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Peer Career Advisor Program (Spring 2025-2026)

Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development
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Career and Professional Development at Virginia Tech is excited to welcome candidates for the Spring 2025 cohort of the Peer Career Advisor (PCA) Program!

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 (CPD) 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

  • Represent Career and Professional Development at career fair booths and other department and university events virtually or in-person
  • Design and deliver informational materials and presentations to educate students on the use of various career resources
  • Act as a campus ambassador for CPD services and resources

3.      Project and Programming Assistance

  • Assist with on-going programs and projects, and planning special events and career programs with CPD professional staff (e.g. college relations, social media/marketing, federal job search, data analysis, event planning)
  • Assist with department events (receptions, career fairs, open houses, networking events, etc.) and other special projects

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate student with an expected graduation of May 2026 or later.
  • Preference given to first- and second-year students graduating May 2027 or later.
  • Transfer students with at least 3 semesters remaining are encouraged to apply.
  • Open to all majors!
  • Preferred minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Available for a minimum 3-semester commitment (Spring 2025, Fall 2025, & Spring 2026)

Time Commitment:

  • Train 3-5 hours per week during Spring 2025
  • Work 10 hours per week during the 2025-2026 academic year.
  • Attendance at extended training in January and August 2025 (TBD).
  • Attend weekly team meetings (currently Fridays at 9:05-9:55 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 and seek out information.
  • 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 starting at $12.50 per hour. This position is Federal Work Study (FWS) eligible but is open to all undergraduate students, regardless of FWS eligibility/award status. 

If you are interested in learning more about the position, please register for and attend one of the OPTIONAL PCA Program Information Sessions (Virtual). You can read more about the program here.

To apply for this position, please complete the following steps:

1.Complete a 15-Minute Mini Appointment to discuss any topic of your choosing (resumes, cover letters, job searching, the PCA program, etc.). Appointments are offered Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm via Zoom OR in-person.

  • To schedule a 15-Minute Mini Appointment login to vt.joinhandshake.com -> Career Center -> Appointments -> Resume/CV/Cover Letter. If you do not have a 15-minute mini appointment recorded on Handshake between August 26th and October 24th, 2024, your application will be considered incomplete.

2.Submit the online application (click “Apply Externally”), 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.

Timeline:

The application period opens Tuesday, October 1st and will close on Thursday, October 24th at 11:59 PM. Review of applications will begin on October 25th. Selected candidates will be notified to schedule a 30-minute interview, which will take place November 1st – 7th.

Required application materials:

  • Completed 15-Minute Mini Appointment
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

For assistance in drafting your resume or cover letter, refer to our Career Planning Guide or Career Quick Start. 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 Manager, Ms. Alyssa Henderson (ahenderson@vt.edu).