The student assistants at Robinson’s Career Advancement Center (CAC) are doing more than just answering phone calls and completing busy work. They are managing high-level meetings with global business leaders, teaching fellow students how to write a resume, and laying groundwork on the skill sets needed to launch their careers.
The CAC’s student assistant program has long elevated the concept of student volunteering, offering undergraduate and graduate students a chance to do more than file paperwork. Student assistants act as peer career counselors, data analysts, event managers, social media coordinators, and graphic designers.
But they also play a key role as liaisons for employers by meeting with executives, educating recruiters on how to attract top talent, and providing insights on preparing the workplace for tomorrow’s leaders.
“It’s like a magnified professional development experience,” said Lauren McDow, director of graduate career advancement. “We give students significant responsibilities, which they appreciate. They can carry those skills everywhere.”
Take Jessica Jackson, a master’s student pursuing dual degrees in data analytics and business administration. As a graduate assistant (GA), she conducts research on what companies are looking for in Georgia State students.
When executives from Wells Fargo visited campus, Jackson was the helpful greeter. Minutes after polite introductions, she was approached about an internship opportunity.
“My GA position is not what I expected,” Jackson said. “I assumed I would deal with a lot of Excel spreadsheets. Instead, I have built skills that will help me stand out in my career. Plus, I have worked at career fairs and interacted with employers on a different level from students just giving out resumes. CAC has given me a front row seat.”
“In addition to being coached, our GAs coach employers,” said Denise Holmes, director of undergraduate career advancement. “They speak at panel events and special meetings to help employers understand what will create a good work experience for recruits.”
A recent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel featuring students and employers drew more than 140 participants, all eager to share and learn how everything from the interview process to the work environment could better attract top talent.
“We get asked all the time what matters to our students,” Holmes said. “Employers focus on a variety of things, but what really matters is a new staff member’s first day of work.”
“CAC programs challenge students to put more effort into their careers,” said Kirsten McManus, a student assistant as well as a student ambassador for the Robinson Immersive Sophomore Experience (RISE) program.
Through RISE, sophomore-level business majors are immersed in real-world business environments and position themselves for success through professional assessments, individual coaching sessions, mentoring, networking events and speaker series. All RISE participants take BUSA 2300, a three-credit-hour personal and career development course where students explore their interests, values, and leadership behaviors, with the ultimate goal of launching and sustaining productive careers.
McManus has worked alongside other CAC assistants as she spreads awareness of RISE. By working events and helping with social media efforts, she has increased her marketability.
“I have honed my networking abilities. Before I would talk to people in a more casual manner, but now I carefully choose my words and use my elevator pitch as though I were speaking to an employer,” McManus said. “I believe the way I interact with people will make me stand out.”
CAC doesn’t incorporate a one-size-fits-all approach, according to McManus. Assistant programs offer hands-on learning and access to the business world in real time.
“It’s almost like the circle of life,” Holmes said. “Our student assistants secure great positions and come back to campus to recruit and coach our students. It behooves the CAC to give student assistants the best possible experience.”