Career Advisor

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Career Center is a centralized student services unit that supports the Oxford and regional campuses.  The Career Center team is comprised of nine (9)full-time staff, five (5) graduate assistants, eight (8) Peer Career Educators, and two student marketing assistants. We offer a comprehensive array of services and resources that support clients in their exploration of occupational pathways and academic majors that align with their career goals and objectives.  We engage students in developing life-long skills to leverage their knowledge of self, curricular and co-curricular experiences, and research skills to transition successfully from college to employment or graduate study.  Through myriad services and networking events offered by our unit, students can connect with employers and graduate/professional school admissions officers, and we link external stakeholders with key faculty, staff and administrators who advise students through the job search  or graduate admissions process.

Our team prides ourself on our positive relationships with campus partners, as this is significant to our mission and the success of our team. Collaboration is an essential component of our core values within the department and with our campus partners and external constituents. Our goal is to be the leading provider of innovative and comprehensive career and professional development, offering exceptional services in a friendly and supportive environment.

The University of Mississippi is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Career Advisor.  This position counsels individuals concerning career and educational objectives; assists students with career planning and job search strategies;  administers, interprets and evaluates career assessment instruments; performs mock interviews and assists students with the development of employment and graduate admissions correspondence; plans, develops and conducts workshops and presentations on career-related topics; prepares reports; conducts research projects; serves as liaison to selected academic departments; and supervises Career Ambassadors. The Career Advisor will also instruct a Career and Life Planning course.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -Student & Academic Services

Sub-Family -Career Services

Career Track / Level - P2

Grade -6

Role Summary

Advises students on career planning, develops a comprehensive recruiting communication strategy, and establishes an extended professional network to effectively promote and market students and programs to local and national employers.

The core skills for this role include the following:
1.  Counseling and Advising Skills:  experience providing one-on-one, group, and educational advising; ability to assist students with career planning, decision-making, goal-setting, job search strategies, researching, and graduate admissions processes

2.  Communications Skills:  strong oral and written communication abilities for advising, workshops and presentations, and creating career materials; excellent interpersonal communication to connect  and work with diverse student populations, employers, alumni, faculty, staff and other internal and external stakeholders.

Examples of Work Performed

There is no "typical" day in the Career Center; however daily activities could consist of scheduled appointments to provide personalized guidance related to a client's career aspirations, exploring career options, discussing job and internship opportunities, reviewing resumes, administering and interpreting career assessments, conducting mock interviews and coaching clients on how to research employment opportunities. 

Career Advisors also facilitate workshops on topics like job searching/networking, LinkedIn optimization, and how to choose a major, for example. Career Advisors should be familiar with industry trends or specific fields of interest pertaining to the career communities for which they are assigned.  Career Advisors will also need to dedicate time to build connections with employers, faculty and university staff to develop partnerships and to source opportunities for students. This will involve sending emails, making calls, and organizing and/or attending networking events. The Career Advisor will be responsible for developing new programs to support client or academic department needs, updating career resource materials, and analyzing data from surveys or conducting qualitative reviews to improve service offerings. 

In this role, the Career Advisor will also be responsible for course preparation, planning lectures and interactive classroom activities, and grading assignments. There will be times when the Career Advisor will have to facilitate workshops or attend networking events after hours. Flexibility is essential ,as no two days are alike for the Career Center team, and this is what makes the Career Center an exciting place to work.

Success will be measured based on the Career Advisor's ability to relate well to clients, to build effective relationships with the Career Center team and their stakeholders, to reach or exceed metrics as outlined in strategic planning initiatives, complete tasks and accomplish goals within projected time frames, receive positive evaluations from supervisors, peers, and clients, and develop strong collaborations with campus partners.  In addition, success will be measured by the Career Advisor's personal growth in developing new skills, innovation, taking on challenges, and growing within the role.
 

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Counsels and advises students and recent alumni individually and in groups about career exploration, self-assessment, and career decisions.
2. Serves as the main point of contact for prospective employers providing advice and information about recruitment, engagement and hiring students, and addressing employer needs.
3. Provides students information about career planning and employment opportunities and coaches students through the recruiting process.
4. Schedules logistics and secures resources for on-campus recruiting activities.
5. Delivers presentations and workshops for academic departments and student organizations to increase student interest in employee recruiting programs.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  3 Years Experience

An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

Preferred Qualifications

A master’s degree in counseling, higher education, or other related fields, and one year of experience in counseling or advising in career development or a related area.  Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills are necessary; understanding of career development theories is essential; demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations; strong organizational, program development, and planning skills; demonstrated knowledge of career services software products and computer technology to prepare reports and correspondence; must demonstrate proven ability to work in a dynamic team environment.  Must be willing to work flexible hours during peak times.
 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  A letter of interest, a comprehensive resume, and a list of five references are requested to be submitted online at careers.olemiss.edu. 

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.