Peer Career Advisor
Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) are trained and supervised paraprofessionals who provide career development assistance on a peer-to-peer level through the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration. They hold essential roles in the office and serve as liaisons between students and staff. Typical PCA responsibilities include critiquing resumes; conducting practice interviews; assisting students with Handshake, internship/job searching and networking; promoting the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration through social media and other avenues; and presenting to student groups and organizations.
What Skills You’ll Gain As A Peer Career Advisor:
Oral & Written Communications
o Conduct presentations
o Assist fellow UTK students
Teamwork & Collaboration
o Train and collaborate with peers
o Complete projects/tasks as teams
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
o Refer students to appropriate staff and resources
o Plan and organize events
Leadership
o Plan and lead training sessions
o Represent Center for Career Development at campus events and activities
Career & Self Development
o Strengthen resume and interview skills
o Conduct effective internship/job search
Professionalism & Work Ethic
o Provide customer service
o Develop and hone time management skills
o Create professional goals
Equity & Inclusion
o Assist students of all backgrounds and experiences
o Network with alumni, career professionals, and recruiters
Digital Technology
o Gain knowledge of UTK career resources and services
o Support development of the website and online resources/communication
o Gain Center for Career Development social media/marketing experience
Qualifications:
- Desire to assist other UT students!
- Strong written, verbal, and customer service skills
- Creativity, work ethic, and productivity with minimal supervision
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Ability to participate in 5 hours of weekly paid training in fall 2021
- Ability to work shifts between 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
- Preferred commitment to work two years after hire
- Able to attend mandatory weekly training sessions on Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 5pm
Job Information:
Part-Time: Approx. 10 hours per week
o Majority of working hours between 9am – 5pm in-person
o Some week night and weekend presentations required (virtual and in-person)
o Mandatory in-person weekly training fall 2021 - Wednesdays, 3:30pm – 5pm
o Mandatory in-person weekly meeting spring 2022 - Mondays, 4pm – 5pm
o Preferred commitment to two years upon time of hire
Pay: $8.00 with opportunity for a raise in future with longevity and/or with a promotion to a Lead PCA Position
Team: Supervised by Erin Bennett, Assistant Director of Academic & Career Exploration on team with approx. 13 other undergraduate Peer Career Advisors
*For graduate students applying there will be a specific Project Area devoted to working with graduate students.*
To Apply Submit on Handshake:
1. Resume
- Detail your previous education, work, and extracurricular experiences
2. Cover Letter
- Address the cover letter to Yasja Hemmings, Selection Committee Chair (201 Student Union, 1502 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996)
- Include the following information:
Why are you interested in being a Peer Career Advisor?
What strengths/skills do you hope to contribute to the Peer Career Advisor team?
How did you hear about this position?
3. Reference Sheet
- Provide at least two (2) references (name, position, contact)
Your references should be previous/current supervisors, teachers, academic faculty, or professional mentors.