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 finaid@union.edu.
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).