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Graduate Development Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

Northwestern University

Program Coordinator

Evanston, IL · On-site

$53K - $65K/yr

... the development of a modern, engaging website and the strategic use of social media and digital ... This position supports faculty and graduate students in preparing grant proposals by providing ...

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$33K

$123.7K

$206K

How much do graduate development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate development program in Chicago, IL is $123,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $147,300.00 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.

Graduate Development Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Development Program job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Internship, 58% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,678 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Career and Professional Development Student Support & Programming Graduate Assistant

Career and Professional Development Student Support & Programming Graduate Assistant

North Central College

Naperville, IL

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Posting Number GA000152 Position Title Career and Professional Development Student Support & Programming Graduate Assistant Position ID REQUESTED Department Center for Career and Professional Development Division Academic Affairs Supervisor Bailey Bushman Supervisor Title Executive Director Center for Career and Professional Description of Job Duties
Position Summary:
The Student Support & Programming Graduate Assistant will enhance the Center for Career & Professional Development's capacity to deliver high-quality, student-centered career education. In this role, the GA provides one-on-one coaching, staffs drop-in hours, leads tailored workshops, and supports core departmental operations. The GA also assists with the development of career resources, supports the Cardinal Career Closet's operations, and represents the CCPD at campus events. Through these responsibilities, the GA helps ensure students have the guidance, tools, and confidence needed to explore career options, build professional skills, and prepare for internships, jobs, and post-graduate opportunities.
Essential Functions:
- Consult with students during Drop-In Center hours to provide career-related guidance, including resume and cover letter reviews, Handshake and LinkedIn profile consultations, and internship/job search strategy sessions.
- Host individualized, one-on-one career coaching appointments with students.
- Develop and deliver career programming tailored for identity-based student groups (first-gen, students of color, LGBTQ+, commuters, international, students with disabilities, transfers, etc.).
- Serve as a visible ambassador to help students navigate career resources and build confidence in the career preparation process.
- Support and represent the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) at various campus events (admitted student days, Rall Symposium, tabling events, etc.).
- Support Associate Director with ongoing operations and student engagement efforts for the Cardinal Career Closet (inventory, marketing, outreach, and student usage tracking).
- Build and pilot virtual drop-in hours to expand accessibility for commuter and graduate students.
- Assist in developing training and professional development learning opportunities for Career Peer Advisor Team.
- Create or update student facing resources (e.g. handouts, slide decks, worksheets) on topics related to resumes, cover letters, job/internship search, networking, and interviewing.
- Provide administrative support for the College's primary job and internship platform: Handshake.
- Other duties as assigned.
Opportunities for Graduate Students:
The Career and Professional Development Student Support & Programming Graduate Assistant will begin in Fall 2026.
Graduate students in the Higher Education Leadership program will gain hands-on experience in student support, coaching, and program development. This role provides meaningful opportunities to apply theories of student development and career coaching practice through direct support to students, workshop facilitation, and campus partnerships.
Graduate students in the Organizational Leadership program will engage in designing and delivering training for student staff, supporting operational processes, and collaborating with campus offices. The role provides opportunities to apply leadership theories related to team development, organizational culture, communication, and student engagement.
Graduate students in the MBA program will deepen skills in communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. They will contribute to program development, help refine resource materials, and participate in career-related initiatives that support student career readiness.
Do the job duties for this position have any potential exposure to student records? Yes Do the job duties for this position include any driving requirements? No Will this position be working with minors? No Job Qualifications
- Accepted into a graduate program at North Central College.
- Strong interest in student development, career education, and/or higher education administration.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
- Ability to provide direct service to students through one-on-one coaching, drop-in consultations, and workshop facilitation.
- Demonstrated ability to support diverse student populations, with an awareness of identity-informed needs and a commitment to student engagement.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs, projects, and student engagement initiatives simultaneously.
- Familiarity with career development topics such as resume writing, job and internship search strategies, graduate school planning, interviewing, and LinkedIn/Handshake (training provided to successful candidate).
- Proficiency in creating or updating student-facing resources such as handouts, slide decks, and worksheets.
Approximate number of work hours per week 20 New or Replacement? New If replacement, person(s) being replaced
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. North Central College provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation, please notify the Office of Human Resource. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Open Date 12/12/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled No

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