Application Guide

How to Apply for College & Career Advisor - College Students

at Students Rising Above

🏢 About Students Rising Above

Students Rising Above (SRA) is a nonprofit dedicated to leveling the playing field for underrepresented college students by providing holistic support from college through career. Their focus on community, mentorship, and practical resources makes them a mission-driven workplace where you can directly impact students' life trajectories.

About This Role

As a College & Career Advisor, you'll guide first-generation and low-income college students through academic, financial, and career challenges via virtual and in-person advising. You'll also facilitate cohort-based programs and create educational content, making this role pivotal in helping students navigate the critical college-to-career transition.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing Salesforce alerts for student check-ins, then leading a virtual SOAR cohort session on financial aid literacy. Afternoon could involve one-on-one advising calls, creating a video on internship search strategies, and updating student progress notes in Google Workspace.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Students Rising Above Is Looking For

  • Experienced in college advising or counseling, with at least 3 years working directly with students from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Skilled at building trust and rapport with first-generation college students, using culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate approaches.
  • Proficient with Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Zoom, and comfortable using data to track student progress and inform advising strategies.
  • A strong facilitator and communicator who can lead group discussions, create engaging content (articles, videos, lesson plans), and work both independently and collaboratively.

📝 Tips for Applying to Students Rising Above

1

In your resume, highlight specific examples of advising first-generation or low-income students, including outcomes like improved retention or scholarship awards.

2

Tailor your cover letter to SRA's mission: emphasize your commitment to equity and your understanding of systemic barriers these students face.

3

Showcase your Salesforce skills by mentioning any custom reports or dashboards you've built to track student data.

4

If you have experience facilitating virtual groups or workshops, describe how you built community and engagement online.

5

Research SRA's SOAR program and mention how your background aligns with cohort-based advising and content creation.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for empowering underrepresented students and your understanding of the unique challenges they face.', "Concrete examples of how you've provided culturally appropriate guidance in college applications, financial aid, or career development.", "Your ability to facilitate group discussions and build supportive online communities, referencing SRA's SOAR program.", 'Your experience using data (e.g., Salesforce) to personalize advising and track student success.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read SRA's website thoroughly, especially the 'Our Approach' and 'Programs' sections to understand their holistic model.
  • → Look up SRA's blog or news articles to see recent student success stories and program initiatives.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the SOAR program details—its structure, goals, and how advisors facilitate it.
  • → Check SRA's social media (LinkedIn, Twitter) to get a sense of their culture and current priorities.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you helped a first-generation student overcome a significant barrier. What was your approach and outcome?
2 How would you facilitate a virtual group session to ensure all voices are heard and students feel supported?
3 How do you stay organized with multiple students and deadlines? Give an example of using Salesforce or similar tools.
4 How do you address issues of power and privilege in your advising? Provide a specific example.
5 What types of content (articles, videos, lesson plans) have you created for students? How do you make it engaging and relevant?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't use generic statements about 'helping students' without showing specific understanding of first-generation and low-income contexts.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of data tracking—this role requires comfort with Salesforce and using data to inform decisions.
  • Don't overlook the virtual facilitation aspect; failing to mention experience with online communities or group dynamics could be a red flag.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Students Rising Above!

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