The Graduate Ambassador (GA) strives to improve the quality of job search experience for graduating students through partnering with The Placement Exchange (TPE) as their official student representative.

They regularly interact with graduate students in Higher Education/Leadership/Student Affairs/Counseling programs across the country providing outreach and educational opportunities related to career exploration, mentorship, professional networking and job search readiness. GAs also serve as an unofficial council, providing TPE with the graduate student experience and perspective.

For detailed information regarding the TPE GA experience, please refer to the 2024 TPE Graduate Ambassador Overview.

Meet the Ambassadors

Benefits

In addition to the communication skills, interpersonal and collaboration skills, and critical thinking skills Ambassadors develop over the course of the year, TPE provides GAs with the following:

  • Dedicated mentorship (3 professionals will work with GAs for their full term)
  • Opportunities for career coaching, job search support, and networking with professionals across the country

Additionally, TPE Graduate Ambassadors will meet jointly with NASPA Graduate Associates (GAPs) to talk about topics of interest in the field of student affairs.

Commitment

October 1, 2023 – May 3, 2024

Responsibilities

  • Attend the Welcome & Orientation Friday, September 15, 2023 at 3pm EDT/12pm PDT
  • Attend five (5) monthly TPE Ambassador professional development calls Day/Time
  • Attend five (3) TPE Ambassador/NASPA GAP cohort calls on the first Friday at 5pm EDT/ 3pm PDT
  • Promote TPE at on-campus events and promote upcoming TPE events via networks
  • Serve as contact and resource for peers seeking information about TPE and career readiness initiatives in student affairs.
  • Collectively coordinate & host a “Graduate Student Career RoundUp” during the Spring TPE Academy, February 12-16, 2024
  • Provide TPE with feedback on what programs and services students need

Qualifications and

Application Information

You must be an incoming or current graduate student pursuing a masters or doctoral degree in student affairs, higher education, leadership, counseling, or a related field.

Accepted students will be recognized on the TPE website and in publication.

Application Window

Applications have ended for the 2024 academic year. Applications for the 2025 academic year will open August 1, 2024.

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The new iteration of The Placement Exchange (TPE) is crucial for our profession as it embraces innovation and adaptability, providing a cutting-edge platform for employers and candidates to connect virtually and in a more accessible format.

Dr. Melvin “Jai” Jackson, Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Engagement, NC State University

TPE provides so many employment opportunities and candidate resources. It really optimizes your chance for finding a quality work experience.

Randall Williams, Assistant Director of Student Accountability, Vanderbilt University

The low-cost search option of TPE Placement gives you access to so many candidates with the exact experiences you are seeking.

Tierza Watts, Director of the Center for Leadership, Elon University

Adaptation is one of the most important components for survival for any organization. TPE is the adjustment needed to serve our profession and its needs in a way that is sustainable and timely for today’s audience.

Nyerere Tryman, Executive Director, University Housing, Auburn University

On the fence about TPE? Absolutely do it! Take advantage of the amazing resources that TPE provides to enhance your experience.

Randall Williams, Assistant Director of Student Accountability, Vanderbilt University

Participating in the Virtual Career Fair & Placement experience offers a cost-effective, efficient, and flexible way to connect with a diverse talent pool, showcasing your organization's adaptability and innovation while eliminating traditional events' costs and geographical constraints. The virtual format provides access to a global talent pool through an inclusive recruitment approach.

Dr. Melvin “Jai” Jackson, Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Engagement, NC State University

Candidates will never have unfettered access to this many employers in the same space at the same time. The ROI on your investment of time and energy to participate will be worth it and you may not have to leave your living room!

Nyerere Tryman, Executive Director, University Housing, Auburn University

As someone who has extensively recruited through TPE, there is nothing better than being able to connect with potential job seekers from all across the country and in different places in their career journey.

Dr. Tim Leyson, Associate Director of Housing Operations, Northern Kentucky University

Equity has long been a talking and sticking point in our profession of how we recruit, hire and retain talent. Our field has needed a kickstart to how we move hiring and recruitment forward into the future, TPE is and will continue to be that driving force.

Dr. Tim Leyson, Associate Director of Housing Operations, Northern Kentucky University