Dual Career Assistance Program (Staff Assistance)
Working to reduce the stress and enhance the opportunities for dual career transitions.
The Office of the Provost, in partnership with Human Resources, offers career search assistance to the spouses or partners of newly- hired faculty and senior executive staff. The program seeks to support the University's mission to attract and retain outstanding faculty and staff by recognizing that behind many top candidates stand equally strong spouses or partners who accompany them to the University.
While the program does not guarantee employment, it offers advice, tools and assistance to aid an eligible participant's self-directed career search. Participation is available through referral only (see eligibility).
General Information
- Services
The program offers:
- A designated Human Resources contact to whom participants can turn when applying for positions at Purdue or when they have questions related to employment
- A liaison between the participant and the potential hiring department
- Advice to participants on University salary ranges
- Networking assistance both within and outside Purdue
- Resume critique
- Interviewing skills advice
- Job search advice (e.g., how to use the Purdue employment system and CareerBuilder)
- Referral for career counseling
- Advisory support
As the program is designed to assist the candidate during his or her self-directed career search, the following are outside the scope of the program:
- Placement services for participants
- Creation of positions and/or funding for participants
- Managing or monitoring a candidate's career search
- Eligibility
The Dual Career Assistance Program is available to an individual who:
- Is the spouse or partner of a newly-hired faculty or senior executive staff member
- Is not already employed locally
- Is interested in conducting a job search and receiving assistance
- Has been referred for the program by the hiring department's dean, department head or vice president
- Understands and is willing to adhere to program expectations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contacts
- Partners
- Statistics
Between January 2011 and January 2012, 31 people entered the program. Of those, 42 percent (or 13 people) secured employment (nine at the University; four elsewhere in the community). Fifty-two percent, or 16 people, continued their career search into 2012. One person elected continuing education, and one person left the University.
Between January 2012 and January 2013, 55 people participated in the program. Sixteen were carried over from 2011, and 39 were new. Of those, 19 people (35 percent) secured employment (13 at the University; six elsewhere in the community). Forty-four percent, or 24 people, continued their career search into 2013. Three people elected continuing education, one partner left the University and eight opted out of the program and expired after one year.
- What are people saying about the dual career assistance program?
Participants:
"Mrs. Martin was huge help to me. She helped me edit and revise my cover letter, curriculum vitae, and resume. She forwarded my resume to several departments to introduce me to them. She checked on me in the waiting process. My hiring, ultimately resulted from her forwarding my information. She was pleasant and accessible. Thank you"
"Thank you for all of your assistance. I don't think I would necessarily have the position I have obtained without your assistance in making my résumé more professional and updated. And thank you for all the contacts you have made on my behalf. I greatly appreciate all that you have done for me."
"Thank you very much for introducing me the opportunity! The Dual Career Assistance Program is excellent!"
Hiring Managers:
"Thanks for all your help! You are a wonderful asset to Human Resources division. Your expertise was essential to the success of this hire."
Information specific to participants
- Expectations
- Maintain communications with Dual Career representative.
- Willingness to manage own job search.
- Willingness to consider employment in surrounding communities.
- Understanding that the Program is not a placement service and does not guarantee employment.
- Maintain appropriate conduct for that of a job seeker.
Failure to comply with or adhere to these expectations could result in removal from the program.
- Procedures
Inform the hiring entity that you have a dual career need at or before the time of the offer to your spouse or partner.
- Resources
Information specific to hiring departments and search committees
Faculty or academic appointments
This website is geared toward the eligible spouses/partners of newly hired faculty and senior executive staff who seek staff employment with Purdue University. If you are interested in a faculty or academic appointment, please visit the Dual Career Faculty Bridge Program website.
