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The mission of Career & Professional Development (
CPD) is to empower Spartans to become career-ready from exploration to life beyond graduation. We provide resources to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, as they pursue their next steps. Programs and services are designed to educate and engage students in career planning and decision-making, experiential learning, continuing education, and/or employment search activities. To provide these programs and services, Career & Professional Development establishes mutually beneficial relationships with students, alumni, employers, faculty, staff, and the community.
Reports to Associate Director for Career Development. The associate director manages the campus-wide strategy for student career development and supervises assistant directors and graduate assistants. The associate director reports to the director of
CPD.
The Graduate Assistant for Career Development (GA) works closely with students to support their career readiness while gaining hands-on experience in career coaching, program development, and professional growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop skills across multiple areas of student affairs while contributing meaningfully to student success.
Key Responsibilities:
Peer Career Navigator Program Oversight (40%)
- Hire, supervise, and coordinate a team of Peer Career Navigators (4-6), supporting their day-to-day work, scheduling, and professional development.
- Build and maintain program structure, including onboarding procedures, quality standards, and documentation practices.
- Conduct regular check-ins with peer coaches, providing ongoing feedback, encouragement, and skill development.
- Monitor peer coach activity and appointment data in Handshake; identify trends and communicate updates to the Associate Director.
- Facilitate peer team meetings and training touchpoints throughout the academic year.
- Collaborate with a designated full-time CPD staff member to ensure program continuity and consistency.
1:1 Career Coaching (40%)
- Provide individualized career support to students across all majors and class years through video and in-person appointments.
- Guide students in resume and cover letter development, career exploration, internship/job search strategies, and interview preparation.
- Empower students to take ownership of their career journeys.
- Coaching caseload may be adjusted over time as the Peer Career Navigator team grows in stability and independence.
Program Planning & Delivery (10%)
- Develop and deliver classroom presentations and workshops on topics like resume building, interview strategies, online branding, and professional networking.
- Collaborate with full-time staff to engage student clubs and organizations.
- Support major career events and initiatives that impact the broader student community.
Administrative Support (10%)
- Assist with operational tasks that ensure smooth office and program operations.
- Maintain records related to the Peer Career Navigator program, including tracking coach activity, appointment data, and program outcomes.
Work Hours, Environment:
- Join a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team of 10 professional staff members, 3 Graduate Assistants, and student employees
- Receive mentorship, professional development, and hands-on experience across multiple areas of student affairs.
- Work closely with the Associate Director to design a weekly schedule of 20 in-person hours within our 8:00am-5:00pm business hours; occasional evening presentations may occur.
- Graduate Assistants enjoy a private office, laptop, and dual monitors.
- Previous GAs consistently report high satisfaction, citing meaningful work, mentorship, and professional growth as highlights of the experience.
Additional Terms of Employment:
Fall 2026:
First day of appointment: Monday, August 3, 2026
Last day of appointment: Friday, December 11, 2026
Spring 2027:
First day of appointment: Monday, January 4, 2027
Last day of appointment: Friday, May 7, 2027
Other Benefits: The Graduate Assistant will be allocated $300 to support professional development activities such as conference participation, membership in professional organizations, etc. The GA will also be encouraged to participate in other office-sponsored professional development, such as webinars, networking events, and more.
Why Join Us?
Career & Professional Development engages over 7,000
students annually through our services, programs, and resources. As a Graduate Assistant on our team, you'll have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while gaining hands-on experience in career coaching, program development, and higher education. This assistantship provides a unique blend of direct student engagement, professional development, and the chance to innovate in your role.
Opportunities Include:
- Empower students on their career journeys, offering guidance that directly impacts their futures.
- Lead initiatives, plan workshops, collaborate with campus partners, and contribute to major events - all while tailoring projects to your interests.
- Gain expertise in coaching, developing and implementing programs, and public speaking.
Testimonials from previous Graduate Assistants:
CPD is an incredible place to complete your assistantship alongside your SPAHE (SAAHE) classes. You will have many opportunities to autonomously explore your creativity with a bright and supportive team. Every member of this office has been so helpful when I've needed them and is very understanding of the fact that there is a lot to balance when you are a full-time graduate student. I loved every second of my experience in CPD
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Ashley Rizzotto, SAAHE '17
When I first applied to UNCG's program, I was a little skeptical of working in Career & Professional Development (CPD) because I had never done much like it, and because I liked the thoughts of working in more traditional student affairs-y style roles, like housing or programming. Little did I know how much I would have the chance to do that in CPD! Similar to my classmates who worked in other areas of student affairs, I was able to design and implement my own programs, take ownership of my professional development with dedicated professional development funds, and take an active role alongside professional staff members - I never felt as if my ideas or feedback carried any less weight as a GA. CPD purposefully creates an environment that encourages GAs to innovate and push the boundaries of how we support students.
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Kevin Hogan, SAAHE '23
This Graduate Assistantship introduces you to so many different opportunities from grant writing to committee meetings, coaching appointments, and so much more. One of the best parts of this position is the things you learn you can take with you for your entire career whether related to Student Affairs or not. Additionally, this office prides itself on professionalism and it accomplishes that through its commitment to great leadership and culture. It is a position that pours into you as much as you pour into it.
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Geneva Stodghill, M.S. Counseling '26
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The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
May 14, 2026