UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies is committed to providing high-quality education to professionals seeking to advance in the field of Career Advising. Our courses equip students with essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field as career advisors and workforce development professionals, preparing them for roles in diverse settings such as educational institutions, non-profits, and corporate environments.

Our Career Advising certificate program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the evolving needs of career advisors at all stages of their careers, and no matter the population of job seekers they serve. The field of Career Advising and Workforce Development often serves vulnerable or marginalized clientele and increased its focus on the general population in career transition, those impacted by layoffs, and other professional circumstances. High school and college students are also seeking similar services at higher rates, including for career exploration, transition into the workforce and apprenticeship options. The courses in this Specialized Certificate are meant to act both as a springboard to entry for students entering the profession, and as valuable professional development to advance one’s skills and competencies to work productively and effectively with various stakeholders.

Our instructors are passionate professionals with current industry expertise who are dedicated to fostering student success through engaging, practical learning experiences.

Applications for instructors are welcome throughout the year to meet immediate program needs and expand our pool of subject matter experts. We invite applicants with expertise in the following areas to apply:

• Comprehensive understanding of career development theories, client assessment techniques, career planning frameworks, and the role of diversity and inclusion in advising practices.
• Advanced skills in active listening, powerful questioning, providing constructive feedback, and utilizing effective communication techniques in career advising contexts.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following:
  • Client Advocacy and Support: Experience in assisting diverse client groups such as individuals facing housing insecurity, disabilities, justice-involved individuals, mature workers, new Americans, veterans, and youth workers.
  • Workforce Planning and Economic Trends: Knowledge of workforce planning methodologies, economic trends impacting employment, and strategies to address workforce challenges in diverse organizational settings.
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community resources to support job seekers and enhance career advising services.

Our courses are updated regularly to reflect industry trends and best practices, ensuring that students receive the most relevant education possible. Instructors are expected to design interactive courses that integrate real-world applications and foster a dynamic learning environment.

A reasonable estimate of compensation for teaching one section of this course is $750-$2,300.  The amount determined within the compensation range is dependent upon course modality, units of instruction, and number of enrollments.  Instructional agreements are made on a section-by-section basis at the discretion of the University with no guarantee to teach future sections of this course or any other courses.

 SPECIFIC DUTIES

•  Utilize subject-matter expertise to effectively teach and mentor students
•  Stay informed of current developments in the field of career advising
•  Design course syllabi and curriculum in alignment with program objectives
•  Communicate clear expectations and provide timely feedback to students
•  Deliver course materials through various modalities including face-to-face, online, or hybrid 
formats
•  Assess student learning outcomes and assign grades.
•  Update course materials based on student feedback and industry changes.
•  Foster an inclusive and motivating learning environment for students from diverse 
backgrounds.
•  Integrate technology and external resources to enhance curriculum delivery.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•  Advanced degree from an accredited institution required; equivalent combination of education and 
experience may be considered.
•  Demonstrated proficiency and current knowledge in the field of career advising
•  Active participation in professional associations related to career development
•  Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas 
effectively
•  Effective interpersonal skills and cultural competencies to engage a diverse student population
•  Prior teaching experience at university level or equivalent corporate training experience 
preferred
•  Experience in curriculum design and assessment of student performance preferred
•  Familiarity with online teaching tools and learning management systems preferred
•  Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification preferred

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

As an academic department within UC San Diego, all Extension Program instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are “by agreement”. The instructor’s Letter of Agreement outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and compensation terms, and is subject to department policies and procedures.  UC San Diego Extension makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed instructor Letter of Agreement. Should the course section an instructor plans to teach be cancelled for any reason, the instructor agreement, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided.  Remuneration is for classroom hours only and does not include time spent for course preparation or other events.
 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please complete all sections of the application, providing detailed responses where applicable. Submit a resume and cover letter outlining your professional experience and qualifications related to career advising and teaching. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

UC San Diego Extended Studies operates on a quarterly schedule, planning courses approximately six weeks to six months in advance. Applicants may be contacted if a teaching opportunity aligns
with their qualifications and availability.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.