STEM Advisor

Northeastern Illinois University • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

The STEM Advisor provides professional advising and holistic mentoring to incoming and continuing students majoring in STEM disciplines. Working with Student Center for Science Engagement (SCSE) staff, the advisor helps students identify research and training opportunities and supports the development and delivery of programs focused on professional development and success in STEM. The advisor also assists with social events organized by the Center.

The role includes individualized, in-person daily advising and coaching on personal, career, academic, and professional matters. The advisor helps students pursue internships, graduate school, and jobs; prepare resumes and personal statements; build professional development plans and transferable skills; and navigate transitions to graduate or professional school and careers. The advisor also coordinates student participation in conferences and contributes to the planning, operation, assessment, and continual improvement of the Center’s research and professional training programs.

Requirements

• M.S. in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of innovative and effective strategies for mentoring students, with a focus on research, graduate school, and career opportunities in STEM.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with underrepresented groups in STEM, low-income students, and first-generation students.
• Mentoring experience.
• Experience with social media in a professional setting.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, in-person, daily individualized holistic advising, professional mentoring, and consultation to STEM majors on matters related to student success.
• Help students find professional internships and prepare graduate school and job applications, resumes, and personal statements.
• Provide comprehensive coaching focused on STEM student success and navigating educational, professional, and personal commitments.
• Help students create professional development plans and build professional, networking, and transferable skills for careers or graduate school.
• Assist students with transitions to graduate school, professional schools, and careers.
• Coordinate and support student participation at local, regional, and national conferences, including helping with abstracts and application materials, conference etiquette, networking skills, and goal setting; attend and chaperone students at multiple conferences.
• Work with the SCSE Director and staff to plan, develop, and coordinate the Summer Research and Professional Training program and place students appropriately.
• Assist with evaluating program elements and incorporating feedback to improve the program.
• Assist in developing Center policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Support outreach initiatives that provide current NEIU students with opportunities, including summer research opportunities.
• Assist in selecting and implementing assessments related to research, internships, conference attendance, and student presentations.
• Monitor student progress and maintain student records for internal and external reporting.
• Maintain and develop professional skills, for example in teaching, research, or mentoring.
• Assist with Center social events and perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the SCSE mission.

Benefits

• University employees may be eligible for State of Illinois benefits, including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time