Career Specialist

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The Career Specialist is responsible for advising students in their career and professional development throughout the student’s years as a student, and alumni. In this grant funded position, the Career Specialist works to ensure students are making the most out of their education and have an understanding of what is needed to pursue their desired career. The Career Specialist will work alongside programs to promote and enhance career and professional development.

 

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provide one-on-one career counseling for students and alumni on resume writing, cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategies.

• Conduct career advisement for students across the College of Engineering, Business, and Education; College of Science and Society; and College of Health Sciences.

• Guide and educate students on how to apply for internships and careers aligned with their degree programs.

• Encourage student participation in career readiness events and workshops to enhance professional development.

• Support the Center for Career Development by bring awareness to the new location and office space for students to utilize new and existing resources

• Collaborate with Deans, Program Directors, Department Chairs, and Faculty to promote career resources and coordinate classroom visits.

• Develop and implement student success initiatives, including workshops on networking, job search strategies, and LinkedIn optimization.

• Demonstrate and train students in the use of Handshake to search for job and internship opportunities.

• Advise international students on visa regulations, work authorization, and cultural adaptation to support their career success.

• Assist students with FOCUS2 to explore career pathways and conduct occupational research.

• Understand and utilize NACE Career Competencies to guide students in career advisement and prepare effective workshops.

• Create and update career-related resources, guides, templates, and workshop content.

• Track student engagement and outcomes through career management tools and maintain program attendance data.

• Supervise and mentor student workers, managing their schedules, tasks, and professional development.

• Plan and support career fairs by recruiting students, employers, and alumni participants.

• Attend conferences, industry events, and local fairs to stay updated on career development trends and best practices.

• Offer professional LinkedIn headshots to students, staff, and faculty to support their digital professional presence.

• Create marketing materials and promote events and resources via newsletters, social media, and campus channels.

• Demonstrate strong self-direction, teamwork, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Exhibit a strong understanding of current trends in higher education and career readiness.

• Commit to multicultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

• Serve on University committees as requested.

• Be available for occasional evening and weekend events and workshops.

• Perform all work safely and in compliance with university safety practices.

• Support the department with additional responsibilities as assigned.

 

Other Functions: 

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.

• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

 

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

• Knowledge of and experience with resume writing, mock interviews, LinkedIn, Handshake, career assessment tools, and other career readiness techniques

• Knowledge of the programs at the University of Bridgeport and maintaining a relationship with the Deans, Directors, and Faculty

• Ability to work independently and with a team

• Excellent English skills, verbal and written, required.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, required.

• Demonstrated project management, time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage details of multiple projects within firm schedules.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• The qualifications required would generally be acquired with demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships on a college campus and with employers or any equivalent combination of education, work experience and training.

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Master’s degree preferred

• At least 2 years of experience in higher education, career services, workforce development, human resources, or related field.

Special Requirements:

• Valid license & insured vehicle

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Work Environment

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Outdoor Weather Conditions

X

 

 

 

Work with fumes or airborne particles

X

 

 

 

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

 

 

 

Risk of electrical shock

X

 

 

Vibration

X

 

 

 

Physical Activity

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Standing

 

X

 

 

Walking

 

X

 

 

Sitting

 

X

 

 

Talking & Hearing

 

 

X

 

Using hands/fingers to handle/feel

X

 

 

 

Climbing or balancing

X

 

 

 

Bending, pulling, pushing

X

 

 

 

Driving

 

X

 

 

Lifting Requirements 

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Up to 10 pounds

X

 

 

 

Up to 25 pounds

X

 

 

 

Up to 50 pounds

X

 

 

 

Up to 75 pounds

X

 

 

 

Up to 100 pounds

X

 

 

 

Over 100 pounds

X

 

 

 

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job)

_X_     Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

___      Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

___      Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___      Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

            left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___      Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

            spatial relationships)

___      No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• 401k employer match

• Employee & dependent life insurance

• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents

• PTO program

• Flexible work schedules / work from home opportunities

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.