Employment Opportunities

Description: The Pennsylvania College Advising Corps—Penn State seeks to help more Pennsylvania students attend college or other postsecondary educational institutions. Recent Penn State graduates will serve as advisers in selected public secondary institutions in southeastern Pennsylvania. Working alongside school administrators, advisers will assist students with admission, financial aid, and scholarship applications.

Major Functions and Responsibilities:

• Must participate in a six-week intensive paid summer training program to learn admission, financial aid, diversity, and counseling procedures.
• Must be able to work 5 days/35 hours a week (except for holidays).
• Advisers will work closely with guidance staff and other administrators in the high school.
• Responsible for coordinating publicity and outreach in the school, ensuring that students are aware of possible opportunities involving college admission and financial aid; provide information through presentations, Web site, brochure, and other various forms of communication.
• Coordinate visits to colleges and universities.
• Encourage students to enroll in advance placement and college prep courses.
• Host college fairs and information sessions for students.
• Conduct SAT/ACT registration workshops.
• Help students find scholarship resources outside of university and government funding.
• Assist guidance staff in conducting career surveys.
• Work with teachers in writing successful recommendation letters for students.
• Advise students on a one-to-one basis regarding their postsecondary plans; hold open office hours, as well as schedule appointments.
• Review all college application materials and assist with writing of personal statements, as well as assisting with the FAFSA and other financial aid forms.
• Create presentations for parents and meet on an individual/as needed basis.
• Participate in extracurricular activities in the school/community in an effort to build relationships with students and parents.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University
• Proven ability to work with students, faculty, and staff
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficient computer skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects; strong planning and organizational skills
• Demonstrate program development and management experience
• Ability to work independently and analytically, exercise discretion and good judgment
• Willingness to handle complex and detail-oriented workload
• Team-oriented towards program design, implementation, and evaluation
• High energy, creativity, ability to assume responsibility; take initiative and develop new programs