Career Coach

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.
Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

The Career Coach will work to increase student retention and progression to graduation, encourage student and career development through career coaching and advising, delivering workshops, classroom presentations and special events on topics such as major and career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, job and internship strategies, and additional career related topics. This position will provide individual and group career coaching, exploration, and development sessions; administer and interpret career and personality assessments and inventories; work closely with faculty and staff to develop appropriate programs and interventions as part of their outreach and work with academic advisors in major selection and career choices. This position will serve as a liaison to assigned colleges, major fields of study and special student populations and market programming to maximize participation and attendance.

Responsibilities

1
Provide individual and group career coaching and advising to current students, those who are undecided about selecting a major and experienced alumni who are changing career fields. This position will collaborate with faculty and staff to facilitate student learning by assisting students with appropriate mentoring, internship, shadowing, and work experiences to enhance overall academic experiences and learn skills essential to successful employment. Conduct individual and group student advising appointments on job/internship searching, resume and cover letter assistance, and effective interviewing techniques Administer and interpret career assessments. Serve as a liaison to designated academic colleges/departments, special programs and satellite campuses.

2
Develop and coordinate career development initiatives within assigned colleges; design and deliver innovative workshops, presentations and other programs that focus on various career topics, including industry and function-specific issues. Effectively market services and events to increase overall participation.

3
Work closely with faculty and staff to develop appropriate programs and interventions to engage students in career development activities in/outside of the classroom. Collaborate with Academic Advising, student organizations, and other stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of educating students about specific career paths and how to market themselves. Serve on University and departmental committees as needed.

4
Update and monitor student data on the Career Management System; Handshake, ensuring that all student profile information and application materials are up-to-date and professional, i.e. resumes, cover letters, applications and ensure counseling notes are entered in a timely manner.

5
Seek out and participate in professional development opportunities that strengthen your knowledge and expertise in career coaching and the career paths associated with the academic programs you are assigned. Remain current in the ever-changing technology systems that are used at the University and within the department, such as career assessments, calendar management, Microsoft Office, Google, Handshake, SSC Campus, Qualtrics, and others.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree

Required Experience
2-3 years of work experience in a University/College, career services, K-12, human resources, advising or counseling setting; experience in career and professional development coaching; resume writing, interview preparation and job search strategies; demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint; demonstrated proficiency designing and delivering presentations on career related topics; experienced with administering and interpreting career assessments such as Myers Briggs Type Indicator, StrengthsQuest, FOCUS2 or similar assessments; strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with; Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, or closely related discipline.

Preferred Experience
Four or more years of Career Services experience; event management experience; demonstrated effective use of software such as Handshake, Symplicity, Experience, CSO or other career resource management systems; and experience using technology and social media for professional and marketing purposes (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).

Proposed Salary

$45,056.00 annually; paid on a monthly basis.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.

Organization

The University of West Georgia is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. UWG enrolls more than 10,600 students, including an active international student population from more than 80 countries.

The university takes its mission of "Educational Excellence in a Personal Environment" seriously and is nationally recognized for the access to research opportunities and technology it provides to undergraduates. It has been named a Best Southeastern College by the Princeton Review for five years in a row and one of America's Best Value Colleges for 2007 and 2008.

UWG currently offers 109 programs of study, including 56 bachelor's and 40 master's and specialist degrees, two doctorates and 11 certificates, as well as Georgia's only Honors College. A third doctoral degree and a new master's degree have been approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. The Ed.D. in Professional Counseling and Supervision will begin in the summer of 2009, and a Masters in Arts in Criminology will begin in Fall 2008. Gifted high-school-age students can earn high school and college credit through the Advanced Academy of Georgia, one of only 15 U.S. residential college-early-entrance programs.

The Graduate School has one of the highest percentages of students enrolled in graduate classes in the University System. Undergraduates have nationally acclaimed access to research opportunities, and instruction is enhanced by faculty member research that is supported by more than $2.2 million in grants.

Only 50 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia, UWG offers a complete college experience featuring residence hall living, intercollegiate athletics and more than 100 student organizations on a beautiful, wooded 375-acre campus.