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 [email protected].

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).