Drew launched its Peer Career Coach program at the beginning of this semester to increase students’ engagement with the Center for Career Development.
According to a survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse, “Out of 3,000 four-year and two-year students, three in 10 (31 percent) say they’ve never interacted with their college or university career center.”
The same survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse indicated 39% of students surveyed receive assistance at their career centers for résumé development.
While the Center for Career Development staff offer appointments through Handshake for in-person and online meetings, there are only four directors and they can get booked up very quickly. Hours that fit students’ schedules may not always be available, as the staff members are only able to meet 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The staff also found that some students were uncomfortable with speaking to staff and would prefer to speak about career development with their peers.
Thus, the Center for Career Development launched the Peer Career Coach program to negate these issues. An additional two students were hired to assist students with their career development journey.
Elizabeth Carranza (‘25) and Maddy Hilferty (‘25) offer drop-in hours at the Ehinger Center and Brothers College at various times throughout the week.
“We are ambassadors to the Center for Career Development,” Hilferty said. “We know the resources available and can help with potential career planning. We provide students assistance with their resumes, LinkedIn profiles and Handshake profiles.”
Hilferty also stated, “Meeting with a career coach can help you move further along within your career journey. We are here to help you with your résumés, with looking at job descriptions, helping explain the resources of the Center for Career Development and so much more. Everyone should feel welcome to stop by and talk to the peer career coaches. We want to help you.”
Students can still create appointments with the Center for Career Development staff for assistance with the Career Closet, internship registration and additional support. Students have the opportunity to utilize these resources to launch their career development while obtaining resources for their career after Drew. Peer Career Coach drop-in hours and locations are available on the Path and are posted daily on the Center for Career Development Instagram @drewcareerdevelopment.
Dominique Cobb is a junior majoring in marketing, with minors in history and law, justice, and society.
Featured image courtesy of Pexels.com.
