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Becoming a Peer Advisor

Think you’d make a great addition to our team of PAs?

Applications for the 2021-22 peer program are now closed.

Check out what our current team of peers had to say about the experience in a past Career Peer Link blog post: Becoming a Career Peer Advisor and Why It's the Best Job on Campus


PAs are dedicated, trained student helpers who work with CDEL staff to provide students with online and in-person career related support and act as CDEL ambassadors across campus.

Throughout the semester, PAs will be available to CDEL staff as well as students and recent alumni from all faculties and year levels to:

  • Act as an initial point of contact within the career resource centre, making recommendations and guiding visitors to relevant print and online resources (e.g. resource library materials, resume/cover letter samples, tip sheets);
  • Provide peer advising drop-in sessions (online and in-person) on various career related topics, including resume, cover letter, career planning, job search, and interview skills;
  • Provide one-on-one resume and cover letter critique appointments (online and in-person);
  • Make meaningful referrals to additional CDEL offerings and other campus services;
  • Facilitate introductory workshops and class presentations on selected topics (depending on interest and availability, not all Peer Advisors will regularly present workshops);
  • Research content and update or create CDEL resources;
  • Coordinate and execute student engagement initiatives to raise awareness of CDEL;
  • Provide support to CDEL events and programming (e.g. virtual employer events, Ignite, VIP-CSL);
  • Support the promotion of services and initiatives through various outlets (e.g. social media, blog, flyers); and
  • Act as strong role models and ambassadors for other students on campus while developing leaderships skills.
 
  • As a paid member of the CDEL Peer Advising team, students will gain a multitude of essential skills while also becoming trained in the most up-to-date methods of job searching, all of which will help them take meaningful steps towards their future aspirations. The program has been strategically designed to help peers attain a set of well-defined core competencies through training, daily responsibilities and professional development initiatives overseen by well-trained, accessible staff members.
  • In addition, ongoing professional development activities focused on career navigation and employability will be an integral part of regular Peer Development Meetings, allowing PAs to continue developing their personal career plan with support of professional staff.

Some of the competencies that students can expect to build are:

Communication Communication: Heightened communication skills developed while effectively conducting one-on-one advising sessions with students, writing professional and organized notes and emails, facilitating workshops and in-class presentations and running marketing and engagement initiatives.

Teamwork & Collaboration Teamwork and collaboration: Strong collaborative abilities gained by working in a team environment to plan and coordinate engagement activities and regularly debriefing with staff and fellow peers to refine the Peer Advising Program.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Critical thinking and problem solving: An ability to assess an individual’s needs, define measurable goals and create action plans using enhanced problem solving skills while developing their own personal advising style.

Professionalism & Work Ethic Professionalism and work ethic: A greater degree of professionalism fostered by utilizing time-management to balance assigned tasks, meetings, and activities, interacting with students and co-workers in a positive and respectful way and successfully organizing and implementing events.

Career Management Career management: Personal career management techniques honed through training and experience assisting others with their career development needs.

 

Commitment:

  • Hours: 7-10 hours per week (including weekly/biweekly Peer Development Meetings) throughout Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 academic terms. Services will be offered both virtually and in person, so applicants are expected to be living in Windsor by September 2021 and available to attend campus in person when in-person training or work shifts are scheduled.
  • Peer Development Meetings: Come together as a team with professional staff and other PAs to discuss current career topics, address challenges, review upcoming events, and collaborate on new initiatives. Meetings to be held weekly at the beginning of the program and then will transition to bi-weekly after PA team is successfully on-boarded.
  • Ongoing Peer Training and Shadowing: Career staff will continually help you develop your coaching skills and understanding of career related topics through mentoring sessions, job shadowing and planned professional development activities.

Required Qualifications:

  • Excellent written communication skills necessary to provide feedback for resume and cover letter critiques;
  • Strong oral communication, presentation, and active listening skills;
  • Ability to assist others as demonstrated through leadership experience;
  • Strong organizational and time management abilities;
  • Enthusiasm and a willingness to engage other students, using strong interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to act with tact and professionalism while maintaining confidentiality and demonstrated ability to set acceptable personal and professional boundaries;
  • High level of cultural awareness and sensitivity to provide an inclusive environment that respects diversity of cultures and student needs;
  • Completion of at least one academic year at the University of Windsor and must be in good academic standing (cumulative average of 60% or higher and not be on academic probation);
  • Be registered in a minimum course load (60% for domestic; 80% for international; 40% for students with a documented permanent disability);
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and working knowledge of Blackboard and MS Teams;
  • Prior experience and/or familiarity with programs, resources and services offered by CDEL and other student supports on campus considered an asset;
  • Prior experience in a student leader, mentor, teaching assistant or peer support role considered an asset;
  • Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection, webcam, and microphone (students also have the option to work on-site and be provided this equipment instead).

 

Think you'd make a great addition to our Fall 2021 - Winter 2022 team of PAs?

Applications are now closed.