Peer Career Advisor Program (Spring 2022 - Spring 2023)
To apply for this position, please complete the following steps:
1.(OPTIONAL) Attend an information session to learn more about the program and ask questions of current PCAs.
- Wednesday, October 20th from 6-7PM via Zoom (Register here)
- Friday, October 22nd from 2:30-3:30PM at Smith Career Center (Register here)
2.Complete a 15-Minute Mini Appointment to discuss any topic of your choosing (resumes, LinkedIn, job searching, the PCA program, etc.). Appointments are offered Monday-Friday from 11:00am-3:00om via Zoom OR in-person.
- To schedule a 15-Minute Mini Appointment login to vt.joinhandshake.com -> Career Center -> Appointments -> "Resume Critiques, Class Assignments, & Quick Questions". If you do not have a 15-minute mini appointment recorded on Handshake between August 23rd and October 29th, your application will be considered incomplete.
3.Submit the online application, where you will answer a few questions and be able to attach your resume and cover letter. Form should take 10-20 minutes to complete. Applications submitted outside of this form will not be eligible for consideration.
Who are the Peer Career Advisors?
Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) are undergraduate students from various majors and academic levels that 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. The three major areas of responsibility include:
1. Advising
- Critique resumes, cover letters, and other job/internship documents though one-on-one advising
- Advise on job search topics
- Have impactful conversations with their peers regarding career development, job search strategies, and professionalism
2. Outreach and Education
- Deliver presentations on career development and job search topics to students
- 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
- Represent Career and Professional Development at career fair booths and other department and university events virtually or in-person
3. Project and Programming Assistance
- Assist with on-going programs and projects and planning special events and career programs with full-time staff (e.g. college relations, social media/marketing, federal job search, data analysis, event planning)
- Assist with department events (receptions, job fairs, open houses, networking events, etc.) and other special projects
Note: One PCA will be selected to specifically work with our Health Professions Advising team. Please indicate in your application if you have a specific interest in this area. Interest in Health Professions is not required; all candidates will be considered. For more information about HPA, visit https://career.vt.edu/advising/hpa.html.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Undergraduate students with an expected graduation of May 2024 or later.
- All majors are welcome and encouraged to apply.
- Preferred minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Available for a minimum 3-semester commitment (Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
Time Commitment:
- Train 3-4 hours per week between the hours of 11-3 PM during Spring 2022
- Work 10 hours per week during the 2022-2023 academic year.
- Attendance at extended training in January and August 2022.
- Attend weekly team meetings (typically Fridays from 10:00-11:00 AM).
- Availability during occasional weekend and evening hours for special events and presentations.
Qualities in successful applicants:
- 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 follows 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. You can read more about the program here.
- Wednesday, October 20th from 6:00-7:00 PM via Zoom (Register here)
- Friday, October 22nd from 2:30-3:30 PM at Smith Career Center (Register here)
Timeline:
The application period opens Monday, October 11th and will close on Friday, October 29th at 11:59 PM. Review of applications will begin on November 1st. For those selected, 30-minute interviews will take place the week of November 8th – 12th.
Required materials:
· Resume
· Cover Letter
For assistance in drafting your resume or cover letter, refer to our Career Planning Guide. You may also use your required 15-Minute Mini Appointment to review your materials (please select one primary document to review as time likely will not allow for a full review of both).
Contact:
If you have questions about this position or the program, or you need an accommodation to complete this application, please contact PCA Program Coordinator, Ms. Alyssa Henderson (ahenderson@vt.edu).