Career & Internship Coach
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Career & Internship Coach
SALARY:$45,000 – $49,000
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Career Services
LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Lettinga Campus
REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Career Services
SUMMARY:
This position provides excellent service to students and alumni for their career preparation and advancement needs. Their primary objectives are to help students with all aspects of professional development as well as assisting students in finding employment both during their education and after graduation and support students’ long-term career goals. Career Coaches develop and maintain strategic employer partnerships to create a robust pipeline of industry opportunities (e.g., jobs, internships) for students and recent graduates. These responsibilities are performed in an ethical manner consistent with the University’s mission, vision, and values that include diversity, equity and inclusion.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- The required activities and tasks of this role will be successfully completed by effectively utilizing key career services technology platforms (i.e. PathwayU Assessments, Handshake, and Quinncia AI) and the Google Workspace for support and execution.
- Coach students and alumni through the career development process, including identifying professional goals, mastering critical job search skills, and implementing effective employment strategies.
- Provide one-on-one coaching to students and alumni to facilitate the identification, securing, and, when applicable, approval management of experiential learning opportunities (e.g., internships, practicum) in support of on-time graduation and long-term career success.
- Collaborate with faculty and advisors to ensure the appropriate experience is gained between internships / practicums, 489 project course work or Credit for Prior Learning.
- Assist students and alumni in the development, review, and modification of resumes and other application documents to ensure it is in accordance with industry, ethical, and currently accepted human resources guidelines including professional writing assistance, for resumes, CV’s Cover Letters, letters of inquiry, writing samples and thank you letters.
- Conduct mock interviews and share interview insights with students and alumni. Assist them with current interview techniques, practice software and conducting informal interviews and providing practice and career interviews with employers on and off campus and providing constructive feedback.
- Provide career-related job search techniques and assist with job search strategies, teach job-matching skills and offer job referral services to empower students and alumni with the essential skills and resources required for successful post-graduation employment and long-term career attainment.
- Provide assistance to students and alumni in securing full and part-time career related employment and experiential opportunities through individual appointment, classroom presentations, workshops seminars and best-in-class job search sites.
- Collaborate with faculty by offering effective classroom presentations, event collaboration and data on hiring employers.
- Support the execution of career events by handling specific assigned tasks such as preparing promotional materials, managing RSVP lists, and helping with on-site setup and teardown.
- Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies associated within Career Services and Career Coaching standards or other role specific regulations including NACE and CDF standards of ethics for career development, coaching and facilitation.
- Support university Vision, Mission and values through providing end-to-end support for other student services teams including admissions, athletics, and residence life.
- Demonstrate a willingness to grow, change, and shift daily work as roles adjust to industry, student and university needs.
- Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies. This includes NCAA, GLIAC and national affiliations associated within athletics or other role specific knowledge.
- Provides GREAT customer service, anticipating and exceeding the needs of our customers.
- Demonstrate and promote the University Cultural Values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Career Development, Career Coach or Employment Specialist credentials preferred or acquired within 2 years of hire.
- 1-3 years of experience in a student-facing role within higher education, such as admissions, student activities, academic advising, student services, or working in industry as a career counselor, coach, or recruiter.
- Experience delivering workshops or presentations to groups on topics related to professional development, communication skills, or college readiness.
- Practical experience in providing direct guidance (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, peer advising) to individuals on decision-making or skill development.
- Familiarity with or exposure to career services functions, including resume/cover letter review, job search strategies, or career fair coordination.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and work styles, and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, meet deadlines and accomplish goals.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, both written and oral which transcend diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to employers, alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and others while maintaining professionalism and appropriate confidentiality.
- Demonstrated problem solving capabilities with a high degree of integrity, ethics, and dedication to the mission of the university.
- Business office environment. Prolonged sitting and standing. Use of personal computer and telephone (eye and hand strain). Some travel between locations required (own transportation).
- No regular lifting requirements, occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Strong work ethic.
- Demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems.
- Must be able to work an irregular schedule, evenings or Saturday as needed, additional hours during peak times or as required.
DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Davenport University is committed to building and supporting a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. Davenport University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants and students without unlawful discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, veteran, or military status, marital status, height, weight, genetic information, or other protected status
Revision Date: 1/05/2026
To apply, visit https://davenport.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/15/home/requisition/3140?c=davenport
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