FAQs

Application Questions

General Employment Questions

Application Questions

If I am a Duke student, do I still need to send you a copy of my transcript?
Yes. All applicants must submit transcripts from the colleges or universities they attend or attended as part of their application.
May I send a photocopy of my transcript?
Yes. Duke TIP will accept Web printouts or photocopies of your transcript.
May I apply for more than one position?
Yes. Be sure to verify the qualifications of the positions you select to ensure your eligibility for each position.
If I've applied in the past, do I need to submit a new application?
Maybe. If you applied to work during the summer of 2006, you can check with Pam Zimmerman at (919) 668-9100 or e-mail jobs@tip.duke.edu to see if your application is still on file. If it is, some parts may need to be updated and resubmitted. If you applied to work prior to summer 2006, then you will need to resubmit a complete application.
I applied last year, or I have worked for TIP in the past.  How do I reactivate my folder?
If you applied for the Summer of 2006 and did not work, or if you worked in Summer 2004, 2005, or 2006, you may reactivate your application.  You should send a cover letter, updated résumé, and an updated transcript (only if you have been enrolled in classes since your last application).  If you applied prior to Summer of 2006, or worked for TIP prior to Summer of 2004, please submit a new application.
Am I required to interview in person?
No. While we prefer an in-person interview, this is not always possible for out-of-town applicants. We can arrange phone interviews for candidates unable to travel to the Duke TIP Office.
Can I submit a résumé instead of filling out the application?
While it cannot replace the entire application, a résumé can be submitted in lieu of the work experience and leadership sections of the application. When the rest of the application forms are completed, attach your résumé and send both parts together.
Is the EEO part of the application mandatory?
You do not have to complete this information when applying to work with Duke TIP; however, if you are offered a position, this information must be completed for payroll purposes.
Do all parts of the application have to be submitted together?
No. While we prefer to receive all of the application materials together, this is not always possible. Your application can be reviewed upon receipt of the completed application forms and résumé, but the hiring process will be delayed until we receive your transcript(s) and reference forms.
To whom do I address my cover letter?
There are several different hiring coordinators who review applications.  If you are applying for multiple positions, your application could be reviewed by multiple coordinators.  You may address your cover letter “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Duke TIP Hiring Coordinator.”
If I fax my application to TIP should I send the original in the mail?
No, but please keep the original copy of the application.  If portions of your application are illegible, we may ask you to send in the original copy.
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General Employment Questions

If I attended a Duke TIP session, does that increase my chances for employment?
We certainly value Duke TIP experience and encourage you to include this information on your application; however, it is not a qualification of employment.
Do you give a preference to those who apply earlier?
Applications are reviewed upon receipt and interviews are typically held during January and February. The sooner an application is received, the sooner it will be reviewed; however, we will continue to review applications for open slots until all positions are filled.
If I apply late, what are my chances to be hired for this summer?
While we give preference to all applications received by the end of February and aim to have all positions filled by the end of March, we may still have openings.  If you are flexible about your site and term preferences, there is a higher probability that you will be hired.  In addition, if there are no openings when your application is received, a hiring coordinator may contact you and ask if you would like to be considered for last-minute openings, which can occur as late as July 1.
Do I get to choose the location where I want to work?
We ask that you indicate your site preferences on the application, and we will consider you for positions at the sites you prefer. However, our placement decisions are ultimately based on which positions are open as well as how your credentials best fit our program needs.
My younger sibling is planning to attend TIP this summer.  Can I work at the same site he or she will be attending?
We prefer not to have a staff member work at the same site that a sibling will be attending.  This can create a conflict of interests for the staff member, and inhibit the participant’s experience.  Please discuss this situation with your hiring coordinator during the interview process.
What are my chances to work with one of the international programs?
The staff for each international program is very small, and we often have many returning staff members.  You must have relevant experience in the subject area to be considered for a program.  It also helps if you are fluent in the language of the region or have experience traveling in the region for which you are applying.
May I apply even if I cannot fully commit to my summer plans at this time?
Yes. If you are offered a position, you will be given a short amount of time to accept or decline the employment offer. We understand that some applicants will not know their availability at the time of applying.
May I apply to work for only one term?
Yes. Most of the Summer Studies Programs have two terms, and, while it is our preference to have an employee work both terms, we will consider applicants who can only work one term.
Does Duke TIP provide housing and meals for staff members?
Yes, Duke TIP offers on-campus housing and meal plans for all staff members. These options are also available during the break between sessions for staff members who are employed for both terms.
Am I required to live on campus?
All residential positions require that you live on campus. The requirement of living on campus varies for the other positions. Please see the complete Job Descriptions for more information.
Do you have to have a particular major, such as Education, to work at Duke TIP?
No, but applicants for certain positions (Instructors, Teaching Assistants, and Field Study or Institute Staff) should have concentrated study in subject areas relevant to the course being taught. See the complete Job Descriptions for more information.
May I take a summer school class while working for Duke TIP?
No. Due to the intensive time commitment of the program, employees are not allowed to take summer school courses while employed by Duke TIP.
Can I have another job while working for Duke TIP?
No. Due to the intensive time commitment of the program, employees are not allowed to hold another job while employed by Duke TIP.
When will I know if I am hired?
Offers begin in January and will continue until all positions are filled. This usually occurs by the end of March or early April. There are a number of considerations that accompany an offer of employment; thus, there are times when an employment decision may take several weeks. If you have another employment opportunity, you may contact our office to check on the status of your application. Go to the How to Apply page for more information on the hiring process.
After I have been interviewed, how long will it be before I know if I have been hired?
Our time lines vary, depending on the position and time of year.  Your interviewer will give you an estimate of how long it will be before he or she can make a decision in your case.  Most job offers are sent via e-mail, and you will have a deadline by which you will need to accept or decline the position.
I accepted a position, but I won’t be able to work for TIP this summer.  What should I do?
When you accept a position with TIP, you should be relatively certain that you can complete your duties.  However, we understand that emergencies and other circumstances do occasionally arise.  If this happens, please contact the person who sent you the job offer as quickly as possible.
I have been hired by TIP.  Will I be able to move into my residence hall room a few days early?
No.  Unfortunately, the residence halls are not ready to be occupied by TIP staff until the staff arrival date.
Will I need to purchase a parking pass for my car this summer?
No.  Duke TIP provides parking passes for all staff members who need them.  You will receive one when you check in on the staff arrival date for your site.
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