Career Center - Peer Career Advisor-in-Training Work Study

This job is only available to students who qualify for Work-Study. If you are unsure whether you have been awarded Work-Study, please contact the Financial Aid office at View email address on click.appcast.io.
The Peer Career Advisor (PCA) role has two primary functions: (1) providing one-on-one advising to students and (2) serving as an ambassador for the Becker Career Center through workshops, programs, and outreach. PCAs support students in developing career documents, navigating internship and job searches, and effectively using career resources.

Department: Becker Career Center
Location: Becker Hall

Supervisor: Pete Fowler
Work available: Days Monday-Friday

Rate of pay: $9.70/hr

Eligibility: Open to first-year students (Class of 2029)
To learn more about the role, attend an information session on April 27 or May 4 during Common Hour.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide one-on-one advising to students, including support with resumes, cover letters, networking communications, and internship/job search strategies
  
• Guide students in effectively using career platforms and resources such as Handshake, LinkedIn, GarnetGrove, and the U Ready Career Accelerator
  
• Serve as a first point of contact for students and refer them to professional advisors for more specialized guidance when appropriate
  
• Teach strategies for creating strong application materials, including resume content, formatting, and overall impact
  
• Lead workshops and presentations (e.g., resume, LinkedIn, career exploration) for academic departments, student organizations, and campus groups
  
• Build and maintain relationships with assigned academic areas and student organizations to promote early engagement with career education
  
• Represent the Career Center at employer information sessions, admitted student events, and other outreach programs (some evening hours required)
  
• Plan and execute one event per term in collaboration with the Peer Career Advisor team
  
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• First-year student graduating June 2029
  
• Work-study eligibility
  
• Completion of the U Ready Career Accelerator (Nexus)
  
• Must maintain good academic standing (minimum GPA 3.0)
  
• Availability to work approximately 7 hours per week for at least two consecutive terms
  
• Willingness to participate in required training
  
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  
• Experience with networking and the internship/job search process
  
• Familiarity with Becker Career Center resources
  
• Strong interpersonal, written, and organizational skills
  
• Reliable, organized, and able to present information to a group setting
  

Position Timeline

Year 1: Peer Career Advisor in Training (PCAT)

Sophomore Year | Fall 2026 - Spring 2027

• Participate in weekly training sessions led by Career Center staff
  
• Observe advising appointments and learn the structure and content of student meetings
  
• Complete training assignments focused on career advising methods and resource use
  
• Develop and maintain personal career materials (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, etc.)
  
• Must successfully complete a performance evaluation to advance
  
• Compensation: $9.70/hour
  

Years 2-3: Peer Career Advisor (PCA)

Junior & Senior Years | Fall 2027 - Spring 2029

• Conduct one-on-one advising appointments to support students in developing career documents and search strategies
  
• Assist students with getting started with the Career Center and navigating available resources
  
• Document appointment notes in Handshake
  
• Lead workshops and contribute to Career Center programming and outreach
  
• Continue building relationships with campus partners to expand student engagement
  
• Plan one career-related event per term
  
• Represent the Career Center at events and employer programs
  
• Compensation: $15.00/hour
  

Location: Schenectady, NY

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).