The Rosenberg Student Training Employment Program (Rosenberg STEP) cultivates essential technical, interpersonal, and professional skills in Suffolk students through paid, practical, on-campus work experience coupled with formal mentoring support and professional development activities.
This powerful program prepares students for the working world by leveraging the hands-on learning practices Suffolk University is known for. Rosenberg STEP students build proficiency in the technological tools and processes that support a wide array of job functions throughout Suffolk’s academic and administrative departments. They also develop robust leadership, teamwork, innovation, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
Students at all academic levels, including graduate students, are eligible to participate. Each year the STEP Program employs a cohort of approximately 20 students in various positions across campus. Most students remain in their position for at least a full academic year, and often times return for multiple years. STEP students typically work between 10-20 hours per week in their position on campus.
Barbara and Richard Rosenberg: Enabling Tomorrow’s Careers
Rosenberg STEP is made possible through a generous endowment by Barbara and Richard Rosenberg. Dick Rosenberg, BSJ ’52, HDCS ’91, a longtime leader in business and philanthropy, sees technological skill as crucial to success in today’s workforce, in all professions and industries. The Rosenbergs firmly believe that the STEP program’s practical, hands-on approach is a uniquely empowering way to acquire that skill.
About the Work
Rosenberg STEP places students in support roles throughout the University. While many of these roles are not specifically information technology jobs, all involve some level of technical expertise—the type of capability needed to excel in a wide spectrum of jobs.
Sample Job Titles and Offices
| ServiceNow Technical Assistant | Technology Support Services, ITS |
| Desktop Technical Assistant | Technology Support Services, ITS |
| Digital Media Production Assistant | University Media Services, ITS |
| Networking Technical Assistant | Network Operations, ITS |
| AV/VR Technical Assistant | Physics Department |
| Biochemistry Research Assistant | Chemistry & Biochemistry Department |
| GIS Laboratory Assistant | Center for Urban Ecology & Sustainability |
| Social Media & Events Planner | Center for Entrepreneurship |
| Human Resources Assistant | Human Resources |
| Web Content Editor | Office of Marketing & Communications |
| Campus Sustainability Assistant | Facilities Operations & Management |
| Workday Change Mgt. Assistant | Budget & Finance |
| X-Lab Assistant | Marketing Department |
Mentorship
Rosenberg STEP students are closely supported by mentors and managers. These supervisors help set goals for program participants and meet with them on a regular basis to assess performance, provide advice, and give feedback on jobs and projects.
Professional Development
The STEP Program integrates and embeds career development concepts throughout the student experience through dedicated advising, career workshops, and more. Students engage in monthly sessions on topics such as resume building, searching for jobs and internships, preparing for interviews and mock interview practice, Strengths assessment, how to network, equity in the workplace, salary negotiation, and more. The enriching work-based learning, coupled with targeted career development workshops, enables students to exit the program with both the fundamental technical skills for their career, as well as essential interpersonal and professional skills to successfully land a job and thrive in their future paths.
Pay Scales
Rosenberg STEP students are paid at a rate that is slightly more competitive than that of traditional work-study students, with the opportunity for annual increases, during their time in the program.
Learn More & Apply
Interested in participating in Rosenberg STEP? Contact us to learn more about requirements and the application process.
“I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for the past two semesters full of helpful resources, many opportunities to learn, and the immense support to be successful in and out of school. Being in the STEP program has helped me with my decision-making for my future career options and for my completion of college, in general. It is clear how much you both care about this program and it seems like year after year it proves to students and faculty that it truly DOES make a difference. I hope it lasts forever. I know it takes a lot of effort to put things together and create these outlets for students and you both make it look easy! You opened a new door into Suffolk that I didn’t know was there.”
— Julia Flynn `25, Communication & Journalism Major