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Graduate Development Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The position will allow for the enhancement of individual advising, presentation, and program development/management skills while at the same time, the Graduate Assistant will learn about career ...

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Graduate Development Program information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$118.5K

$197.4K

How much do graduate development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate development program in California is $118,486.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Development Program position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Graduate Development Program, candidates typically need a relevant bachelor's degree, a strong academic record, and enthusiasm for learning in a professional environment. Familiarity with industry-specific software, data analysis tools, or project management systems can be beneficial depending on the sector. Excellent communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help individuals stand out in this rotational, mentorship-driven setting. These skills and qualifications are vital for successfully integrating into diverse teams, learning quickly, and maximizing the opportunities these programs offer for early-career development.

What kinds of career advancement opportunities can I expect after completing a Graduate Development Program?

Graduate Development Programs are designed to fast-track participants into roles of greater responsibility by providing exposure to multiple business areas and structured mentorship. Upon completion, graduates may transition directly into specialized positions within the organization, often with clearer pathways to leadership or management roles. Many programs also offer ongoing professional development, networking opportunities, and support from senior leaders to help alumni continue growing their careers. The skills and insights gained throughout the program make graduates highly competitive for a wide range of future opportunities within the company or industry.

What is a Graduate Development Program job?

A Graduate Development Program (GDP) is an entry-level job designed for recent graduates to gain structured training and hands-on experience in a specific industry or company. These programs typically last from one to three years and include rotations across different departments, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The goal is to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for long-term career growth within the organization.

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Development Program jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Development Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Development Program job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,486 per year, or $57 per hour.
Graduate Assistant

$22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Posting Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Graduate Assistant

Job Description:

ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

JOB PURPOSE: The Graduate Assistant will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the following areas: career counseling/advising and fellowships/graduate/professional school advising and employer relations (recruitment and internships). The position will allow for the enhancement of individual advising, presentation, and program development/management skills while at the same time, the Graduate Assistant will learn about career services. Training will be provided for all functional areas. Accommodations can be made so that projects/assignments align with the Graduate Assistant's career interests.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Reporting directly to the Director, Career Education and Advising, the Graduate Assistant performs the following essential duties and responsibilities:

Career Advising

  • After training, advise students in their career development process.
  • Assist with event planning (panels or other events).
  • Create and present career related workshops (can include resume writing, online networking, and interviewing skills).
  • Conduct practice interviews and provide assistance with drop-in hours.

Fellowships Advising

  • After training, advise students on their written fellowship applications in in-person
  • meetings and over email.
  • Help with presenting information sessions and workshops and answering student questions about the application process for various awards Help with updating and developing web resources for students, including our fellowships directory.

Graduate/Professional School Advising

  • After training, advise students on grad/professional school programs that might be of interest to them.
  • Create/present workshops on deciding on/the graduate school process.
  • Assist with hosting graduate/professional school programs on campus.

Employer Relations

  • Work with the Employer Relations (ER) team in recruiting/hosting employer events.
  • Provide support for ER with the Handshake platform.
  • Assist with Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP) - PCIP Semester and PCIP Summer Experience. Every semester PCIP offers the opportunity to participate with an employer as an intern. Will help with reviewing applications and providing feedback to applicants. Assist with organizing PCIP Summer Experience. Help with recruiting, reviewing program applications, and planning the logistics of the program.
  • Maintain, update, and coordinate internship listings and employer relations data entry/maintenance.
  • Assist with outreach to students and employers.

TIME COMMITMENT AND MODALITY:

This posting seeks to hire a Graduate Assistant for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Graduate Assistant will concentrate on Advising/Programming with the opportunity to explore some Employer Relations functions as well. This is an in-person position with remote work granted under special circumstances.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education: Pursuing a master's degree in an academic subject, Counseling/Student Affairs, Higher Education, Human Resources or a related program.

  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.

  • Professionalism and maturity.

  • Strong organizational skills and detailed-oriented.

  • Knowledge of relevant technology/strong computer skills.

  • Sense of humor, team spirit and positive attitude.

REQUIRED HOURS: The standard hours for this part-time position are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a desired start date of August 17, 2026. Candidates must be available to work 16-20 hours per week. There may be occasions when weekend and evening work is necessary. Regular hours may vary depending on the needs of the College or division.

ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS: This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt position. The hourly rate for this role is $22.00 per hour. The specific factors that the College will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include, but not be limited to: education, training, relevant prior experience, and performance in prior roles. All staff positions are ineligible for visa or permanent resident card sponsorship. As a California employer, Pomona College requires all employees to be residents of California.

Required Documents: Candidates must submit both a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered in the recruitment process.

ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The College expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the College will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.