Become an Adviser
By 2027, nearly 70% of jobs will require education or training beyond high school, yet only 52% of Pennsylvanians currently hold a postsecondary degree or credential. At the same time, school counselors are stretched thin, well above the recommended 250:1 student-to-counselor ratio—leaving many students without the individualized guidance they need.
As a Pathways Adviser with AdvisePA, you help fill this critical gap. Embedded full-time in a high school, you’ll guide students through all postsecondary pathways, college, workforce, trade and technical training, military service, and credentialing programs, while helping them explore careers, set goals, and make informed decisions about life after high school.
Through a cohort-based, three-year service program, you’ll gain meaningful professional experience, receive robust training and support, and make a lasting impact on low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students, strengthening both individual futures and communities across Pennsylvania.
The Adviser Experience
Each AdvisePA Pathways Adviser is assigned to serve one to two partner high schools for a three-year term of service. Advisers work in close collaboration with school counselors, teachers, administrators, and community partners to build a strong college, career, and postsecondary-ready culture.
Pathways Advisers support students and schools through:
- One-on-one advising focused on career exploration and postsecondary planning
- Event planning such as FAFSA workshops, career fairs, application days, and Decision Day celebrations
- Classroom presentations on college and career readiness, workforce pathways, military options, and trade or technical training
- Family engagement to support informed postsecondary decision-making
- Collaboration with community and postsecondary partners to expand student access to opportunities
- Data management to monitor student progress and program outcomes
- Administrative and reporting duties aligned with AdvisePA goals and school needs
Training and Professional Development
As early-career professionals, AdvisePA Pathways Advisers receive continuous support and training throughout the year, beginning before they step into their assigned school sites. The program’s intentionally designed professional development model allows advisers to build strong advising, career exploration, and professional skills throughout their three-year term of service.
Summer Training
Pathways Advisers participate in a comprehensive, multi-week summer training designed to prepare them to support students across all postsecondary pathways. During this training, advisers develop skills and knowledge in the following areas:
- Postsecondary and career pathways knowledge, including college, workforce, trade/technical training, military options, and credentialing programs
- Advising and mentoring skills, with a focus on holistic, student-centered support
- Career exploration tools and strategies to help students identify interests, strengths, and goals
- Site-specific and district context, including school culture, policies, and community resources
- AdvisePA program expectations, data tracking, and reporting requirements
- Professional development and leadership growth, including communication, time management, and collaboration
Monthly In-Service Training
For example, early fall training may include a session with a financial aid professional to review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in preparation for its release, alongside workshops focused on advisers’ professional growth, such as building a strong LinkedIn profile or strengthening communication skills.
Monthly trainings also provide dedicated time for community building, peer learning, and reflection, ensuring advisers are supported, connected, and continually developing as professionals while advancing AdvisePA’s mission.
Additional Adviser & Alumni Professional Development
AdvisePA also prioritizes connecting current Pathways Advisers with AdvisePA alumni and professional networks in related fields, creating opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and career development beyond the term of service.
The Application Process
Application Requirements
- Job Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Interview
- Three References
- At least one reference provided should be an individual who has directly supervised the applicant.
Who Can Apply
- AdvisePA gives priority consideration to applicants from Franklin & Marshall College and welcomes applicants who hold bachelor’s degrees from all accredited four-year institutions.
- Due to the near-peer model, applicants must have earned a Bachelor's degree between 2021-2026.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien.
- Because the position works with minors (non-F&M students under the age of 18), all new hires must successfully complete a series of background checks and clearances prior to the beginning of summer training. Anyone who does not finish these clearances prior to training may have their offer letter revoked.
Desired Qualifications
- As a Pathways Adviser’s direct supervisor is based outside of the school district, the ability to build and maintain a strong remote supervisory relationship through clear communication, organization, and accountability is essential.
- As a Pathways Adviser’s direct supervisor is based outside of the school district, the ability to build and maintain a strong remote supervisory relationship through clear communication, organization, and accountability is essential.
- Ability to speak Spanish or an understanding of working with English Language Learner populations is advantageous for specific school districts.
- Due to our emphasis on community integration, Advisers should be willing to relocate to their assigned county.
- Ability to provide professional, quality service and work with others in a collegial manner.
- Since this position serves mostly rural communities, reliable access to transportation for the daily commute to work is required.
Deadline
All applications received after March 1 will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The job posting will remain open until all positions are filled.
Open Positions 2026-2029
As we are a three-year program, some positions may not be open in specific high schools during this hiring season, but we anticipate having in-person openings in the following counties for this hiring cycle: Blair, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Franklin, Huntingdon, and Luzerne.
If you have questions about the application process or geographic availability for placements, contact us at PCAC@fandm.edu.