What Does a Georgia College Advising Corps Adviser Do?

by Renni Turpin

Well into the spring semester, many college seniors are looking for their next opportunity. The Georgia College Advising Corps is actively recruiting for open college adviser positions which will begin July 2022.

One of the questions most frequently asked by applicants is: What does a typical day look like? This question is a difficult one, as what advisers do varies by the time of the year and the school at which they serve. Additionally, advisers have a fair degree of autonomy on how they specifically set up their work day. However, all advisers are at school during the hours the counseling staff is working and advisers primarily dedicate their time to serving students.

Below is one example of how adviser Cecilia Vu’s day went on Thursday, March 10th, which includes an after-hours FAFSA event. 

7:45 Arrived at McDonough High School and organized administrative tasks for the day 

8:00 Emailed the teacher Listserv to remind teachers of which students signed up for Columbus State Info Session

8:30 - 9:10 Columbus State Info Session, where students who registered met with the representative from Columbus State University

9:15 - 10:30 Assisted students in an Algebra II class register for the ACT

10:30 - 12:15 Meetings with students working on college applications and sending transcripts while tracking data 

12:15 - 1:50 Ate lunch during the second Columbus State Info Session and held lunch room office hours 

1:55 - 2:10 Held an impromptu Columbus State Info Session with an Algebra II class 

2:10 - 3:15 Assisted students in the Algebra II class register for the ACT 

3:30 Departed McDonough High School (end of school day)

3:30 - 4:30 Early dinner and break 

4:45 - 7:30 Held two FAFSA sessions in collaboration with financial aid representatives from Georgia State University, the University of Georgia, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission 

While this was a day (and evening!) packed with events, Cecilia might spend another day primarily meeting with students one-on-one and searching for resources to address their needs. If you, or someone you know, would like to support students with their postsecondary plans, please apply to be a college adviser today!