STUDENT - Fall 2026, Peer Career Advisor

Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) are trained student leaders who support fellow students in navigating career development. Through drop-in advising, PCAs help students: 

• Review, edit, and strengthen resumes and cover letters 

• Develop application materials from scratch 

• Explore job and internship search strategies 

• Prepare for interviews 

• Learn how to network effectively 

• Navigate online career resources 

In addition to drop-in advising, PCAs support daily office operations by staffing the front desk, welcoming students and campus visitors, assisting those with appointments, and supporting students who have reserved the headshot booth or interview room. PCAs serve as a first point of contact for the Center for Career Exploration & Development (CCED) and help ensure a professional, organized, and welcoming environment. PCAs also represent CCED at campus events, workshops, presentations, and tabling initiatives.  

This paid position offers meaningful professional development, close mentorship from CCED staff, exposure to employers and alumni, and hands-on experience in career coaching and student leadership. 

The Center for Career Exploration & Development seeks dependable, student-centered leaders who are committed to supporting their peers and growing in their own professional development. 

Pay rate: $16.00

Training 

PCAs must participate in required annual training held in August prior to the start of the fall semester (typically the 4-5 business days before classes begin). 

 Training includes: 

• Resume and cover letter development and feedback strategies 

• Job and internship search techniques 

• Professional networking  

• Interview preparation 

• Graduate school application basics 

• Effective use of online tools such as Handshake, CareerShift, LinkedIn, and What Can I Do with This Major? 

• Paraprofessional career coaching skills and inclusive advising practices 

Job Responsibilities 

Advising & Student Support 

• Provide peer career advising to students during scheduled drop-in hours (typically Monday-Friday, 11:00am-2:00 pm) 

• Assist students from diverse backgrounds with resume and cover letter reviews, job/internship search questions, interview preparation, and career exploration 

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions 

• Become proficient in CCED platforms (e.g., Handshake, LinkedIn, CareerShift) and teach students how to use them effectively 

Engagement & Outreach 

• Represent CCED at campus-wide events such as Job & Internship Fairs, Admissions Open Houses, and Career Opportunities Week (COW) 

• Support event logistics, including greeting employers, checking in students and recruiters, answering questions, and sharing resources 

• Co-present career development workshops to classes, clubs, student organizations, and teams as requested  

• Promote career events and services through peer outreach 

Time Commitment  

• Commit to 6-12 hours per week during the academic year: 

• 5-11 hours supporting drop-ins and front desk coverage 

• 1-hour weekly staff/training meeting (typically Thursdays 12–1pm) 

Required Skills & Qualifications 

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills 

• Interest in career development for yourself and others 

• Commitment to supporting and empowering students from marginalized identity groups 

• Strong time management, reliability, and attention to detail 

• Professional presence when interacting with students, recruiters, alumni, and campus partners 

• Willingness to develop public speaking and networking skills 

• Ability to learn and use career-related online resources 

Prior career development experience is not required. All majors are encouraged to apply. Students from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply.  

Applicants must: 

• Be entering their sophomore year or above by the fall training date 

• Be in good academic standing 

Instructions to Apply 

Apply via the HR Recruitment Cloud. Applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter. Applications missing either document will not be considered. 

In your cover letter, please explain: 

• Why you want to be a Peer Career Advisor 

• What skills and qualities you would bring to the team 

Applicants who apply by Wednesday, April 1^st will receive priority consideration. Interviews will be scheduled for mid-April.

For more information, please contact Katrina Clark at kclark3@ithaca.edu