It’s the time of year at the UWC to hire new undergraduate consultants for the fall. I just sent out a mass email to all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors listing the job requirements and the link to the application. However, it occurred to me that it also might be helpful to write a short blurb here to tell faculty about what we look for in potential writing consultants. If you have undergraduate students who would be a good fit for us, please encourage them to apply.
So who works here anyway?
I’m not an English major—is that okay?
While we have our share of English and communication majors, we also have a wide variety of disciplines represented, including computer science majors, engineering majors, biomedical science majors, to name a few. We don’t do this to specialize; rather, because we are generalist tutors, we need input and advice on all types of writing, from proposals to personal statements to poetry. Our consultants present at staff meetings and assist with handouts and presentations, contributing what they know about writing in their field. We only ask that the consultants we hire can write and communicate well.
I don’t know every grammar rule—is that okay?
We can teach new hires the nuts and bolts of grammar and style, but we can’t really teach them how to like working with people. The consultants we hire must have outstanding interpersonal skills. I want consultants who can quickly adapt to a client’s learning style or attitude and work toward success in a consultation session. It’s a joke around the office that I automatically hire applicants who have taught swimming lessons. I know it sounds random, but consultants who have had success teaching skills-based activities such as dance or swimming must understand how to explain things well, particularly when deep water and children are involved. That situation is much riskier than a split infinitive.
I don’t make straight A’s—is that okay?
We ask that students maintain a 3.0 or above in their major. However, we actually shy away from students who are perfect, either in their minds or on paper. Students who don’t know what it means to struggle every now and then usually don’t make the best consultants, because UWC consultations are designed to be creative collaborations between client and consultant. Perfection just isn’t part of the equation.
I just really need a job where I can do my homework—is that okay?
Our consultants are busy from the time they walk in the door to the time they leave. If they aren’t tutoring, they are working on projects or helping with office tasks, or if they encounter Valerie, they may be dusting. We don’t make them do extra projects; we just are lucky enough to hire consultants who care about working here and who want to help the UWC become the best place to work on campus and the best writing center in the country. If students want to work here, they just need to bring enthusiasm and work ethic. We’ll provide everything else, including a welcoming and fun work environment.
How do I sign up?
If you have students who would be a good fit for the UWC, please encourage them to fill out the application and help them out by writing them a letter of recommendation if they decide to apply.
All of the job information can be found at http://writingcenter.tamu.edu/about/writing-consultant-position/
Thanks for your help and for your support.