Why I Became a PCA: Helene

One day last year, one of my friends in the Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering department sent me an email he had received about Peer Career Advisor applications. He said that I would be great for the position and recommended that I apply. As an engineering student, I needed a change of pace from the typical technical work I was doing.


Career Services gives me the opportunity to reach out and help students from all corners of campus as a Peer Career Advisor. It is a breath of fresh air for me and maintains my sanity! In the future, I know I don't want to do hands-on engineering work, and one day I hope to integrate my skills obtained here into my career. If you enjoy helping students and dedicated to professionalism, this position is for you! 

Why I Became a PCA: Josh

Being a PCA has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. I am entering my third year as a PCA. I became a PCA because I really wanted to work for Career Services. I understood what an important role Career Services played in students’ lives after graduating college, and I wanted to be a part of that. When I learned of the Peer Career Advisor position, I knew it was perfect for me.

The most rewarding part of being a PCA is the positive feedback I have received from students.  Students are mostly thankful after I have helped them perfect their resume or polish their interviewing skills. It has been truly rewarding getting to help students build the foundations for their professional career. I would recommend the Peer Career Advisor position to anyone who communicates well and wants to help others to build professional skills needed to join the workforce. 

Why I Became a PCA: Patrice

If you didn't already know, PCA applications are due this Friday, November 1.  We encourage everyone to apply!  We all love working at Career Services, and we know you would too!  This week we will share our stories about why we chose to become PCAs. (Click here to read Shell's story from last week!)

I choose to become a Peer Career Advisor because I wanted an experience on campus that would help me become more involved and meet new people. I was a Junior in the College of Business anticipating on graduating in two and a half years and I was already a member of a prominent business organization and an avid member of UniTe.

Becoming a PCA was one of the greatest collegiate choices I have made.  I applied to meet new people, but I learned so much about my field and about myself.  As a Human Resource Management major I now have the skills of resume writing and interviewing – two skills professionals struggle with years within their field.  I have met peers from ALL walks of life and have learned how to professionally communicate and network with them.  I feel a bit of satisfaction when I help one of my peers, also.  Career Services is definitely a gem many UT students overlook! 

Why I Became a PCA: Shell

When I first heard about the PCA position I was very excited for a number of reasons. I knew that a position such as this would be very beneficial to me in a variety of ways. After looking into the job responsibilities I realized how that by serving in this role I would also be gaining skills not only to help other students in need, but that I would need as well. 

As a result of the PCA training I learned what employers look for in a resume, how to conduct myself during interviews, and also how to effectively job search. Along with these valuable skills working in an office that is a huge resource on campus would help me develop my transferable skills that would come in handy in any field. 

Finally this position appealed to me is because it would help me with my future career goals of working in higher education.

How to Find On-Campus Jobs

Are you a student looking for a part-time job on campus?  If so, then you are in the right place! There are a couple of ways to find on campus jobs including the Hire-A-Vol system which is always our go-to for job and interview searches.  As great as Hire-A-Vol is, not all campus jobs are listed on there.  Because of this, we also recommend looking for jobs the old fashioned way--walk in, introduce yourself, and ask if they're hiring! 

Below are some great places on campus to begin your job hunt: 

 University Center Student Employment       

The University Center (UC) hires approximately 40 students, based mainly through a Federal Work Study award. Positions in which students work involve the Sweet Shop, Post Office, Central Ticket Office, Ucopy, Administrative Offices, and the UC Down Under. All resumes must be submitted online, and all applications only become available on the website when a job opportunity is available. You can follow the job postings from the UC on Facebook, Twitter, or on the UC listserv. The link to the application website: universitycenter.utk.edu/studentemployment/

University of Tennessee Dining

 The University of Tennessee dining is the #1 employer of Students. They offer part-time jobs, internships, and full-time jobs in all UT food locations, including Grab-n-Go, Dining halls, P.O.D markets, etc. All applications and available positions are posted in the UT dining website. The link to the application website: www.utdining.com

Hodges Library

All positions that are available are shown on the website, and instructions for applying can also be found on the website. The link to application website: www.lib.utk.edu/employment/vacancies

RecSports

The RecSports department is always in search of qualified people to staff a wide variety of positions. From the part-time student assistant and graduate student to the full-time professional facilitator, the RecSports department may have the position you are in search of. Applications will be kept on file until the end of the semester in which you applied.

            The link to application website: http://recsports.utk.edu/Employment/

Student Success Center

Consider becoming a tutor and working at the SSC. Check their website to see if they are accepting applications for new tutors.

The link to application website: http://studentsuccess.utk.edu/support/tutoring/jobdescript.shtml

OIT Support

The Office of Information Technology is always looking for technologically savvy and interested students.

The link to application website: https://oit.utk.edu/employment/Pages/default.aspx

Disability Services

Note taking assistance is provided to a student whose documented disability negates or interferes with their ability to take notes.  This assistance is provided to the student for their personal study and should not be shared with other students.  ODS will pay at a rate of $8.50/HR. 

If you are a good student that consistently takes high quality, complete and legible notes, please contact odsnotetaking@utk.edu. as soon as possible to express interest in one or more of the opportunities listed below. We are hiring Note Takers on a daily basis and encourage your quick response.

The link to application website: http://ods.utk.edu/notetakers/index.php

UT Bookstore

Go into the Bookstore to apply for a position

Work Study

Check to see if you qualify for Federal Work Study. Various buildings around campus hire Work Study Students.

The link to application website: http://onestop.utk.edu/your-money/covering-costs/work-study/

UT Housing

Office Assistant (OA): The Office Assistant performs a variety of clerical and receptionist duties related to the administrative operations of the residence halls M-F between 8am and 5pm. As a student who has completed at least one academic semester of school at UT, the OA understands the interworkings of the residence halls and can effectively answer student concerns and questions.

Late Night Office Assistant (LNOA): The Late Night Office Assistant performs a variety of receptionist duties related to the front desk operations of the residence halls. The Late Night Office Assistant works flexible shift hours between 12am and 8am to maintain the security and customer service operations of the hall.

Post Office Assistant : The Post Office Assistant performs a variety of postal duties in the residence hall post office, including sorting and forwarding mail and logging packages. The Post Office Assistant must be able to sort and place mail by 2pm to adhere to federal guidelines.

The link to application website: http://uthousing.utk.edu/tnliving/work/index.shtml

Career Services

Peer Career Advisors are trained and supervised paraprofessionals who provide career assistance to other students through UT Career Services. Responsibilities of Peer Career Advisors include critiquing resumes, assisting students with the use of the Career Exploration Center, job search strategies, interview skills, and promoting UT Career Services. Hiring takes place each fall.

Come into Career Services for an application or go online.

The link to application website: http://career.utk.edu/about/peer-career-advisors/

The Daily Beacon

There are numerous opportunities for getting involved with The Daily Beacon, the campus newspaper serving the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus and surrounding community. The paper is editorially independent and is entirely student written, produced and managed.

The link to application website: http://utdailybeacon.com/staff/positions/