Dual Career Program

At the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), we recognize that an academic career move is rarely just about one person. It is a transition for the entire family, and decisions about joining an academic community are often influenced by the career prospects available to a spouse or partner.

The LSA Dual Career Office is dedicated to easing this transition by providing highly personalized, strategic career support for partners of tenure-track and tenured faculty members. This support helps partners navigate local, regional, and remote employment landscapes, with the goal of ensuring access to the resources and connections needed to thrive in a new community.

Who We Serve

Dual career services are intended to support the recruitment and retention of exceptional tenure-track and tenured faculty talent within the College. Support is available to:

• Partners of prospective tenure-track or tenured faculty members being recruited by LSA. 
• Partners of current LSA tenure-track or tenured faculty members.

Note: Services are available regardless of whether a partner is pursuing opportunities in academia, private industry, government, or the nonprofit sector.

Our Support Framework

LSA provides dual career support through a structured framework that helps partners navigate career opportunities and build meaningful connections within the University of Michigan and the broader community. Our approach is personalized, strategic, and responsive to individual goals, offering guidance at every stage of the transition, including:

• Personalized Career Coaching: One-on-one advising sessions to discuss career goals, assess transferable skills, and develop a targeted job search strategy.
• Resume and CV Review: Feedback on resumes, CVs, and cover letters tailored to academic, industry, or nonprofit audiences.
• Strategic Network Guidance: Identification of relevant professional networks and, where appropriate, facilitated introductions to institutional and regional contacts.
• University Navigation: Guidance on navigating the University of Michigan hiring process, including how to search and apply for positions, and referrals to appropriate campus units and resources.
• Local Job Market Insights: Deep insights into the regional economic landscape, major employers, and emerging industry trends.
• Interview Preparation: Mock interviews and coaching to support effective communication of skills and experience.

A Collaborative Approach

The Dual Career Program serves as a deeply committed advising and resource function within the LSA Dean’s Office. We partner with dual career candidates by providing dedicated strategy, guidance, and connections throughout the search process.

To ensure clarity and consistency with university hiring practices:

• The Dual Career Program is not a placement service
• We do not bypass established recruitment or hiring processes
• We do not guarantee employment outcomes
• We do not influence or secure visa sponsorship

Our role is to support partners in conducting a competitive, informed job search while maintaining equity and compliance with University of Michigan policies and practices. The program provides the tools, advocacy, institutional knowledge, and strategic connections necessary to support a competitive job search at every step. Outcomes are driven by the individual’s engagement with the process, with guidance and support provided throughout by the program’s expertise and network.