Peer Career Advisors are current RPI students trained by Center for Career and Professional Development staff to help undergraduate and graduate students with career topics such as resume and cover letter reviews, basic job search strategies and resources, and other general advice. This student-support initiative has provided a platform for students to foster community and offer career guidance to peers across all majors and academic levels. Students have the option of booking appointments on Handshake and attending drop-in hours with PCAs.
If you have questions about the PCA Program, please contact Emily Killian (killie@rpi.edu).
Haley Gonnella
I am a senior studying Physics, and I am graduating this fall 2024! I became a PCA after working in the CCPD as a work study student. I was very interested in the program to be able to directly help more students.
I have a minor in astrophysics and philosophy. During the summer of 2023 I worked on the Cosmic Microwave Background Project in a SULI internship at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. For fun I like watching movies and hanging out with friends.
Jacob Fuhr 
I am a Chemical Engineering and Business & Management undergraduate in the class of 2025. I am interested in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and personal products industries, having been an intern or co-op at Regeneron, Coty, the US Geological Survey, and a small biotechnology start-up, StemCultures. On campus, I am involved in AIChE and Tau Beta Pi, but also serve on the RPI Union Executive Board as the Class of 2025 representative. I became a Peer Career Advisor because I enjoy supporting students in their career growth, as a part of the SHPE-NSBE Career fair and as a former ALAC Learning Assistant, so hearing about another opportunity to assist students with their resumes and career goals felt like the perfect chance to make an impact on campus. In my free time, I enjoy being involved with the fencing club, where I get to safely stab my friends. I also play Dungeons & Dragons and hike local trails.
Julie Buckley 
I am a Senior Business and Management student. I became a PCA because I enjoy assisting students in their professional career and answering any question that they have since I had similar questions as well during my freshman year. In addition to being a PCA, I am an active student on campus mainly through UPAC (Union Programming and Activities Committee) and its subcommittees. Specifically, I am UPAC General chair and organize Union After Dark events. Outside of academics, I enjoy getting boba tea with my friends and binging shows on Netflix.
Jayashree Balaraman 
I am a junior studying computational biology. I wanted to become a PCA because I loved the idea of making resume reviews and career guidance more accessible and providing a student perspective. All the students I have met with are super approachable and kind. Everyone carries their different perspectives and experiences which is very interesting to see from the lens as a PCA.
In addition to being a PCA, I am the President of RPI Women's Mentoring Program (WMP) and help run the mentor-mentee program designed to ease the transition to college for freshman women. I am also President of RPI’s Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society designed to enhance knowledge of biology while exploring cutting edge areas of research.
I am also a member of RPI Science Ambassadors where we actively try to spread passion and awareness for science. I also love research, so I am actively helping out in a research lab.
For fun, I enjoy watching the Indian Cricket Team-- Jasprit Bumrah is my favorite athlete!
Claire Iwelumo
I am a junior Business Analytics & Economics major. I became a PCA because I am passionate about helping students succeed. I wanted to be in a position where I could offer support, guidance, and resources to help my peers navigate their academic and career paths effectively. Being a PCA allows me to make a positive impact on students' lives and contribute to their growth and development.
My academic interests include finance and data analytics. I am particularly interested in how data can be used to improve financial decision-making and optimize business strategies. I have worked as a student assistant at the New York State Department of Health, where I assisted in analyzing data to improve policy decisions. Additionally, I was a summer analyst at RockCreek, a global investment firm, where I gained valuable experience in financial analysis and investment strategies.
At RPI, I am the Head of Alumni at the Rensselaer Finance Club, where I help connect current students with alumni in the finance industry and organize events to enhance students' understanding of financial markets.
Outside of academics, I enjoy going on hikes and vintage shopping. Exploring nature and finding unique vintage items are my favorite ways to unwind and get inspired.
Chloe Sharp
I am a junior Environmental Engineering major. I became a PCA because I want to help other students navigate the job market and figure out what they need to do to become successful in their chosen profession!
As an Environmental Engineering major I am most interested in water quality and management. Last summer I participated in a summer REU program at the University of Mississippi focusing on improving wastewater treatment methods, and this summer I am interning at Arcadis, an engineering consulting firm, where I am working on a lot of different projects having to do with water quality and stormwater management. At RPI, I am a member of the RPI Players and their honors society Alpha Psi Omega, an officer in Engineers Without Borders, a sister of Alpha Phi, and a member of the Civil Engineering honors society Chi Epsilon!
In my free time, I love to go on walks/hikes and go to the farmers markets on the weekends downtown! I am also an avid customer of Stewart's Shops ice cream and like to go on ice cream runs there whenever I need a little treat/study break (my favorite is peanut butter pandemonium).
Zack Paton 
I'm a junior pursuing a dual major in Computer Science/Information Technology and Web Science as well as a minor in Economics. I became a PCA because I wanted the opportunity to help my peers improve their resumes and start their careers. My job experience includes a software engineering internship and an information security internship. Outside of school and work, I like to exercise and spend time with friends.
