MDS Career Advisor

Job Category
M&P – AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried – Student Management, Level A

Job Title
MDS Career Advisor

Department
UBCO Faculty Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Compensation Range
$4,688.67 – $6,754.00 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date
November 28, 2022

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Oct 31, 2025

Job Summary

This position supports UBC Master of Data Science (MDS-O and MDS-CL) students and alumni to become career-ready individuals. This position uses career development theories, principles, and tools to enhance student development, and connects students to career-building opportunities both within and beyond the University. This position offers individual career advising to students and alumni, as well as develops, delivers and evaluates in-person and web-based career development and work search programs, events, workshops and resources. Importantly, this position develops and maintains relationships with partners, including those on campus (e.g., working with Student Development and Advising to design, deliver and evaluate customized workshops, events, programs and resources) as well as those external to UBC (e.g., working with current and prospective employers that build resources and programs to support graduate career development and learning).

Organizational Status

Reports to the MDS-O and MDS-CL (Co-)Directors, the head of the Department of CMPS (Okanagan campus), and MDS-CL Program Manager (Vancouver campus).

Works in collaboration with other MDS staff; faculty on both campuses; the Career and Placement Coordinator and Special Projects Coordinator (both within the Department of Computer Science, Vancouver campus); the UBC Centre for Student Involvement and Careers (Vancouver campus); and the University Industry Liaison Office (Okanagan campus).

Work Performed

• Develops, researches, updates, and facilitates data science-specific career information to MDS students through in-person workshops or online webinars. Topics may include career exploration, resumes, networking, job search strategies, interviewing skills, mentoring programs, workplace professional skills, public speaking, and presentation skills.

• Provides individual (one-on-one) career advising to MDS students and alumni. Coaches and advises students and alumni on topics such as career planning, job search, resume, cover letter skills, and using LinkedIn for job search. Ensures that MDS students produce high quality resumes, LinkedIn profiles, etc., consistent with the UBC MDS program brand.

• Develops and compiles relevant, data science-specific career, employment and industry resources for MDS students.

• Organizes special themed career-related events, when possible, in collaboration with the Quantitative Sciences Course Union (Okanagan), the University Industry Liaison Office (Okanagan), the Centre for Student Involvement & Careers (Vancouver) and Co-op offices (Vancouver and Okanagan). Examples are industry panels and technical interview skills practice sessions.

• Researches and targets specific employers to develop and improve departmental industry relationships.

• Builds and maintains opportunities for students and alumni to connect with and learn from employers, alumni and other members of the workplace community through information sessions and career events.

• Tracks employment outcomes of MDS-O and MDS-CL graduates.

• Participates in the evaluation of career programs and services. Collects and records statistical information and feedback, analyzes documents and reports results, and integrates suggestions and improvements into programs and services.

• Works with the MDS Directors, Program Manager and Marketing Coordinator to support various program events throughout the year.

• Assists in the development and operation of an MDS alumni community. Assesses the viability, and assists in the launch and operation of an MDS-specific mentorship program.

• Works primarily from Okanagan campus; travels to Vancouver (Point Grey) campus at times throughout the year to deliver workshops and advising; provide training; and attend events. Will need to accommodate flexible hours at times, as some evening and weekend work may be required for events.

• Undertakes other relevant duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Responsible for planning and executing effective career development programs and disseminating accurate information. Consequence of error could affect future career management and may affect employment outcomes for students and have negative impact on relationships with students and employers.

Supervision Received

Reports to the MDS-O and MDS-CL (Co-)Directors, the head of the Department of CMPS (Okanagan), and Program Manager (Vancouver). Works under general directives. The incumbent must exercise initiative and sound judgement in making decisions and planning career services and programs.

Supervision Given

None

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of one to two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with graduate students preferred.

• Experience working with students in a technical field preferred.

• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to compose correspondence, reports, presentations, and other written materials using clear concise business language.

• Ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate tasks.

• Ability to gather, record, and organize information.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.

• Ability to accurately proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• Ability to effectively use cloud storage (e.g., One Drive), online meeting tools (e.g., Zoom), MS Word, MS Excel and Outlook at an advanced level.

• Ability to anticipate problems and issues and plan ahead.

• Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation, policies, procedures, regulations, and technical information.

• Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.

• Ability to select the most effective communication media for a situation.

• Ability to effectively facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcome.

• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and workshops.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Ability to make thoughtful, informed, and thorough decisions.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to assess situations and make decisions that fall outside the scope of established policy.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to provide effective and appropriate guidance and career counselling.

• Ability to approach interactions with an awareness of sensitive issues (e.g., issues concerning specific cultures).

• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.

• Ability to identify and respond to contentious or politically sensitive issues with discretion.

• Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

• Ability to effectively deal with difficult people.

• Ability to effectively resolve client complaints in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment.

• Ability to maintain order and control.

• Ability to assist clients in identifying appropriate courses of action.

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.

• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.

• Ability to conduct needs analyses, plan, organize, manage, monitor, complete, and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources.

• Ability to design and conduct surveys.

• Ability to locate required information using a variety of methods (e.g., online information sources, manuals, expert sources).