Graduate Academic Advising Center Intern

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Academic Advising Center provides the opportunity for graduate interns to become active team members in the delivery of direct services to students. Academic advisers work to foster student success and strengthen retention. 

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of student development and counseling theories, strong communication and presentation skills, initiative, and flexibility. 

Job Duties

The opening is structured to enable interns to fulfill requirements for direct contact hours and gain experience comparable to an entry level professional in academic advising.

• Participate in ongoing trainings and observe professional academic advisers to develop a stronger understanding of the practice.
• Meet with incoming first-year students as part of their New Student Orientation advising sessions.
• Meet one-on-one with students via individual advising appointments.
• Assist exploratory students with identifying interests, skills, and abilities while exploring potential majors.
• Become familiar with campus and University resources, including website and technology resources utilized by students, faculty and staff.
• Refer and/or connect students with needed resources to overcome academic and/or personal challenges in order to promote academic success.
• Develop and enhance advising best practices including counseling skills for advising, record keeping, FERPA compliance, navigation of difficult conversations, and administrative processes. 

Internship Period: April 14- August 21, 2026; 20-30 hours per week. Interns may arrange to be off for four weeks over the summer: July 1 through July 31, 2026. 

Requirements and Qualifications

• Students should be currently enrolled in a Master’s program and have a desire to pursue a career in academic advising. This is an unpaid internship.

To apply, upload a cover letter and resume. Interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates, with the goal of making a selection (prior to April 14, 2026).

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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