The Pomerantz Career Center Peer Advisor Program serves as a way for undergraduate UI students to receive high-quality career tips and guidance from their peers.
Career Peers Advisors can help you by:
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Reviewing your resumes and cover letters or providing information on how to get started
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Preparing with you for networking events and Job & Internship Fairs
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Helping you to set up and maximize your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles
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Assisting with job and internship searches and providing interview tips & practice
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Supplying information on Pomerantz Career Center programs, services and resources
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Answering general career-related questions
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Presenting on career-related topics to your student organization or class
In need of some quick career advice? Schedule an appointment with a Career Peer Advisor to chat about your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, and Handshake:
Or come to the Pomerantz Career Center 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday–Thursday for drop-in hours with peer advisors. (Career Peer Advisors are not available during summer, spring, or winter breaks)
Resources to Help Get You Started
Videos:
PDFs:
Webpages:
Student Comments
"My peer advisor spoke to me as a peer and her suggestions for my resume were clear and very helpful."
"This is a great program. I think everyone at the University should use it!"
Alexis DeRango
Hometown
Bartlett, IL
Majors/Minors
Business Management with a certificate in Leadership Studies
Career Goals
After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to purse a role in HR, specifically in colleague relations. I love working with people, which is why I wanted to pursue a career in HR. Eventually, I would like to attend graduate or law school.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
In my free time I love to work out and stay active—especially if it involves playing pickleball. A fun fact about me is I have been stung by a jellyfish.
Previous Internships
Talent Management HR Intern at CVS Health General Management Corporate, Downers Grove, IL
Benjamin Alger
Hometown
DeWitt, IA
Majors/Minors
Business Analytics & Information Systems
Career Goals
Leverage data and technology to drive decision-making, innovation, and efficiency in any role while working to create greater impact.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
I am an avid golfer, and I love running, coffee, sushi, movies, and Star Wars. I am also a big fan of the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Royals.
Previous Internships
Integrated Supply Chain Intern at HNI Corporation, Muscatine, IA
Danielle Velasquez
Hometown
I am from Wheeling, IL, located in the North Suburbs of Chicago. On a good day I am no more than 40 minutes away from the city!
Majors/Minors
Communications major, Cinema, Music, and Media Management minors, Event Management Certificate
Career Goals
My dream is to one day become the creative director for a company. I am always looking for outside of the box ideas to bring to life and know that this role would allow me to have the creative space I’ve always hoped for.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
I teach private swim lessons and run my own business in the summer! I am Venezuelan, and a first-generation here in the U.S. I have skydived before, and this summer I am going to Colombia where I will paraglide!
Avery Watkins
Hometown
Northfield, MN
Majors/Minors
Human Resource Management, Human Relations minor
Career Goals
After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan on pursuing a career in HR, specifically in employee relations.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
I love to read in my free time. My most recent read was Project Hail Mary. When I’m not busy with school or reading, I often go for runs and hang out with friends and family.
Previous Internships
HR Business Partner and Org Effectiveness Intern at Red Wing Shoes in Red Wing, MN
Anne Judge
Hometown
West Des Moines, IA
Majors/Minors
International Studies/French double major, international business certificate
Career Goals
Following my undergraduate program, I would like to go to grad school for a masters in higher education. I strive to work with university students in an advising role. I love working with young adults to see them grow into themselves and be confident with who they are. I would love to work and live abroad to practice my language skills and cultural competency.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
In my free time I enjoy painting, making jewelry, and playing games with my friends. I also enjoy a lot of active hobbies like rock climbing and longboarding!
Bella Nelson
Hometown
Waterloo, IA
Majors/Minors
B.B.A Finance and Corporate Accounting, Political Science minor
Career Goals
After earning my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue law school with the goal of becoming a corporate attorney.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
In my free time I like spending time with friends and family and playing tennis.
Previous Internships
Sales Support Specialist Intern at GreatAmerica Financial Services in Cedar Rapids, IA
Hayley Williams
Hometown
Mundelein, IL
Majors/Minors
Social Work, Certificate in Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives, and Spanish minor
Career Goals
After graduation, I plan on getting my master's in social work and later hope to work as a social worker in the school systems.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
I enjoy reading, exercising, baking, and spending time with friends and family!
Kasia Wiebel
Hometown
Mount Vernon, IA
Majors/Minors
Public Health major, Environmental Policy Minor
Career Goals
To pursue my master’s at the College of Public Health, continue working in Risk Management and Wellness in the construction industry.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
I love to travel, hangout with family and friends, and run (I ran a marathon last summer!).
Previous Internships
Health and Safety Intern at Modern Companies, Cedar Rapids, IA (2024)
Risk Management Intern at Miron Construction, Cedar Rapids, IA (2025)
Rylee Newland
Hometown
North Liberty, Iowa
Majors/Minors
Journalism and Mass Communication and Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies
Career Goals
After graduation I hope to pursue a career in strategic communication or social media management for a nonprofit organization. Eventually, I also hope to attend law school.
Hobbies/Fun Fact
I love to do any type of craft, read, listen to music, and watch movies. I also love going for walks with my friends and trying new coffee shops around town.
Want to Become a Career Peer Advisor?
We look for new peers each school year. Peer Advisor recruitment takes place each spring semester. We encourage you to meet with a current peer to learn more about what being a Career Peer Advisor is all about! Email Paula Ross, Peer Program Manager, with any questions about the role.
