Career Services Officer, Work Integrated Learning

at  Western University

ABOUT US

Student Experience fosters equitable learning environments in which all students can thrive to their full potential. Through our commitment to integrating research, theory, and practice across all of the programs, resources, and supports we provide, Student Experience leads an ecosystem of people, places, and spaces that empower student thriving. Our vision is for all Mustangs to discover their personalized pathway through Western’s rich, wholistic learning environment; engage in brave conversations with our diverse community on and off campus, and develop the skills and courage to be uncomfortable without fear of failure in order to thrive throughout their degree and after graduation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Science or other related field
• Career Development Practitioner Certificate is preferred

Experience:

• 3 years’ experience in higher education, in work integrated learning or industry/community engagement, including supervising and working with volunteers and students
• Experience liaising and building strong relationships with industry and corporate partners
• Human Resources or career counselling experience, specifically in relation to recruiting highly qualified personnel and providing comprehensive career and job search counselling, resumé development and interview skills preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge related to coaching and mentoring approaches (particularly career and job search coaching, resumé development and interview techniques)
• Ability to source leads, cold call and use other methods to connect with external partners
• Knowledge of Social Science programs and courses and their applicability to the labour market and ability to match this to the needs of students/industry
• Familiarity with best practices for maintaining, seeking out and developing business relationships and partnerships with the ability to generate additional work opportunities
• Familiarity with Human Resources principles and practices
• Ability to assess clients’ needs, suggest options, overcome objections, and move forward with partnerships
• Ability to apply career advising knowledge to on-on-one and group interactions
• Ability to source new information resources for clients to seek resolution to challenges through research
• Demonstrated strong leadership and team building skills (collaborating on projects, reaching consensus and keeping others informed)
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external teams to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
• Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
• Ability to establish rapport with people from diverse backgrounds
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, facilitation and conflict resolution skills
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite

The Career Services Officer will facilitate a unique and wide range of career development and work integrated learning programs (e.g., internships) in the Faculty of Social Science. The role will enhance the best student experience while increasing participation in work integrated learning, as well as new graduate employment opportunities for all students. The Career Services Officer will identify and establish new relationships with key industry partners to market Social Science students and will work in collaboration to maintain and steward current relationships. The role will support students and increase awareness of available support, and plan and coordinate various related events and reporting as required. The Career Services Officer is a member of the Experiential Learning unit within the Careers & Experience department, and contributes to the goal of every student graduating with at least one experiential learning activity.