At a Glance
- Tasks: Support events, engage with employers, and assist in student communications.
- Company: Durham University offering flexible paid roles for students.
- Benefits: Gain transferable skills, professional experience, and earn while you learn.
- Other info: Flexible hours to fit around your studies with opportunities throughout the year.
- Why this job: Enhance your CV while making a real impact on student engagement.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Careers Assistants support a wide range of activities across the Careers & Enterprise Service. Assistants may work across events, employer engagement, student communications, research, student voice and project support activities. This role is designed to provide Durham students with flexible paid work opportunities that help develop transferable skills, commercial awareness, confidence and professional experience while contributing to the enhancement of Careers & Enterprise services and student engagement activities.
The Careers Assistant Talent Pool provides Durham students with the opportunity to be considered for a variety of flexible paid roles throughout the academic year and vacation periods. Rather than being recruited for one specific post, successful applicants join a pool of trained student staff who can be matched to projects and activities according to service needs, availability, skills, and interests.
Skills and Experience
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Reliability, flexibility and professionalism
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- Confidence working independently and as part of a team
- A positive and proactive approach
- Ability to engage effectively with a range of people including students, staff and employers
- Willingness to learn and undertake training where required
- Previous experience is not essential – training and support will be provided depending on the nature of the role
Hours and Opportunities
Opportunities will vary throughout the year depending on project and service requirements. Students can express interest in opportunities relevant to their skills, experience and availability. The opportunities could be a set time period (i.e. a month) or one-off, so that it is flexible to fit around their studies. Some activities may require evening or occasional weekend work.
Under instruction and following appropriate training, projects, areas and responsibilities may include:
Events and Employer Engagement
- Support in-person, online and hybrid careers activities including fairs, networking events and employer presentations
- Act as a meet-and-greet ambassador for employers and visitors
- Assist with event set-up, registration and clean-up
- Provide directional and logistical support during events
- Assist with promotion of careers activity on campus
- Seek the views of other students on specified topics and communicate those views accurately
Marketing and Communications
- Photography, videography, basic livestreaming and editing recorded content to a high standard
- Deliver content on time as requested by departments
- Create content for various communication methods (videos, photographs, blogs, etc.), consulting with colleagues before publishing/posting where necessary
Project and Research Support
- Record, check and update data accurately
- Assist with bookings, registrations and communications
Research and Insight
- Work alongside the team to support student feedback and market research activities
- Contribute research skills to the work of the Careers & Enterprise Service
Telephone Assistant
- Record, check and update data accurately based on information received
- Plan and prioritise own work, adhering to agreed deliverables and timeframes and referring any issues with workload or timeframes to line manager
Requirements
- Be a current, registered Durham University student during the academic year 2026-27
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Be able to complete the required onboarding and training processes
Application Process
Make sure you complete this application form. Complete the Microsoft form attached. The application process includes sending in your up-to-date CV and answering the three competency-based questions in a video format (max 3 minutes) as outlined in the Microsoft form. Questions are listed in the application form.
Deadline: Midnight, Wednesday 15th July
Interviews: W/c 27th July (Teams or in-person)
Start Date: Aiming for a September start
We are unable to consider applications that are not completed in full and received before the deadline.
Other Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not applicable.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.
Careers Assistants in North East employer: Durham University
Durham University offers an exceptional work environment for Careers Assistants, providing flexible paid opportunities that enhance students' professional skills and confidence while contributing to vital careers services. With a strong emphasis on personal development, a supportive culture, and the chance to engage with diverse projects, this role is perfect for students seeking meaningful experiences that fit around their studies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Assistants in North East
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.
✨Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops
Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like Durham University or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at Durham University.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Assistants in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the Careers Assistants at Durham University, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.
Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at Durham University.
Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining Durham University and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!
Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the Careers Assistants role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at Durham University to see why you’re a perfect fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show Durham University you’re already familiar with the landscape!
✨Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories
Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at Durham University will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.
✨Flexibility & Adaptability are Key
As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure Durham University that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.
✨Portfolio and Samples Matter
Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to Durham University about what you bring to the table.
