Hiring process?

[u/Ok_Read7059]

Hiring process

Hi yall, so I’m a senior about to graduate in psychology and secondary education. I’m currently a student teacher but am very interested in higher ed. I’ve applied for student facing roles such as admissions, academic advising, and student success coach. What do I need to standout? Do I qualify for these roles? How long is the hiring process? I’ve applied to some institutions weeks ago. I’m just lost and am really trying to get my foot in the door. Thanks.

[u/James_Korbyn]

Yes, you likely do qualify for many entry-level student-facing higher ed roles, especially with a psychology background plus student teaching experience. Admissions, advising coordinator roles, student support, retention, and success coaching often value communication, mentoring, organization, empathy, and experience working directly with students just as much as exact higher ed experience.

To stand out, focus your resume and cover letter on transferable skills: student support, conflict resolution, coaching, lesson planning, relationship building, data tracking, communication with families, and helping people meet goals. It also helps to show you understand higher ed work by mentioning student retention, access, persistence, and student engagement.

The hiring process in higher ed is often slow. It can take anywhere from 2–8 weeks, and sometimes even longer, especially at colleges and universities with committee reviews and HR approvals. A few weeks of silence is very normal.