Career Peer Educator Federal Work Study (Student Wage)

***** Federal Work Study Students Only*****

The University of Virginia Career Center engages and supports students in the discovery and pursuit of meaningful lives.

Our office is located in the 2nd Floor of Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium with a satellite drop-in location at the Georges Student Center in Clemons Library. We offer a fun friendly and learning atmosphere in which to work and we welcome the opportunity to employ talented University of Virginia students. To learn more about the UVA Career Center please visit.

The University of Virginia Career Center seeks highly motivated Career Peer Educators (CPEs) to educate the UVA community about Career Center resources and programming for the 2026-2027 academic a Federal Work-Study award is required for this position. The team of CPEs supports the UVA Career Center mission by expanding the Career Centers ability to reach students. CPEs serve as ambassadors of the Career Center by conducting presentations on career-related topics meeting with students individually at drop-in hours to provide feedback on their resumes and cover letters and promoting services and resources to the University community. CPEs will also have the opportunity to learn about career resources build leadership skills and develop professionally while assisting the Career Center with a wide range of projects. CPEs receive comprehensive training on all aspects of the job and exposure to many different career tools and resources and will be encouraged to utilize this knowledge in their own career prior resume/cover letter knowledge required!

The CPE role consists of the following components:

Customer Service Resource Assistance and Peer Advising

• Review peer resumes and cover letters and provide feedback on areas of improvement at Career Center drop-in hours and special events.
• Review and become knowledgeable about Career Center resources.
• Assist students with online resources such as Handshake Virginia Alumni Mentoring PathwayU LinkedIn and more.

Outreach

• Conduct presentations for student groups on topics such as resume writing internship search resources and navigating a career fair.
• Use creativity to assist with the marketing of major career fairs career workshops and programming efforts.
• Initiate new and innovative ways to increase student use of Career Center programs and resources.
• Staff and provide support for Career Center events and career fairs.

Special Projects and Supervision

• Collaborate closely with your supervisor (a Career Center staff member) on short and long-term projects that support the Career Center mission. Examples include writing newsletters gathering industry information and planning events with alumni.
• Engage in semester and/or academic year goal-setting and evaluation with supervisor(s).

Weekly Commitment: CPEs are expected to work 6 to 10 hours per week (excluding breaks and holidays) during the 2026-2027 academic year. Some evening and weekend hours will be required. Anticipated working hours include 2-3 shifts per week at Career Center drop-in hours offeredMonday-Thursday between 1:30-4:30pm. These hours are subject to change. Shifts average 1 1.5 hours addition to their scheduled drop-in shifts CPEs meet the expected 6-10 hours of work per week through outreach special projects and attending weekly training. You are expected to be available (not studying abroad) both semesters during your first year as a CPE.

Pay Rate: $16.75 per hour. We require students to have Federal Work-Study awards for this position. To determine if you qualify please contact Student Financial Services at or view their website at Start/End Dates: Regular shifts will begin no earlier than August 25th 2026 and end no later than May 4th 2027. If accepted for this position there is mandatory all-day training on the following dates. CPEs are expected to be on Grounds in-person for these dates:

• Wednesday August 19th 2026
• Thursday August 20th 2026
• Friday August 21st 2026
• Tuesday January 19th 2027

While we do not expect them to these dates are subject to change. CPEs are also expected to attend a weekly training during the academic year while classes are in session.

Required Qualifications:

• Current first second or third-year student or a fourth-year student who is scheduled to complete a fifth-year masters program.
• Applicants must have a Federal Work-Study award as part of their financial aid.
• Availability to work 6-10 hours per week when classes are in session ability to work regularly scheduled shifts and variable outreach & project hours

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the desire to enhance those skills through presentations to student groups.
• Experience providing excellent customer service.
• Interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities to match skills/interests with office needs.
• Enthusiasm for peer education creativity and the initiative to learn new information.
• Above all candidates should express a genuine desire to support and serve their fellow students. There is zero prior resume/cover letter/career knowledge necessary!

IMPORTANT:Applications and requested application materials are due by Tuesday March 10th 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Application Process: Interested students are asked to submit their resume and short essays (300 words or less) that answer the attached questionnaire. Applications will be reviewed and selected by a University of Virginia Career Center staff member.

The next steps will consist of a mandatory group interview process on Friday March 27th in the afternoon and if you are selected to move on individual project area supervisor interviews on Friday April 10th in the afternoon. Applicants must proactively hold their schedule on these dates because they are required components of the selection process. If you cannot attend due to class or work email Kristi Rolf below to schedule a make up interview.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women minorities veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Supplemental Questionnaire:

Interested students are asked to submit their resume and short essays (300 words or less) that answer the questions below.

1. Describe some of your current interests and goals (e.g. academic career and/or personal).

2. Why are you interested in peer education and what strengths will you bring to the CPE program

3. What is the greatest challenge facing UVA students in their overall career development What are resources that you can find from the Career Center that can help address this challenge

4. CPEs are expected to work both semesters during their first year in the program. Please list all of the activities (and approximate hours per week each commitment will take) you are planning to participate in during the 2026-2027 academic year. Include any involvements that you are currently applying to or plan to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year. Please also describe how you will prioritize the CPE job in your schedule in addition to your other commitments.

Applicants can visit the Career Centers drop-in hours to chat with a counselor and/or current CPE to learn more about the role and get feedback on your resume and essay. These are offered on the 2nd floor of the Clemons Library Monday Thursday 1:30-4:30 PM (with counselors and CPEs) and 4:30-6:30 PM (with CPEs only).

Questions Contact Kristi Rolf ()

We look forward to reviewing your application!

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Resume and Questionnaire Essay Required.

Education: Current undergrad UVA student. Must be eligible for federal work-study.

Experience: None
Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVAs commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.