At a Glance
- Tasks: Support first-year students in their college transition through mentoring and guidance.
- Company: Join the Office of Student Success at Grantham's Main Campus, dedicated to student retention.
- Benefits: Earn $8.50/hour while gaining valuable experience and fulfilling credit requirements for ELI.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping peers succeed and build community connections.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for supporting others and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for leadership events and professional development.
Below you will find the details for the position including any special instructions, supplementary documentation, and questions you should review before applying for the opening. Please be advised that we have a hard deadline of 2/21/25 for applications. Interviews will ideally take place the last week of February/first week of March.
Position Information
- Position Type: Student
- Number of Open Positions: 4
- Department: Retention (2547)
- Campus: Main Campus (Grantham)
- Work Period: Fall, Spring
- Hours Per Week: Varies
- Work Schedule: Mentors can anticipate to work some weekends/weeknights due to individual meetings and program activities. Mentors' schedules are dependent on their availability and their mentee's availability.
Position Description
Position Summary: The Office of Student Success is seeking to hire peer mentors for the next academic year starting in the Fall semester. The peer mentors will serve as student support for First Year students who desire assistance with their transition to college. This will be done by serving as resources of information and advice, fostering community connection, and helping mentees set individual goals for themselves.
Peer mentors will be assigned a group of mentees and will meet with them individually throughout the year. Additionally, the peer mentor is expected to engage with their mentee group and build connection and relationship through group and program gatherings. At times, peer mentors may be asked to serve programming that could take place in the evenings and on weekends.
Peer mentors are expected to attend and participate in programs/events related to the Office of Student Success and are asked to be involved with Welcome Week and potentially other various leadership events and opportunities. This role is a Tier II ELI position and fulfills the credit requirements for ELI (Experiential Learning Initiative). Peer mentors will serve in this role for the entire academic year and will receive payment for their work. At this time, broken down, the peer mentors can expect to work about 60 hours a semester (Fall/Spring) for a maximum of 120 hours for the academic year.
Qualifications
- Experience Required: None.
- Experience Preferred: Students who have mentored or led a group in the past.
Skills, Characteristics Required for Position:
- The student possesses a desire to serve and support their peers/others.
- The student is a βteam playerβ and enjoys working with others.
- The student demonstrates solid written and verbal communication skills.
- The student demonstrates leadership skills and/or potential.
- The student possesses the ability to be flexible/adaptable as well as a willingness to grow and learn.
Primary Duties
- Oversee a group of mentees.
- Provide support to mentees as they transition to college and/or encounter barriers to their experience.
- Meet with mentees individually in-person at least once a month for 20-30 minutes by contacting them biweekly throughout the semester by email, text, or social media.
- Attempt consistent contact (group text message, GroupMe, email, etc.) to their mentee group.
- Participate in professional and team development activities as planned by the Office of Student Success.
- Attend SOAR Program meetings and events.
- Meet with Student Success and Retention GA as the primary ELI advisor for supervision.
- Attend onboarding training in August and assist with Welcome Week activities.
- Abide by FERPA to protect student confidentiality.
- Maintain consistent and reliable attendance at events and meetings.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
- Resume
Background Check Required: Yes
SOAR Program Peer Mentor - $8.50/hour employer: Messiah College
Contact Detail:
Messiah College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land SOAR Program Peer Mentor - $8.50/hour
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the SOAR Program and its objectives. Understanding the specific needs of first-year students will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting them during their transition to college.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or past peer mentors if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share their experiences, which can help you articulate your understanding of the position during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how they relate to mentoring. Think of specific examples where you've supported others or led a group, as this will showcase your suitability for the role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Since you'll be interacting with mentees regularly, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and engagingly, whether in person or through digital platforms.
We think you need these skills to ace SOAR Program Peer Mentor - $8.50/hour
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Peer Mentor position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for mentoring and supporting peers. Include specific examples of any previous mentoring or leadership experiences, and explain how they relate to the role.
Update Your Resume: Ensure your resume is up-to-date and highlights any relevant skills, experiences, and education. Focus on communication skills, teamwork, and any leadership roles you've held, as these are key for this position.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow all application instructions provided in the job posting. Submit your cover letter and resume through the specified link on our website before the hard deadline of 2/21/25.
How to prepare for a job interview at Messiah College
β¨Show Your Passion for Mentoring
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping others during the interview. Share any past experiences where you've supported peers or led groups, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role of a peer mentor.
β¨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to your communication skills and adaptability. Think about specific examples from your life that showcase how you've successfully navigated challenges or helped others, as these will be key in illustrating your suitability for the position.
β¨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role requires collaboration, be ready to discuss how you work within a team. Highlight any group projects or activities you've participated in, and emphasise your ability to foster a supportive environment among peers.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared about the mentoring programme or the expectations for peer mentors. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.