Peer Career Advisor (PCA) Application
Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration
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 with written materials and interviews
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 CCDAE 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 excellent 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 social media/marketing experience
Qualifications:
o Desire to assist other UTk students
o Strong written, verbal, and customer service skills
o Creativity, work ethic, and productivity with minimal supervision
o Minimum GPA of 2.75
o Ability to participate in 5 hours of weekly paid training beginning X semester 20XX
o Ability to work shifts between 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
o Preferred commitment to work two years after hire
o Able to attend mandatory weekly training sessions on Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm (this will vary by
semester)
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 beginning X semester 20XX
o Mandatory in-person weekly meeting beginning X semester 20XX
o Preferred commitment to two years upon time of hire
Pay: $11.00 with opportunity for a raise in future with longevity and/or promotion to a Lead PCA Position
Team: Supervised by Aiola, Assistant Director of Academic & Career Exploration on team with approx. 13
other undergraduate Peer Career Advisors
To Apply Submit on Handshake:
Resume - Detail your previous education, work, and extracurricular experiences
Cover Letter - Address the cover letter to Aiola Gill, Selection Committee Chair (201 Student Union, 1502
Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996)
Include the following information in cover letter:
o Why are you interested in being a Peer Career Advisor?
o What strengths/skills do you hope to contribute to the Peer Career Advisor team?
o How did you hear about this position?
Reference Sheet - Provide at least two (2) references (name, position, contact)
o Your references should be previous/current supervisors, teachers, academic faculty, or professional
mentors.
Handshake Link: Insert current link
Learn more about the Peer Career Advisor Program
