how to apply for this position with an international education perspective:

If you’re interested in applying for the role of Assistant Director for Student and Scholar Success within Michigan State University’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), consider the following insights and strategies to strengthen your application. The position requires a deep commitment to fostering global diversity, equity, and inclusion (Global DEI), engaging with international students and scholars, and supporting their academic, cultural, and social success.

Tailor Your Application to Showcase International Expertise

1. Highlight Relevant Experience:

– Emphasize your expertise in working within international education settings, student affairs, or immigration services.
– If you’ve worked with global engagement initiatives or cross-cultural training, ensure these experiences stand out in your resume, cover letter, or portfolio.

1. Showcase Leadership Skills:

– Since this role involves leadership responsibilities such as supervising full-time staff, graduate assistants, and student workers, articulate your ability to lead diverse teams effectively. Provide examples where you enhanced team dynamics in multicultural or international student-focused environments.

1. Intercultural Awareness:

– Demonstrate a strong understanding of intercultural competency and your ability to support students adapting to U.S. academic and cultural life. Discuss specific programming or strategies you’ve developed to help international students succeed in similar settings.

1. Programming and Event Management:

– This role involves leading events like international student orientations, Coffee Hours, and the Global Festival. Provide examples of project management experience related to organizing these types of programs, particularly ones that foster cross-cultural engagement.

1. Advocate for DEI Initiatives:

– The position involves developing and leading global diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Reference how you’ve incorporated DEI into your work with international students, scholars, or intercultural education programs.

Tap into Campus Collaboration Skills

• Highlight examples where you’ve worked successfully with multiple stakeholders, such as student organizations, career services teams, academic departments, or government agencies, to advance international student success. If you’ve engaged in initiatives with admissions offices, pre-departure orientations, or yield events for international applicants, be sure to include these.

Understand the Role of Compliance and Regulations

• Knowledge in Immigration Regulations:

– As the Assistant Director will serve as a backup Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), showcase your familiarity with SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), visa regulations, or related compliance areas. If you have experience advising students or scholars on immigration matters, emphasize this.

Tips for International Candidates

1. Research OISS and MSU Initiatives:

– Familiarize yourself with MSU’s international student population, the Global Festival, DEI programming, and intercultural education efforts. Tailor your cover letter to show how your experiences align with their objectives.

1. Illustrate Global Perspective:

– If you’ve studied, lived, or worked internationally, use these personal experiences to illustrate your empathy and ability to guide others through cultural transitions. A global perspective can be a strong asset for this role.

1. Demonstrate Multilingual Abilities:

– Language skills can be invaluable when working with a diverse student body and supporting advocacy efforts across campus. Mention any languages you speak fluently in your application.

Strengthen Your Resume with Practical Achievements

• Include metrics and outcomes wherever possible. For example:

– “Successfully increased attendance at international orientation events by 25% through targeted outreach strategies.”
– “Designed and delivered intercultural training workshops that led to a measurable improvement in international student satisfaction scores.”

Acknowledge the Hybrid Work Environment

• Highlight your ability to work effectively in both in-person and remote settings. Experience with virtual student engagement initiatives or working across different time zones with international students could be an advantage.

Application Submission Tips

• Personalized Cover Letter:

– Don’t just summarize your resume-use the cover letter to emphasize your passion for international education, cultural understanding, and commitment to student success. Show genuine enthusiasm for becoming an integral part of MSU’s OISS team.

• References from International Education Roles:

– Provide professional references who can speak to your work in student engagement, cross-cultural leadership, or program development in an international context.

Finally, be prepared to explain how your vision for international student and scholar success aligns with MSU’s dedication to fostering global diversity and intercultural opportunities. This demonstrates your alignment not only with the practical aspects of the job but with the institution’s values as a whole.

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By approaching the application from a thoughtful international education perspective, you position yourself as an ideal candidate who recognizes the unique needs of global student and scholar communities while advancing the mission of MSU and OISS