Career Services Specialist

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Career Services Specialist- Advanced in IST to design and deliver career programming for graduate and international students, with emphasis on CPT/OPT and U.S. job market navigation.

The role involves workshops, coaching, employer outreach, and collaboration with Penn State Global and academic departments to support career development and successful transitions. Some undergraduate support may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination acceptable.
• Experience in higher education or career services is preferred.
• Familiarity with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) and visa considerations is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and lead workshops and programs for graduate and international students on career exploration, resumes, and interview skills.
• Provide individualized career coaching to help students set goals and translate skills into action plans.
• Build understanding of CPT/OPT with Penn State Global and guide visa pathways for international students.
• Identify and maintain relationships with employers, including visa-sponsoring companies.
• Lead employer outreach to expand opportunities for graduate and international students.
• Collaborate with departments to integrate career development into the student experience.
• Plan and support career fairs, networking events, and employer connections.
• Maintain confidential documentation of student interactions and outcomes.
• Analyze data on program effectiveness and engagement for continuous improvement.
• Develop communication strategies to promote Career Services to students.
• May assist with undergraduate student programming as needed.
• Manage and instruct the IST 495 course for World Campus learners.

Skills

Career coaching

Employer relations

Program development

Workshop facilitation

Student advising

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) is seeking a Career Services Specialist- Advanced to support the career development needs of our graduate students and international student population. This role will design and deliver career programming focused on 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 closely 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. This role also will also have the flexibility to support undergraduate students during peak seasons and as needed within the college.

Key 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

Success in this role comes from building strong relationships, communicating effectively with a variety of audiences, and creating meaningful career development opportunities for students. Candidates may bring experience from career services, higher education, human resources, employer relations, or a related field. Familiarity with Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and F 1 and J 1 visa considerations is beneficial, but candidates who are eager to learn and support the unique career needs of graduate and international students are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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