Division of Financial Aid Peer Counselor Information
Thank you for your interest in the Division of Financial Aid Peer Counselor program at Purdue University in West Lafayette. We will be hiring new Peers to begin working in May 2024. We are looking for current students attending the West Lafayette campus that will be graduating in or after the fall 2025 term.
**This is an in-person, on the West Lafayette campus position. No remote or virtual work involved**
The Peer Counselor FAQ below is designed to answer most of your questions about the program and the training provided. Information is also provided below regarding where to find and complete the application.
Peer Counselor FAQ
What kind of work do Peer Counselors perform?
Our Peers provide financial aid counseling over the phones, through email and on occasion, at our reception desk. Peers also assist with basic aid processing and outreach activities.
What kind of skills does a Peer Counselor need?
Good verbal and written communication skills are vital. Good customer service skills are also very important but are not a pre-requisite. The training provided will help you build these skills and more.
Do I have to qualify for Federal Work-Study (FWS) for this position?
FWS eligibility is preferred but not required. In order to determine your FWS eligibility for the 2024-25 academic year, it is preferred that you file the 2024-25 FAFSA (utilizing 2022 Federal tax data) on the studentaid.gov website at least three days prior to your scheduled interview.
What kind of training is provided?
If you are hired to begin working in May 2024, then your employment experience within the Division of Financial Aid (DFA) will begin May 13, 2024. You will learn federal, state and university aid rules, how to apply for financial aid, how to use our software system, basic aid processing, counseling, customer service, and more. Mentoring and training continue throughout your tenure in the office.
What hours do the Peers work during the summer?
In the summer, the Peers work Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. ET with a one-hour (unpaid) lunch and two 15-minute (paid) breaks during the day.
What hours do the Peers work during the academic year?
In general, each Peer works with their supervisor to find blocks of time between their class schedule to work ten or more hours per week, Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET The "or more" only applies if the Peer chooses to work more hours. Peers are allowed some flexibility during finals week or when classes are not in session (spring break, October break, etc.), with the exception of summer, of course. Opportunities to work during these periods of non-enrollment are usually available upon request.
Can I take time off during the summer?
It is anticipated, but not required, that each Peer will take 1-2 weeks off over the summer. Because of the training schedule for Peers starting in the summer, vacations for new Peers are only permitted after mid-June. (Some accommodations can be made for 1-2 days off during training if absolutely necessary and is worked out in advance). As a student-employment position, it is not benefit eligible, so time off is unpaid.
Can I work part-time as a Peer Counselor during the summer?
As a new Peer Counselor, unfortunately, no. Summer Peer Counselor positions are not offered on a part-time basis. Please do not complete the Peer Counselor application unless you can make the commitment to the summer and academic year schedule.
Can I attend summer classes if I am a Peer Counselor?
It will be possible for our Peer Counselors to take classes online or outside the Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET schedule in the summer.
Is housing provided?
Housing is not provided as a benefit of the position.
Is the work that Peer Counselors do significant?
You bet! The Peers are a valued part of our staff. The work that they do is of great significance to students and their families, as well as to our office. As a bonus, their experience as a Peer Counselor for DFA provides many resume-building skills outside the classroom like those listed below:
- Counseling
- Customer Service
- Professional Writing Skills
- Technical Skills
- Experience in a Professional Environment/Culture
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Taking Initiative
- Active Listening
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Team Building
- Professional Etiquette
- Learning How Financial Aid Really Works
We invest a great deal of time training and mentoring our Peer Counselors. As a result, it is our hope and expectation that each of the Peers remain employed with DFA, full-time during the summers AND part-time (ten or more hours per week) during the academic year for a period of two consecutive years while they are students. The majority of our Peers like it so much that they continue working throughout their college careers, often beyond the two-year commitment. An exception to the two-year commitment is made for Peers that plan to study abroad or complete an internship in their second fall, second spring, or a later term of employment.
The financial aid profession is a dynamic field with many opportunities for promotion and personal growth. It allows the individual to perform a valuable service within a stimulating environment that is rich in opportunity. We sincerely hope that you will consider joining us!
**This is an in-person, on the West Lafayette campus position. No remote or virtual work involved**
How to Apply
The Peer Counselor application for current Purdue student employees enrolled in classes on the West Lafayette campus is available to complete and submit online at https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/jobreq?jobId=8734&company=purdueuniv&username.
The Peer Counselor application for students not currently employed at Purdue is available to complete and submit online at https://careers.purdue.edu/job/West-Lafayette-Student-Clerical-Peer-Counselor-IN-47906/618644200/?locale=en_US.
Please use a PC or laptop computer, rather than a cell phone or iPad to complete the application. Additionally, utilize Chrome or IE in lieu of other Internet browsers. If you follow these instructions, the application should not request that you enter a "company ID," and a company ID isn't available or necessary to complete the application. Before you begin, gather the name, address, and phone numbers of your current and former employers, if applicable. While submitting a resume with your application is not required, it is appreciated. Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule a personal interview.
