying internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities aligned with goals.
• Support student organizations in professional development and career fairs participation.
• Utilize Handshake to support internship/co-op processes and coordinate with departments for approvals.
• Provide guidance for the Cooperative Education program, including pre-rotation advising and documentation.
• Track internship/co-op participation and maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate with Career Services, faculty, employers, and partners to promote opportunities.
• Assist with planning and execution of career fairs, information sessions, networking events.

Skills

Career advising

Student affairs

Workshop delivery

Presentations

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Policy interpretation

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Handshake

Monday.com

Canvas

Google Workspace

Job description

Since its inception in 1996, Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean's office, the College of Engineering enrolls approxiamately 2,000 undergraduate and 500 graduate students in several degree programs supported by about 600 full time, part time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city, and commitment to opportunity and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

The Career Services team within the VCU College of Engineering provides career advising and professional development support to undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni. The Career Services Team invites candidates to apply for the position of Career Advisor. The Career Advisor plays a key role in helping students explore career opportunities, develop professional skills, and prepare for successful transitions into the workforce.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Job Duties include:

• Provide individualized career advising and guidance to undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni, including career exploration, resume and cover letter development, job and internship searches, interview preparation, and professional development.
• Develop and deliver career-related workshops, classroom presentations, and other programming to enhance students' career readiness and professional skills.
• Assist students in identifying and pursuing internships, co-ops, and full-time employment opportunities aligned with their academic and career goals.
• Support College of Engineering student organizations in their professional development efforts, including preparation for regional and national career fairs.
• Utilize Handshake to support internship and co-op processes, including reviewing student submissions and coordinating with academic departments regarding internship approvals.
• Provide guidance to students participating in the College's Cooperative Education program, including pre-rotation advising, preparation, and completion of required documentation.
• Assist with tracking student internship and co-op participation, maintaining accurate records, and supporting program-related administrative processes.
• Collaborate with Career Services staff, faculty, employers, and campus partners to promote career development opportunities and support student success.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of career fairs, employer information sessions, networking opportunities, and other Career Services events.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and some years of relevant professional experience in higher education, career services, student affairs, recruitment, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge of career development practices, student advising, and current trends in higher education and the employment marketplace.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, tasks, and projects.
• Exceptional customer service, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and professional development programming.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and collaborate effectively with students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and university partners.
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in career advising, higher education, student services, or recruitment.
• Experience providing individualized career advising, student support, or professional development guidance.
• Experience coordinating career-related programs, workshops, events, or student engagement initiatives.
• Familiarity with internship and cooperative education programs.
• Experience using Handshake, Monday.com, Canvas, Google Workspace, or similar software platforms.

Salary Range:

$50,000 - Commensurate

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 3522B - Specialist SS Base

Unit: College Of Engineering MBU

Department: Deans Office Engineering

Department Summary:

At Engineering Career Services, we empower students, alumni, and employers with resources for career success. From resume building and interview preparation to networking and career fairs, we bridge the gap between education and employment. Our Handshake platform connects you with jobs, internships, co-ops, and top talent. We're here to support you at every step.

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Sierra Cloud

Contact Email: [e-mail]