Program Support Assistant, Summer Programs (Federal Work Study)

As a Program Support Assistant for Summer Programs at Berklee College of Music, your primary responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service during check-in events, setting up check-in tables, assisting with program breakfast setups, ensuring adherence to campus health and safety protocols, and supporting program directors as needed. You'll also conduct outreach to students regarding any missing items they need for check-in, making the process smoother for everyone involved.

To apply for the Program Support Assistant role at Berklee College of Music, you must be a current student, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be an eligible Federal Work Study student. Prior experience in customer service, punctuality, and familiarity with the Berklee campus are essential for success in this position. Being friendly, reliable, and a morning person will also help you thrive in this fast-paced environment.

To apply for the Program Support Assistant position at Berklee College of Music, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, especially regarding federal work-study. You'll need to submit both a resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role. Missing either component may result in your application not being considered, so be sure to check that before submission!

As a Program Support Assistant for Summer Programs at Berklee College of Music, you can expect to work approximately 15 hours per week during the program check-in events. These check-in dates are scheduled throughout June and July, so flexibility for additional weekday and weekend shifts is appreciated. It's an exciting opportunity to engage with students and make a meaningful contribution to their summer experiences.

The Program Support Assistant position at Berklee College of Music runs from June 12, 2025, to August 11, 2025. This temporary role is a fantastic way to gain summer experience while supporting the college's vibrant community and helping to ensure seamless check-in for over 1,500 students during their summer programs.

When answering this question, highlight your customer service experience, particularly in fast-paced environments. Mention specific examples where you successfully assisted customers or resolved issues, showcasing your ability to remain calm and friendly under pressure, which is crucial for the Program Support Assistant position.

Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by discussing how you would remain calm and empathetic when addressing a participant's concerns. Highlight your communication skills, willingness to listen actively, and steps you would take to find a solution, ensuring the participant feels valued and understood.

Illustrate your knowledge of Berklee's mission, values, and the variety of summer programs offered in music, theater, and dance. Mention the expected number of students and the unique takeaways these programs offer, showing your enthusiasm about contributing to such a vibrant educational experience.

Talk about your organizational skills and techniques you employ to manage your time effectively. You might mention creating a to-do list, assessing the urgency of tasks, and being flexible as new priorities arise—emphasizing your ability to keep composure and focus amid multitasking, a vital skill for the Program Support Assistant.

Share a specific experience where you worked collaboratively with a team, detailing your contributions and how you supported your teammates. Discuss the outcome of the team effort and what you learned about teamwork and communication, which are essential aspects of the Program Support Assistant's responsibilities.

Express your passion for Berklee's mission and your desire to support students in a vibrant, artistic environment. Share any personal connections to music or arts education and how this role aligns with your career goals, making it clear that you're motivated by both personal and professional aspirations.

Outline the importance of active listening, patience, and a friendly demeanor when interacting with customers. Provide examples of how you adapt your communication style to fit different situations and the steps you take to ensure customers feel heard and valued, essential traits for a Program Support Assistant.

Indicate your openness to feedback and your view of constructive criticism as a valuable tool for growth. Share a specific example of when you received feedback, how you applied it to improve your performance, and your commitment to continuous learning—key factors in the Program Support Assistant role.

Affirm your willingness to engage in physical tasks, such as setting up check-in materials. Emphasize your ability to handle the physical demands of the role and any relevant personal experiences that demonstrate your reliability and readiness for such responsibilities.

Discuss qualities like friendliness, punctuality, organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. You can emphasize how these qualities enable a Program Support Assistant to contribute positively to the summer programs and support fellow students effectively.