Advising

• Review resumes and cover letters with individual students though 15-minute mini-appointments.
• Provide recommendations and resources relevant to student job/internship search and career-related questions.
• Have impactful conversations with peers regarding career development, job search strategies and professionalism.
• Serve as a role model for effective career exploration and preparation.

Outreach and Education

• Deliver presentations on career and job search topics to student organizations and in residence halls.
• Design informational materials and presentations to educate students on the use of various career resources.
• Represent CPD at career fair booths and other events.
• Participate in marketing and promotion of CPD events and services.
• Serve as an assistant for ongoing programs and projects, and planning special events and career programs.

• Three semesters:
  • Spring 1: Semester-long training consisting of shadowing appointments, assignments, and weekly group training sessions on various career topics. Approximately 3-5 hours per week between the hours of 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday.
  • Fall 1 and Spring 2: Work 10 hours per week including advising appointments, project assignments, and presentation / event assistance.
  • PCA position may be renewed each academic year dependent on performance and graduation date. Most of our PCAs continue to work past the initial three semester commitment, although this is not required.
• Attend PCA Team meetings Fridays from 2:30-3:30 pm
• Attendance at extended training in January and August.
• Availability during some weekend and evening hours for events and presentations.
• If you have future plans for study abroad or other short-term opportunities that might conflict with the PCA time commitment, feel free to ask about how this might be coordinated with your possible work as a PCA.

• Undergraduate Virginia Tech student, any major.
• Preference given to first- and second-year students not graduating before May 2028 (for applicants during fall 2025).
• Transfer and third-year students with at least three semesters remaining (graduating May 2027 or later) are welcome to apply. 
• Preferred minimum GPA of 2.5

What types of qualities are we looking for?

• Interest in helping Virginia Tech students with career and job search concerns across all academic disciplines and backgrounds.
• Ability to relate and interact with individuals both one-on-one and in group situations.
• Ability to manage time and handle multiple projects in an organized manner.
• Take initiative and demonstrated interest in learning new tools, resources, and information.
• Accountability and proven ability to follow through on necessary details and requests.
• Demonstrate professional communication when working with supervisors, co-workers and students.
• Willingness to work in a team setting and build rapport with other PCAs and the Career and Professional Development staff.

• Yes. The position is paid. Candidates will be informed of the rate and payment schedules during the application process.
• Position is eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS) funding; but the PCA program is not limited to FWS students.

• Academic credit can only be granted by academic departments. If you wish to earn academic credit, you must consult your academic department on its policies and procedures.
• If allowed by your academic department, the PCA Program Manager in CPD will work with you to help you meet the requirements of your academic department.

Attend an information session to hear from our current Peer Career Advisors and gain a better understanding of what it’s really like to be a PCA and work in Career and Professional Development! Sessions will be held in October. All sessions will be held virtually and be available for registration in Handshake.

• Check back in Fall 2026 for our next recruitment cycle!

Spring 2026 Training Cohort and recruitment dates:

Requirements to apply: