Relocating for a new faculty or staff position at the University of Notre Dame presents exciting opportunities. However, it also brings the challenge of dual careers, especially for partners seeking professional roles in a new area. Recognizing this, the University of Notre Dame offers a dedicated Career Assistance Program, providing customized support to couples navigating this transition.
Who is Eligible for this Career Assistance?
The Career Assistance Program at Notre Dame is available to the spouse or partner of a newly hired, regular full-time faculty or staff member. Eligibility is specifically for those partners who are facing unemployment due to the relocation to Notre Dame.
Priority in service is given to individuals whose spouse or partner has been employed at the University for less than a year, ensuring timely support during the initial transition. It is important to note that the program’s effectiveness is significantly enhanced when the participating partner has the legal authorization to work in the United States.
How to Access the Career Assistance Program
Engaging with the Career Assistance Program is a structured process designed to provide personalized support:
Complete the Initial Consultation Form
The first step to access career assistance is to complete the initial consultation form. This should be done after a job offer from the University of Notre Dame has been accepted, marking the beginning of the dual career support process.
This form gathers essential information to confirm eligibility and understand the job search preferences of the participating spouse or partner. After submitting and reviewing this form, the Career Assistance Office will confirm eligibility and provide detailed steps on how to begin utilizing the program’s resources.
Attend an Initial Consultation
Following the form submission, an initial consultation is scheduled. This meeting is crucial for understanding the employment interests, existing skills, and specific needs of the partner seeking career assistance. Face-to-face meetings are highly encouraged to build rapport and facilitate in-depth discussion. However, recognizing diverse needs and locations, initial consultations can also be conducted via phone, video conference, or email for convenience.
Receive Customized Assistance
The core of the Career Assistance Program lies in its commitment to providing services tailored to individual needs. The program offers support in identifying suitable job opportunities and building valuable professional networks. The range of services includes:
- Pre-offer consultations for spouses or partners during the faculty/staff member’s interview stage.
- Direct job search assistance, leveraging university and local resources.
- Facilitating networking opportunities with network partners and providing guidance on effective networking strategies.
- Access to internal job openings within the University of Notre Dame.
- Professional review and critique of resumes/curriculum vitae and cover letters to enhance their impact.
- Coaching and advice on interviewing techniques to improve performance and confidence.
- Guidance on salary negotiations to ensure fair compensation.
- Providing insights into local employment demographics and trends to inform job search strategies.
- Offering other relevant information and resources that can aid in a successful job search.
Important Considerations for Job Search Success
It is vital to understand that while the Career Assistance Program offers extensive support, it is not a guarantee of employment. The program is designed to empower and assist, but ultimately, successful job placement is significantly dependent on the individual’s active participation, job search efforts, and consistent follow-up on leads and opportunities.
Apply for Positions at Notre Dame
Explore current job openings at the University of Notre Dame for faculty, staff, and students through the links below:
