Isenberg’s Office of Career Services harnesses the power of peer advisors.

First- and second-year undergraduate students often need help fine-tuning their resumes and learning how to pursue internships. These skills are necessary to impress recruiters and ultimately be successful in the business world. And, they are tasks that junior- and senior-level peers have already mastered.

With donor support, Isenberg’s Office of Career Success created the Career Peers program to harness the enthusiasm and experience of outstanding seniors and juniors. Career Peers complete six weeks of training on using career databases, interacting with student advisees, and deciphering job descriptions. They are paid to hold walk-in or virtual office hours, sharing their experiences and knowledge to assist younger students. Career Peers are particularly effective in answering quick questions about resources and offering advice on using campus services, joining clubs, and preparing for career fairs.

“Having been there, the Career Peers advisors know where the students are coming from,” says Director of Graduate Career Development Rachel Snyder. “The advisees are more comfortable, more relaxed.” She adds that the benefits flow both ways: “Peer advisors improve their communication and leadership skills while gaining new and deeper insights into their own career planning.”

The Office of Career Success (OCS) is evolving to serve undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni making career transitions through a number of online and in-person initiatives like the Career Peers program. As Isenberg’s reputation for excellence continues to grow, both students and alumni will benefit from strengthened career and professional development.