As May term kicks off, Transylvania students are especially focused on getting resumes and cover letters ready for summer jobs, internships and careers after graduation.
If they need help outside normal Center for Academic and Professional Excellence office hours, fellow Pioneers Josie Kaminski and Clint Wandle are there to step in. These career consultants offer evening resume and cover letter reviews in the Academic Center for Excellence, providing students with quick, approachable feedback. They’re available via drop-in hours or appointments booked via Handshake.
Kaminski, also a CAPE work-study student, credits her own positive internship experiences with fueling her desire to assist others with their professional goals. “I love to help people,” she said. “I’m very passionate about what we do at CAPE, especially with internships.”
Both consultants, who are sophomores, say the peer-to-peer format forges connections through shared experiences.
“It’s nice to get a student’s perspective, just because we’re both going through something similar,” Kaminski said.
She added that college students should keep their resumes concise at one or two pages — and have them ready to go when an opportunity arises. “It’s important to get that locked in and get that figured out now.”
Wandle, whose interest in career counseling grew with experience, also pointed out how the students who they work with might feel more at ease “just having that peer-to-peer connection” when discussing difficulties they’re having.
As for advice, he highlighted the importance of job seekers promoting themselves to get noticed. “That’s definitely a big part of the cover letter — being able to market oneself in a way that’s more relevant to what they want to do, but at the same time making it unique and drawing on their own personal experience.”
Erin Truong ’06, a CAPE career adviser, noted how the program increases the accessibility of services her office offers. “We recognize that students balance busy schedules with classes, athletics, jobs and campus involvement.”
Beyond convenience, these consultations can be a good first step in the process. “Working with a trained peer consultant can help students feel more comfortable sharing early drafts, asking questions and building confidence in their materials,” Truong said.
While student consultants focus mainly on resumes and cover letters, they can also point their peers toward CAPE professional staff for deeper career planning, LinkedIn optimization or mock interviews.
Additionally, Truong said the program provides “valuable leadership development skills” for the consultants themselves. “By supporting their peers as they explore career paths, consultants strengthen their communication, mentorship and critical thinking skills.”
The service runs through the end of May term (students should check Tnotes for hours).
Learn more about all CAPE has to offer.
“CAPE is here to support students at every stage of that process,” Truong added. “Students are encouraged to reach out to us anytime.”