Student Success Associate: Careers at Stellenbosch University

Duties    
Delivering academic, and career readiness advising to Dell Young Leaders students: 

• Building strong rapport and trust with students and ensuring that students receive timely assistance across the programme's careers support pillar. Proactively problem solving for students¿ needs to deliver tailored resources and personalised interventions through the provision of career information, advice, and guidance. Delivering this in one-on-one and group settings as needed (in person, as well as online where indicated). Supporting students with plans to enter employment as well as preparing for interviews through mock interviews, CV reviews and in-person career development opportunities. Delivering opportunities for students to engage with the programme's employer partners and preparing students accordingly for these opportunities.

Implementing student risk mitigation and career readiness interventions: 

• Leveraging programme technology and data to identify students at risk and implementing case management to ensure students are supported to meet their university and career goals. Understanding risks to a student securing placement after graduation and ensuring workflows target these students for intervention. Supporting continuous development of the student career offering and resources - and identifying mechanisms to drive efficient coverage of support. 

Designing and implementing career readiness programmes and events:

• Delivering career readiness programmes and events for students and employer partners year-round. These events, held both on campus and at offsite venues, will vary throughout the year and are designed to give students direct interaction with employers. They also offer employers opportunities to "give back" through activities such as mock interviews and CV reviews, while also helping students to enhance their skills as they progress on their career readiness journey.

Executing workflows leveraging the programme's custom technology toolset:

• Updating and managing student and alumni records through workflows within the technology tool. Ensuring student support cases are managed end to end and support delivery is recorded and can be reported upon using the programme's data-driven approach. Managing a calendar of consultations and incoming and outgoing student communications. 

Supporting application, selection and onboarding of Dell Young Leaders students to the programme:

• Ensuring potential applicants are provided with information relating to the programme and participating as a panelist for the interview process to select students who meet the programme's criteria. Delivering onboarding support to ensure students have a clear understanding of the programme offering, building strong programme buy-in. Effectively supporting students to manage the transition to university and begin preparing for their future careers from their first year of study. 

Note:

• Due to the requirements of the job and the nature of the position, working on Saturdays or after-hours, and up to 10% domestic travel may be required;
• Although this role will be based at Stellenbosch University and would require in person presence most of the time, the role will not be 100% office-bound and the ability to travel to different sites using your own transport arrangements will be required;
• This is a one year-contract role based at Stellenbosch University. This role is fully-funded by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. Contract renewal will be based upon annual funding approval.

Job Requirements    

• A relevant university degree;
• At least three years' work experience related to providing careers-related support;
• The ability to build relationships with and understand support needs of students on the programme is essential;
• Being an excellent communicator and relationship manager who can interact with individuals across multiple backgrounds, cultures, and leadership levels;
• Passion and energy for supporting young people's success with a solutions-orientated mindset;
• Maturity to deliver support with high empathy, emotional intelligence, and sensitivity;
• The ability to work with data and technology on a daily basis, with proficiency in MS Office, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Strong attention to detail in recording and following up on tasks and projects;
• A willingness to continuously learn and keep up to date on graduate recruitment and early careers trends.
• Recommendation    
• Experience in recruitment, particularly in the early talent sector, or careers advice and guidance at a graduate level;
• Understanding of the South African higher education landscape is desirable, but not a requirement;
• Experience with creating career-related resources and designing and implementing events is desirable;
• Registered with the HPCSA as Counsellor or Psychometrist in independent practice.