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Peer Career Advisor (PCA) - Career and Professional Development at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development Peer Career Advisor Program
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To apply for this position, please complete the following steps:
  1. Submit a resume and cover letter for this position to the posting on Handshake.
  2. Visit Drop-In Advising (Monday-Friday from 11:00-3:00 in the Smith Career Center) at some point between August 26th and October 30th to discuss any topic of your choosing (resumes, LinkedIn, job searching, the PCA program, etc.) . If you do not have a drop-in visit recorded on Handshake between these dates, your application will be considered incomplete.
  3. Complete the application form using Adobe Acrobat and upload it as a PDF file when you apply. If you complete the application in your browser, it will not save your information when you download it.

Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) serve as a vital link between Virginia Tech students and the Career and Professional Development staff, as well as fill essential roles in advising and educating students and providing project and programming assistance to the Career and Professional Development staff. The three major areas of responsibility include:

1.      Advising
  • Critique resumes, cover letters, and other job/internship documents though Drop-In Advising
  • Advise on job search topics
  • Have impactful conversations with their peers regarding career development, job search strategies, and professionalism
  • Serve as a role model for successful career exploration and preparation

2.      Outreach and Education
  • Deliver presentations on career and job search topics to students (i.e.: Residence Halls and Student Organization meetings)
  • Design informational materials and presentations to educate students on the use of various career resources
  • Promote our office around campus and assist with distributing promotional materials

3.      Project and Programming Assistance
  • Assist with on-going programs and projects and planning special events and career programs with full-time staff

Job Responsibilities

Peer Career Advisor:
  • Conduct drop-in advising hours
  • Critique resumes and cover letters
  • Advise students on job search topics and resources
  • Deliver presentations on career and job search related topics to student organizations and residence halls
  • Become an expert on Career and Professional Development resources and develop materials and programs to educate students on various resources
  • Serve as a program/project assistant (e.g. College Relations, Social Media, Federal Job Search, Event Planning)
  • Represent Career and Professional Development at career fair booths and other department and university events
  • Assist with department events (receptions, job fairs, open houses, Tailgate Party, etc.) and other special projects
  • Participate in the marketing and promotion of Career and Professional Development events and services

Requirements:
  • Students graduating May 2022 or later from all majors are welcome to apply.
  • Preferred minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Training during Spring 2020 and continue into the 2020-2021 academic year (minimum 3 semester commitment).
  • Attendance at extended training in January and August 2020.
  • Attend weekly hour long staff meetings (Fridays from 10:10-11:00 for spring 2020).
  • Work 3-4 hours a week between the hours of 11-3 PM during Spring 2020 and 10 hours a week during 2020-2021 academic year.
  • Availability during some weekend and evening hours for special events and presentations.
Qualifications:
  • Interest in helping Virginia Tech Students with career and job search concerns.
  • Ability to relate and interact with individuals both one-on-one and in group situations.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Takes initiative and follow through on necessary details.
  • Demonstrates professional communication when working with supervisors, co-workers, and students.
  • Willingness to work in a team setting and build rapport with other PCAs and Career and Professional Development staff.

This is a paid position. If you are interested in learning more about the position, please come to one of the OPTIONAL PCA information sessions held in the Smith Career Center:

You can also read more about the program here.

If you have questions about this position or the program, please contact Mr. Steven White (whitesm@vt.edu).