Graduate Assistant - Peer Career Advisor Operations

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Job Summary

The Center for Career Coaching is seeking an organized and student-focused Graduate Assistant to oversee operations for the Peer Career Advisor (PCA) program. This position will support the daily management and development of Peer Career Advisors through scheduling coordination, training support, event management, and operational leadership. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills and enjoy working in a collaborative student-centered environment.

Responsibilities

Peer Career Advisor Program

• Oversee scheduling and operational coordination for Peer Career Advisors; monitor their day-to-day work.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training Peer Career Advisors.
• Support development of training materials and ongoing professional development activities.
• Track participation, engagement, and program outcomes.
• Facilitate peer team meetings and training touchpoints throughout the academic year.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for Peer Career Advisors.
• Collaborate with full-time Center for Career Coaching staff on programming and strategic initiatives.

Career Coaching

• Provide individualized support to students across all majors and class years through scheduled or drop-in appointments (Teams, Handshake, or in-person).

• Guide students in building resumes, LinkedIn/Handshake profiles, career exploration, internship/job search strategies, interview preparation, and cover letter development.

Presentation & Career Fairs

• Collaborate with the full-time staff to develop and deliver classroom presentations, engage with student clubs/organizations, and support major career events organized by the Center for Career Coaching (Career fairs, promotional tabling on campus, and other activities designed to increase student engagement).

Administrative Support

• Support operational activities to ensure efficient office and program functioning.

• Create new guides and update existing guides outlining career services initiatives or programs available to the students and alumni.

Required Qualifications

• Enrollment in a graduate program at Columbus State University.
• Self-motivated with a strong ability to take initiative, adapt quickly, and support organizational objectives.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading student staff or teams preferred.
• Ability to coordinate multiple schedules and projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with event planning or student programming is a plus.

Proposed Salary

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 706-507-8920 or e-mail to hr@columbusstate.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.

Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.

Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.

Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.

Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.

Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:

• A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;

• Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.

• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.

• Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Columbus State University to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

Other Information

Learning Outcomes

The Graduate Assistant will gain experience in:

• Student staff supervision and leadership development
• Program operations and event coordination
• Training and team management
• Career services and student engagement programming