Undergrads will work with fellow students as representatives of the Center for Career Development
February 2024 – Drew University’s Center for Career Development (CCD) has launched a Peer Career Coach (PCC) program to support students’ career development needs on the go.
The program trains and empowers current undergraduates to assist their peers in the career planning process and introduce them to CCD resources.
“Peer career coaches will serve as CCD ambassadors, applying their understanding of the center’s resources and guiding students to programs that fit their interests and stage of career development,” said Gwen DeBenedetto, assistant director at the CCD.
“We realize that it can be intimidating to make an appointment for something like career guidance. There’s a lot of vulnerability that can be tied up with questions of strengths, direction, goals, and the future. This program aims to make managing your professional growth more approachable and accessible, for all students. It’s not a substitute for working directly with the CCD, but a supplement to that work, as we hope it only helps to develop and enhance students’ relationships with our office and staff.”
The peer career coaches will hold drop-in office hours throughout the week in high-traffic locations across campus, including the Ehinger Center and Brothers College. They will meet with students on a first come, first served basis, no appointments needed.
Coaches will help their peers set up and navigate Handshake, Drew’s student employment platform; avoid resume pitfalls; and get personalized insight into the CCD’s resources for career exploration, resume development, job and internship search, career readiness competencies, skill development, and DEIA, all tailored to students’ individual needs. PCCs will also help to boost awareness of the services available to students through the CCD.
“We are excited to see this program take flight,” says DeBenedetto. “The PCCs will be an essential part of the team as they help to expand the reach of the CCD. But equally significant, PCCs will develop leadership abilities and gain professional skills in advising, collaboration, marketing, and as we expand the program, event planning and delivering presentations. It’s a great win-win, and we can’t wait to get started.”
Peer Career Coach drop-in hours and locations are available on the Drew University Events Calendar, The Path, and at drew.edu/peercareercoach.