Placement Specialist

The primary responsibilities of a Placement Specialist at 2U include developing partnerships with externship sites, matching students with these sites, and providing exceptional support throughout the placement cycle. You will be critical in ensuring students receive the necessary hands-on experience for their Master’s programs, facilitating on-time placements while maintaining strong communication with both students and placement sites.

To be considered for the Placement Specialist position at 2U, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree and have 1-2 years of relevant work experience. Strong organizational skills, proficiency in customer service, and the ability to communicate effectively across different platforms are also essential for success in this role.

The Placement Specialist at 2U plays a vital role in student success by actively supporting students throughout the placement process. By establishing strong relationships with both students and externship sites, the specialist ensures timely placements and quality experiences that enhance students' learning outcomes and retention in their programs.

A Placement Specialist at 2U works in a remote environment that emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and collaboration. The company values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where employees feel a sense of belonging while having the flexibility to work autonomously and manage their own projects.

2U provides its Placement Specialists with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching. Additionally, employees enjoy perks like volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break, all contributing to a great work-life balance.

When answering this question, it’s best to provide specific details about the match process, including how you assessed the student’s needs and the criteria you used to select the placement site. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating both your problem-solving skills and your commitment to supporting student success.

Discuss your time management strategies, mentioning tools or methods you use to organize tasks. Explain how you balance the urgency of placements with ongoing relationship management, showcasing your ability to stay focused and productive in a fast-paced environment.

Outline your relationship-building strategies, such as conducting outreach, maintaining regular communication, and understanding the needs of the sites. Emphasize your interpersonal skills and how you tailor your approach based on the unique characteristics of each site.

Prepare an example of a challenging conversation you had in the past, focusing on your communication style, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Highlight your ability to remain professional and calm, ensuring all parties feel heard and understood.

Discuss specific metrics pertinent to the role, such as placement rates, student satisfaction surveys, or the number of partnerships established. Explain how you track these metrics and your strategies for continuous improvement.

Talk about your methodology for vetting placement sites and preparing students for their experiences. Mention the importance of gathering feedback from students and faculty to help improve placement quality continuously.

Mention specific tools or software you have experience with, such as CRM systems, project management software, or academic databases. Explain how you’ve used these tools to streamline your processes and effectively manage student placements.

Focus on your supportive and proactive approach. Explain how you would assess their obstacles, provide additional resources, and perhaps adjust your outreach strategies to ensure they secure a fitting placement.

Discuss your methods for professional development, whether through industry newsletters, attending conferences, or networking within the education community. Highlight how staying informed helps you better serve students and build effective partnerships.

Share genuine enthusiasm for 2U’s mission and values. Discuss how your passion for education aligns with the company’s objectives, and explain how you believe you can make a meaningful impact on the students and externship sites you work with.