RPIE Career Coach

$62,400 - $83,200/Yr

The Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art - New York, NY

Part-time - Entry Level

New York, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Cooper Union's Retraining Program for Immigrant Engineers (RPIE) is a unique initiative designed to support immigrant, refugee, and asylee engineers in their professional development. This free program aims to help participants build a competitive portfolio that equips them for the professional workforce and the careers they aspire to. RPIE fosters a supportive community, empowering participants to leverage their past experiences while developing the necessary skills for today's job market. The program consists of two main components: a technical curriculum that enables participants to acquire in-demand engineering skills, gain U.S. experience, and prepare for certification exams, and a comprehensive professional development sequence that encourages the creation of personalized career strategies and the enhancement of essential soft skills required in leading industries. As a Career Coach within the RPIE program, you will play a pivotal role in supporting participants through one-on-one coaching and small group sessions. You will assist participants in familiarizing themselves with the U.S. engineering sector and help them build confidence in their job search. Each Career Coach will provide direct support to approximately 30-35 participants per term, averaging 15-17 participants per week. Your responsibilities will include conducting skills assessments, reviewing career opportunities, teaching soft skills, supporting goal setting, and providing comprehensive career coaching. RPIE participants come from diverse backgrounds, representing over forty nationalities and specializing in various engineering fields, including Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical engineering, as well as architecture, IT, and programming. All participants possess at least an undergraduate degree, with 35% holding advanced degrees, and over 60% have significant prior professional experience. The program is dedicated to helping participants gain the professional skills and familiarity with the U.S. workforce and job application process necessary to secure industry positions with competitive salaries, averaging at least $70,000, along with benefits and opportunities for career advancement.

Responsibilities

• Coach participants one-on-one to identify career goals and support the development of their professional portfolio and network.
• Develop individual career plans for RPIE participants.
• Meet regularly with members of RPIE staff to review existing supports and develop workshops and additional resources for RPIE participants.
• Lead professional development workshops.
• Support participant development of resumes and cover letters and provide ongoing feedback.
• Assist participants in developing job-readiness and soft skills.
• Coordinate and recommend additional support for RPIE participants.
• Coordinate with RPIE staff to identify key skill and certification requirements for various engineering sector positions.
• Advise participants on course and skill development required for a competitive portfolio.
• Mentor participants on workplace culture, interview preparation, and fair workplace practices.
• Complete regular reports and maintain accurate records.
• Schedule meetings, conduct follow-up, and balance multiple projects.

Requirements

• At least two years experience providing career coaching, academic support, or mentoring.
• Desire to work with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Familiarity with MS Office.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good multi-tasker, scheduler, and time manager.
• Interest in student-centered and student-empowered pedagogy.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends; comfort working online and in-person.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity working with employer databases such as Handshake and/or Lightcast.
• Familiarity with engineering, architecture, technology or STEM sectors a plus.
• Familiarity working with adult English Language Learners.

Benefits

• Rate of $30-$40 per hour.
• Unionized position.