PSA Student Leadership Team Selection

Key Dates & Recruitment Timeline

PSA Leadership Applications – Annual Selection Cycle

Each year, PSA invites students to apply for leadership positions within the organization. While prior experience within Penn Student Agencies is recommended, students are encouraged to explore opportunities across all agencies, regardless of their current placement. We also highly encourage candidates who have served in supervisory or leadership positions in high-school or other departments or student-clubs on campus to apply! 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to slt.selection@pennstudentagencies.com. 

Annual Application Timeline (Typical Cycle)

  • Applications Open: Early-October

  • Application Review Begins: After Fall Break

  • Applications Close: End of October

  • Interview Period: November & December

  • Offers Extended By: Last Day of Class in the Fall Semester

New Leadership Training (Spring Semester)

  • New Leadership Onboarding:  January

  • Student Leadership Development (SLD) Training: January – April

  • Student Leadership Team (SLT) Term: First Monday in April – the Sunday before the first Monday in April of the Following Year. 

We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of student leaders committed to collaboration, growth, and community impact.

Student Leadership Roles by Team

Candidate Preparation

At Penn Student Agencies (PSA), we seek candidates who bring professionalism, preparedness, and a strong commitment to excellence. Unlike typical on-campus jobs, PSA leadership roles demand high levels of responsibility and dedication.

Our mission is to develop transferable skills, and we value candidates who are eager to learn, lead, and grow within a dynamic team environment.

Recommended Resources
To maximize your success in the application and interview process, we encourage you to explore the following resources:

Career Services at Penn:

PSA-Specific Resources:

  • Review our Website
  • Understand our Mission, Vision, and Values
  • Carefully read the Job Description(s)
  • Explore our Interview Preparation Page

Take the time to familiarize yourself with these tools and materials to demonstrate your best during the selection process.

Application Requirements

To be considered, all applications must include the following, attached to your Workday Application as ONE PDF FILE:

  • 1-Page Professionally Formatted Resume
    Refer to the Career Services website for examples.
  • 1-Page Letter of Interest/Cover Letter
    Your letter should address the following prompts: 
  • 1-Page PDF of Spring 2024 Class Schedule
    This is required to confirm your availability for weekly in-person training and leadership responsibilities.
  • 1-2 Page PDF Letter of Interest Addressing the following Prompts: 

    • Prompt 1: Leadership Journey & Motivation: Reflect on how your experience with PSA or related roles has shaped your interest in a student leadership position. What has motivated you to apply for this opportunity within PSA, and how does this role align with your personal and professional development goals, especially compared to other student employment opportunities at Penn?

      As part of your response, describe your leadership style, highlight your most meaningful contributions, and explain how you plan to build upon your experience to lead effectively. If you are applying without prior PSA team experience, share how your background prepares you to transition into this role and contribute meaningfully.

    • Prompt 2: Values, Competencies & Team Impact: Select two NACE Career Readiness Competencies you aim to further develop in this leadership role, and explain how PSA’s mission and environment will support your growth.

      Additionally, identify which PSA Core Value and which ULSE BRACE value best describe your leadership approach. Share a specific example from your past experience (as detailed in your resume or application) that demonstrates how you’ve lived out these values in action. How will you apply them to support your team, contribute to agency success, and strengthen the broader PSA community?

Questions? Reach out to slt.selection@pennstudentagencies.com. 

What to Expect: Interviews

What to Expect During the Interview Process

The interview process at Penn Student Agencies is designed to assess your qualifications, fit, and alignment with our values. Here’s an overview:

  • Application Review
    Your application will be reviewed by the Leadership Selection Committee to assess your qualifications and suitability for the role you applied for, as well as other positions that may align with your skills and interests.

General Interview: 90 minutes (2 Parts)

  • [Panel] Leadership & Role Interest
    Selected candidates will participate in a structured interview to discuss past experiences and behaviors, helping us assess how your skills align with our team culture.

  • [Assessment] Core Values & Role Application
    Selected candidates will engage in a panel discussion, responding to real-world scenarios to demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

Final Round Interview: 30 minutes

  • [Alignment] Leadership Vision & Values 
    Final Candidates, we will explore how your values align with PSA’s mission, your leadership vision, and your commitment to growth.

About the Leadership Experience

General Role Requirements

  • On-Campus Presence
    • Student leaders are expected to maintain an active on-campus presence during the academic year, particularly during key periods such as New Student Orientation (NSO), the first week of each semester, and other high-demand operational windows. Early return to campus housing may be required and coordinated in partnership with PSA.
    • Full attendance during orientation and the start of each semester is mandatory. Please plan travel and personal commitments accordingly. These dates are available on the Penn Academic Calendar.
  • Weekly Work Hour Flexibility
    • Leadership roles typically require an average commitment of 10 hours per week, with increased hours (up to 20) during peak operational periods such as NSO and the beginning of each semester.
    • Reduced hour expectations (minimum of 5) are available during the summer months, depending on team responsibilities and project needs. Workload and scheduling may vary based on academic calendars and business priorities.
  • Remote Work Eligibility
    • Remote work may be available to team members who demonstrate consistent performance and reliability. This flexibility is subject to Professional Leadership approval and organizational needs; not exceeding 20% of weekly working hours. 
    • Note that certain periods, such as NSO and the first 2 weeks of each semester, require full in-person participation regardless of remote work privledges. 

Leadership Term & Scheduling

  • Leadership Term
    • PSA student leadership roles are structured as one-year appointments, typically beginning in the spring and concluding the following spring. All selected leaders are expected to complete the full term while maintaining academic good standing. Reapplication is required each year for continued service.
  • Standard Work Schedule
    • Student leaders are expected to follow a regular work schedule, during the hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a minimum of 3 in-person days Monday – Friday during regular PSA business hours 8 am – 6 pm. 
    • To promote wellness and work-life balance, tasks outside of these hours are strongly discouraged unless necessary by operations or team decisions.
  • Weekend Availability
    • Leaders may occasionally be required to support weekend events or programs, particularly during peak periods. When possible, these commitments will be communicated at least two weeks in advance.

Weekly Work Schedule:

PSA leadership follows a hybrid work model, which includes a balance of in-office and remote hours:

  • In-Office Commitment: Leaders must work at least 8 hours per week in the PSA Main Office, distributed across at least three weekdays (Monday–Friday).
  • Office Hours: In-office work should generally take place between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
  • Flexible Hours: Additional hours may be required to be completed remotely or in-person, depending on business requirements, team meetings, and project deadlines. 

Development & In-Person Training Overview

Training Commitment

  • All incoming PSA student leaders are required to participate in an 8-week in-person training program during the spring term.
  • Participants should expect to commit approximately 10+ hours per week to training activities.
  • Remote work is not permitted during this training period to ensure full engagement and collaboration.

Training Structure

The PSA Student Leadership Development Curriculum is designed to build foundational management and leadership skills through an experiential learning model aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning, team-based engagement, and professional growth.

Key features include:

  • A flipped classroom approach where students review materials in advance and engage in interactive exercises, case studies, and group problem-solving during sessions.

  • Cross-functional collaboration to foster systems thinking and organization-wide awareness.

  • Weekly shadowing sessions with outgoing leadership, offering hands-on experience and continuity across team transitions.

Professional Expectations

  • Participants are expected to wear business casual attire for all group training sessions.
  • Agency-specific sessions may require alternate dress codes, which will be communicated by individual supervisors.

Fiscal Year Strategic Business Plan

  • The training culminates in the development and presentation of a Strategic Business Plan, which serves as a guiding document for the agency’s direction in the upcoming fiscal year.
  • This project integrates learning from the full training experience and sets the foundation for the team’s leadership impact.

NACE Career Readiness Competencies Integrated into Training

  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

  • Communication

  • Teamwork & Collaboration

  • Digital Technology

  • Leadership

  • Professionalism & Work Ethic

  • Career & Self-Development

  • Equity & Inclusion

Penn Student Agencies' Functional Vertical Teams

Strategy &
Finance (S&F)

The Strategy & Finance vertical drives PSA’s strategic direction through rigorous financial oversight, informed decision-making, and forward-looking planning. This team safeguards the organization’s financial health by leading comprehensive budget management, accurate forecasting, and insightful business performance analysis.

They strategically allocate resources to align with PSA’s goals, strengthen its competitive position, and foster innovation in strategy development. Core responsibilities include detailed fiscal reporting, diligent expense monitoring, and identifying new revenue opportunities and strategic collaborations to fuel sustainable growth.

People &
Operations (P&O)

The People & Operations vertical is the backbone of PSA’s internal functionality, responsible for managing day-to-day operations and cultivating a supportive, high-performing work environment. This team oversees recruitment, onboarding, staff training, and event logistics to ensure seamless execution of PSA’s initiatives.

With a focus on optimizing workflows and enhancing organizational performance, the team leads talent management efforts, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and ensures alignment with PSA’s mission and strategic goals. They also uphold compliance with internal policies and procedures, driving operational excellence and consistency across the agency.

Marketing & Communications (M&C)

The Marketing & Communications vertical amplifies PSA’s brand presence and drives engagement with both students and external stakeholders. This team leads PSA’s marketing efforts, including social media strategy, content creation, brand partnerships, and campaign execution.

Focused on storytelling and strategic outreach, they craft compelling campaigns that showcase PSA’s value, attract top student talent, and enhance client satisfaction. By ensuring consistent messaging and fostering meaningful community engagement, the team strengthens PSA’s reputation as a premier student-run business.

S&F Career
Opportunities

Students pursuing Strategy & Finance-focused roles at PSA will cultivate essential, transferable skills highly sought after in internships and post-graduate careers across industries such as:

  • Investment Banking

  • Corporate Finance

  • Management Consulting

  • Product Development

  • Entrepreneurship

Key Transferable Skills Developed:

Financial Analysis & Budgeting
Gain practical experience managing budgets, conducting financial forecasting, and analyzing business performance, foundational skills critical to success in investment banking and corporate finance, where precise financial analysis and strategic resource allocation are paramount.

Example: Lead the development of a detailed budget forecast for a new PSA initiative, analyzing cost drivers and projecting revenue to inform investment decisions.

Strategic Planning & Decision-Making
Sharpen critical thinking and strategic planning capabilities, preparing students for complex problem-solving and effective decision-making in management consulting, product development, and entrepreneurial ventures.


Example: Collaborate cross-functionally on crafting a go-to-market strategy for a new product line, evaluating competitive landscape and resource needs to recommend actionable steps for growth.

P&O Career
Opportunities

Students pursuing People & Operations-focused roles at PSA will develop key transferable skills highly valued in internships and post-graduate careers across fields such as:

  • Human Resources

  • Operations & Logistics

  • Project Management

  • Product Development

  • Entrepreneurship

Key Skill Areas Developed:

Project Management & Problem-Solving
Oversee project timelines, coordinate tasks, and manage logistics for PSA initiatives, building essential project management capabilities. These skills are critical for entrepreneurship and product development roles, where driving projects from ideation through execution is vital.


Example: Manage the end-to-end coordination of a campus event, ensuring deadlines are met, resources allocated effectively, and challenges resolved swiftly to deliver a successful outcome.

Leadership & Team Collaboration
Lead teams, delegate responsibilities, and cultivate a positive and productive work environment, developing strong leadership and collaboration skills. These are indispensable for entrepreneurship and management consulting roles, where motivating teams and delivering results are key.


Example: Serve as team lead on a cross-functional project, facilitating communication, resolving conflicts, and steering the team toward achieving strategic objectives.

M&C Career Opportunitites

Students pursuing Marketing & Communications focused roles at PSA will develop key transferable skills highly valued in internships and post-graduate careers across fields such as:

  • Marketing & Advertising

  • Public Relations

  • Product Development

  • Sales

  • Creative & Brand Strategy

Key Skill Areas Developed:

Client Engagement & Relationship Management
Build strong client relationships by managing expectations and driving customer satisfaction, developing essential negotiation and interpersonal skills. These abilities are vital in corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and consulting, where effective stakeholder engagement is crucial.


Example: Serve as the primary liaison for a key stakeholder, coordinating communication and feedback to ensure alignment and foster a long-term collaborative relationship.

Social Media Strategy & Content Creation
Gain hands-on experience creating engaging content and managing social media campaigns, mastering storytelling and audience engagement. These skills are directly applicable to digital marketing, brand management, and advertising roles where impactful narratives drive success.


Example: Develop and execute a targeted social media campaign to increase PSA’s event attendance, analyzing engagement metrics to optimize content strategy.