'It Feels Great to Help Students Work Toward Achieving Their Career Goals'

Working as a peer career advisor (PCA) for the Career Development Center has been great because I have gained a great deal of knowledge and skills regarding career services. I have had many responsibilities such as meeting with students, conducting workshops and presentations, working on campus events, and office projects.

When meeting with students, I usually to discuss topics such as resume and cover letter writing, job/internship search strategies, LinkedIn profile reviews, mock interviews, and interviewing tips. Students usually make appointments to come in and meet in person, but we have been working virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic, so students connect with us via Zoom.

"It feels great to help students work toward achieving their career goals. It is even more enjoyable when you work with people who have the same mindset and goals."Samantha Roth '20, '22 MBA

I really enjoy being a PCA. I am very interested in the work we do, and I enjoy the interaction with students, and working with amazing staff. I want to have a career in human resources (mainly recruiting), so I love helping students with their resumes and prepping them for upcoming interviews. It is great to see them relieved after finishing their resume or acing an interview after we provide tips and help them practice. It feels great to help students work toward achieving their career goals. It is even more enjoyable when you work with people who have the same mindset and goals. Everyone in the office is dedicated to helping each student pursue a successful career path. They all work hard to provide the best resources for every single student.

Since the CDC has been working remotely, we are trying to stay connected with students, holding open Zoom hours. During this time, students can stop in to ask any career-related questions they might have. We are unable to meet in person, but this is a great alternative to keep providing resources to students. Our workshops are also on Zoom, and they are posted on our website and on myCharger.

Working remotely is very different from being on campus every day. I miss being in the office with the rest of the staff and seeing students. Projects are still given to us virtually during our hours and every Wednesday we have a team meeting to catch up. I love these meetings because it is not just about work. We open up the conversation and discuss how we are doing during this challenging time. It is a very supportive environment and I am grateful to be a part of this staff.

Even though everything is virtual now, we are still here to provide all students with the same resources. If any students need help with career related topics (resume and cover letter writing, job/internship search strategies, LinkedIn profile review, mock interviews, or interviewing tips) or have any questions in general, they can always email the CDC at Careerdevelopmentcenter@newhaven.edu, log in to one of the workshops, or join an open Zoom session.

Being a PCA has not only provided me with new knowledge and experience, but I have gained friendships and guidance throughout this time. I just graduated with my bachelor’s degree and I am looking forward to starting graduate school at the University this summer to earn my MBA. I will be returning to the CDC as a graduate assistant, and I am excited to continue working alongside people who are passionate about seeing students succeed in their chosen career path.