Become an Adviser!

We are proud to welcome recent graduates from the University of Illinois to join our advising team! Recruiting for the program starts in late January and depends on the number of available positions for next year. We welcome all candidates who have a bachelor's degree, an interest in public service (no specific major required), and who want to empower students to succeed.

The following describes the commitment and qualifications needed to become an ICAC Adviser:

The Commitment

This is a one to two year commitment and one month of training starts in early July. The advisers participate in intensive "higher education boot camp" at all three University of Illinois campuses throughout the summer. They will also participate in the National College Advising Corps Leadership Institute, dates and location TBA. Training on the local campuses will include, but is not limited to: college and career counseling, admissions counseling, extensive financial aid training, higher education training, strong team-building activities, and project management. Through this training, the advisers develop the necessary skills and competencies utilized both by this program and by future endeavors. At the end of their training, the advisers are placed in high schools, where they participate in the high school staff orientation and become integrated into the high school environment.

Although there is no requirement to continue on in the field of education, many of our advisers continue on to successful careers in education, inspired by their experience as a high school adviser.

Role of Adviser

ICAC College Advisers become an integral part of the high school system while employed by the University of Illinois. Their mission is to biuild strong relationships, help students find the post-secondary institution that is the best fit for them, and to facilitate the application and admission process.

Advisers:

Organize college campus visits and field trips around Illinois so students become acquainted with campus life.
Facilitate college access and readiness workshops
Coordinate publicity and outreach in the school, ensuring that students are aware of opportunities for college admission and financial aid.
Provide information through presentations, websites, brochures, and other various forms of communication.
Encourage students to enroll in advanced placement and college prep courses (those are appropriately prepared.
Host college fairs and information sessions for students.
Assist ACT/SAT prep workshops.
Direct students to scholarship resources outside of university.
Offer one-on-one support in open office hours as well as scheduled appointments.
Review all college application materials and assist with writing personal statements and completing FAFSA and other Financial Aid forms.
Visit middle schools and elementary schools to begin early awareness programs for college enrollment (community early awareness).
Collaborate with teachers and administrators to implement college preparation programs and events within the school.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois (all campuses; no particular major preferred)
Proven ability to work with students, faculty and staff.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong leadership skills.
Computer proficiency.
Ability to manage multiple projects.
Program development, management, and planning and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and analytically and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
Willingness to handle complex and detail oriented workload.
Orientation towards program design, implementation, evaluation and teamwork.
High energy, creative, and able to assume responsibility.

ICAC Advisers are hired by the University, funded by an outside sponsor, and are placed in an Illinois high school. Advisers complete an intensive summer training as part of their preparation. This is a full time posistion in which the adviser will work in the high school. The host high schools provide an office space, a computer with dedicated internet access, and an onsite mentor/supervisor.

Application Information

Eligibility: Applicants must be from one of the three UI campuses and have a Summer 2012, Fall 2012 or Spring 2013 undergraduate graduation date.
Background checks will be administered if required and/or requested by the host high school
To apply: Currently Closed for 2012. Please check back in Spring 2013
Application Deadline: TBD
Applicants qualifying for a second interview will be notified and expected to submit additional materials before interview.

Additional questions?

Email: ICACAdviser@uillinois.edu