Career Advisor

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

The Office for Graduate Education at Harvard Medical School (HMS) is committed to the support of students in its eleven (11) master’s programs and – in collaboration with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) – to the support of doctoral students in all 13 of the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS) programs. 

The Office for Grad Ed at HMS is seeking to hire a full-time professional who will work to promote graduate student professional development and career readiness.  Increased enrollment in our programs has created a need for this position to support students based at the Harvard Longwood campus.  The incumbent must have a strong interest in a student-facing role, as they will meet regularly with students to conduct 1-on-1 advising.

Responsibilities:

• Assist students and alumni with career exploration, career decision-making, self-assessment, and job search management.
• Provide individual counseling to students, including advising on resumes, cover letters, interviews, recruiting and general job search strategies.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean and broader Student Development and Evaluation team to plan and deliver a comprehensive series of customized career programs, workshops and networking events
• Workshop Series Content development.  Collaborate with the Asst Dean and broader Student Development and Evaluation team to design and deploy content in an annual calendar of Professional Development Days.
• Workshop delivery.  Teach workshops as aligned with expertise (e.g. CV writing workshop, interviewing workshops, etc.).
• IDP (Individual Development Plan) advising.  Serve as an Individual Development Plan (IDP) advisor for doctoral students, as requested.
• Develop and analyze surveys, reports, and statistics; provide reports to management to assist with setting the strategic direction of the career services function.
• Expand collaborations between Graduate Education at HMS and the various Career Services across Harvard University (FAS OCS, HSPH, and HKS), the HMS/HSDM Office of Postdoctoral Fellows, various enrichment programs (e.g. the Therapeutics Graduate Program) and a range of student organizations.
• Student Organization advising.  Meet with and advise student organizations focused on professional development; make decisions on the granting of funds to support the events and initiatives of these organizations collaborating with student affairs staff supporting our master’s and doctoral students.
• Process improvement.  Work with stakeholders to expand the use of the Career Services Management System (CSM) and other online platforms.
• Assist in planning and implementing strategies to attract new employers and organizations
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations.

Expectations:

• Professional and discreet approach to the work.
• Timely response to student inquiries including meetings.
• Effective communication with internal stakeholders, including supervisor, and with external collaborators and vendors.
• Work effectively with students, faculty and staff to meet the needs for career advising in our graduate student population.
• Support and engage with a population of students with varied career interests.
• Be knowledgeable and sensitive to the career advising needs and opportunities available to international graduate students.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time.
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills.
• Experience counseling/mentoring students.
• Communication skills (both written and verbal), including specifically: the ability to develop and deliver career education programs and materials to students, parents and alumni.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.