2008-2009 Program Assistant Position Deadline for Applications: August 1, 2008
To Apply: Complete application online here:

We invite candidates to apply as Program Assistants for the 2008-2009 Academic year. Program Assistants will support career development and job search preparation programming, web resources and communication, resume/cover letter review, and the creation of the F&ES resume book.

Participation as a Program Assistant is an outstanding way to develop leadership and program coordination skills, gain useful experience for your resume, meet new people, explore personal career-related interests and contribute to the graduate student experience.

How many positions are available?
CDO is seeking two PAs for the 2008-09 academic year. PAs will help plan and host career programs and will complete projects for the office. Projects and programs will be discussed and agreed upon mutally between PAs and CDO staff advisors. In addition, one PA will focus on reviewing job application materials for peers, particularly in preparation for the publication of the resume book in December, and one will focus on communications and programming for international students.

Programs: PAs will work with CDO staff on major yearly programs such as an Alumni Career Days series and Speed Mentoring program already in the works. PAs will have the opportunity to suggest and develop programs based on their own
career and academic interests. We ask that the PA team plan and/or work on a minimum of 3 programs per semester. The emphasis for programming will be on collaboration as applicable—amongst staff, throughout F&ES, locally and across the University.

Sample Projects: Help facilitate move to on-line interfaces for all aspects of Duke-Yale Fair (employer and student registrations, etc.) through Experience.com; help develop and administer program evaluation tool; survey student body and help work on targeting/actively recruiting employers for career fairs and campus visits; help develop resources on the CDO website, including investigating/implementing technologies such as YouTube and podcasts.

Eligibility:

• All full-time F&ES students, registered and in good standing for the 2008-2009 academic year, are eligible to apply. Preference is given to students in their 2nd year.
• PAs must be in residence in the New Haven area for the academic year of their appointment.

Preferred qualifications:
• Excellent writing and editing skills, particularly for the position dealing with peer review of resumes and cover letters.
• Some program coordination and program evaluation experience.
• Microsoft Office Suite; Survey Monkey, web design/updating experience (or willingness to learn).
• Interest in career development.
• Knowledge of environmental careers.
• Influencing, networking and organizing skills.
• Graphic design and publicity skills/experience a bonus.
• Knowledge of social media and internet technology (or desire to learn).
• Excellent time management skills.


Job Responsibilities:

• Attend orientation/training sessions in late-August and January, as well as regular staff meetings.
• Organize and run a minimum of 3 career-related programs per semester in collaboration with fellow PA and CDO staff.
• Work on defined projects as agreed upon with CDO advisors.
• Maintain the CDO web calendar.
• Assist CDO with program evaluation.
• Conduct surveys of student body.

For the international student support position:

• Serve as liaison with the Office of International Students and Scholars.
• Develop career-related web resources and communications for international students.
• Help create and host job search preparation programs geared towards international students.

For the peer reviewer position:

• Learn and be able to coach students on OptimalResume, an online tool for skills assessment, creating resumes and letters and interview practice.
• Conduct individual resume and cover letter review (training provided).
• Help promote and work with peers on resume for F&ES resume book, deadline November 15th, and provide resume/cover letter review throughout the academic year (demand decreases substantially after November 15th).
• Work with CDO staff on production and final edits of resume book.

Positions average 10 hours/week when school is in session, and there are 2 positions available for the 2008-2009 academic year. PAs are not required to work during breaks. PAs receive a stipend of $6,000, paid over 10 months. The final month is a bonus contingent upon prior performance and completion of final duties as agreed upon with CDO staff advisors.