The Career Success Coach reports to the Director of the Career Success Center and plays a pivotal role in guiding students and alumni in their career development journey. This role provides comprehensive career coaching, delivers career readiness programming, and builds strategic relationships with employers and campus partners to enhance student career outcomes. This Career Success Coach role will be designated to serve the College of Business students, while collaborating with faculty and staff to integrate career readiness into the student experience at Austin Peay State University.

The Career Success Coach will serve in a student-centered capacity to help students explore career pathways, develop career readiness skills, engage in experiential learning opportunities, and gain the skills and confidence needed for professional success.

Characteristics of a successful candidate:

• Integrity, kindness, creativity, and decisiveness.

• Passion for student success and career readiness.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and inspire others.

• Desire to collaborate with faculty, employers, and campus partners.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities include:

Career Coaching & Development

• Provide individual and group career coaching for students (undergraduate and graduate) and alumni exploring careers, navigating the job/internship search process, and preparing to transition from college to career, with a focus on College of Business students. 

• Meet with students and alumni to assist with resume and cover letter development, practice interviews, graduate school planning, and other career-related topics.

• Discuss and interpret career assessments to support students in making informed decisions regarding majors and careers.

• Guide students and alumni in utilizing Handshake and other career platforms to support their career development goals. 

Campus Partnerships & Programming

• Plan, design and facilitate career workshops/programming, classroom presentations, and professional development training for students and campus partners, including career events tailored to College of Business students, such as the Meet the Firms, Meet the Banks, and other industry-focused hiring events.

• Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and student organizations to integrate career readiness initiatives into curriculum, co-curricular activities, and extracurricular programs.

• Support career events, including career fairs, networking events, and employer engagement activities.

• Attend regular meetings with the College of Business Student Success Coordinator and other faculty/staff and periodic Business Leadership Team (BLT) meetings, contributing to college-wide strategic planning.

Employer Engagement & Industry Connections

• Network and maintain relationships with employers and alumni to support employer relations efforts, expanding career opportunities for students.

• Coordinate employer engagement and hiring events tailored to College of Business students.

• Serve as a liaison between the College of Business and employers to promote career opportunities to students and stay informed on hiring needs and industry trends.

Data Analysis, Reporting & Technology Platforms

• Utilize Handshake and other online platforms to maintain accurate and current records, track student engagement, and support the day-to-day operations of the center. 

• Contribute to the data collection, assessment, and reporting of career services, student engagement, experiential learning, and post-graduate career outcomes.

Department and Division

• Maintain open communications with the Director of the Career Success Center and the College of Business Student Success liaison/leadership to share information and engage in creative problem-solving to benefit the University community.

• Represent the Career Success Center and College of Business at university-wide events, committees, and initiatives, as needed.

• Stay informed on career development best practices and employment trends.

• Participate in related professional organizations for continuing development.

• Provide general support for marketing and outreach efforts.

• Work occasional evenings and weekends for career-related events.

• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Business, or a related field, and at least two (2) years of experience in career services, student advising, or a related field in higher education or business (Any appropriate combination of relevant education, full-time or graduate assistantship experience, and/or certifications may be considered).   

• Knowledge of career and student development frameworks and best practices, including NACE competencies. 

• Experience using career management platforms such as Handshake.

• Interest in engaging with employers and developing strategic partnerships.

• Interest in working specifically with College of Business students. 

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and related experience.

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, including presentation experience.

• Demonstrated ability to provide coaching, advising, and mentoring to others.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and operating a personal computer.  

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeça R. Williams at [email protected] | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Title VI & VII Compliance, Sheila M. Bryant at [email protected] | 931-221-7178 or Assistant Director of Accessibility Compliance, Jayme Dunn at [email protected] | 931-221-7160. View APSU’s full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.