Key Dates & Recruitment Timeline
PSA Leadership Applications
Each year, PSA invites students to apply for leadership positions. While prior experience within a PSA agency is preferred, students are encouraged to apply for roles beyond their current agency. For more information, contact PSA Program Manager Michael Warren at mpwarren@upenn.edu.
Key Dates for FY2026 Leadership Recruitment:
- October/November: Information Sessions & Coffee Chats
These sessions have concluded for the FY2026 Leadership Selection.
Applicants are encouraged to connect with current role holders to gain insights into available roles.
Application Timeline:
- Applications Open: Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Noon EST
- Application Review Begins: Week of November 18, 2024
- Interview Period: December 2, 2024 – January 22, 2025
- Offers Extended By: January 22, 2025
New Leadership Training Spring 2025:
- External Candidate Onboarding: January 15 – January 24, 2025
- Student Leadership Development (SLD) Training: January 27 – April 4, 2025
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:
- 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: - For Reapplying & Internal Applicants:
- How has your experience with PSA influenced your interest in a leadership position, and what contributions have you made?
- Which two NACE competencies do you want to develop in this leadership role, and how will this position support your growth?
- How would you describe your leadership style, and what do you hope to continue contributing to PSA and your team?
- For External Applicants:
- What interests you about PSA and motivates you to apply for a leadership position compared to other student employment opportunities at Penn?
- How do you plan to transition into a leadership role at PSA without prior experience as a team member?
- Which two NACE competencies do you want to develop in this leadership role, and what contributions do you aim to make to our community and agencies?
- 1-Page PDF of Spring 2024 Class Schedule
This is required to confirm your availability for weekly in-person training and leadership responsibilities.
- References (For Final Round Candidates)
Top candidates will be asked to provide two professional or academic references before their final interview. Include the full name, relationship, phone number, and email of individuals who can speak to your abilities and work ethic.
Questions? Contact PSA Program Manager Michael Warren at mpwarren@upenn.edu.
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: ~75 minutes
-
[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
- Leadership roles require on-campus presence from August 17 to December 10, 2025, and January 12 to April 6, 2026. PSA will provide accommodations for early move-in to on-campus housing. Please plan travel accordingly. This requirement excludes any time off or travel, and full attendance is mandatory during New Student Orientation (NSO) and the first week of operations.
- Weekly Work Hour Flexibility
- During peak periods (e.g., NSO and the first three weeks of each semester), team members may work up to 15 hours per week. From May to August 2025, team members may work up to 5 hours per week (remote or in-person). The typical expectation is 10 hours per week, but this may vary depending on business needs and academic schedules.
- Remote Work Eligibility
- Team members with consistent performance may be eligible for remote work, subject to supervisor approval and business needs. Remote work flexibility is not guaranteed and may be revoked during peak periods, particularly if performance expectations are not met. NSO and the first week of each semester are 100% in-person periods for all PSA employees.
Leadership Term & Scheduling
- Leadership Term
- Penn Student Agencies Leadership roles are 1-year appointments, running from April to April of the following year. For the FY2026 team, terms begin on April 7, 2025, and end on April 5, 2026. Candidates must complete the full term while maintaining academic good standing and reapply annually for each new term.
- Standard Work Schedule
- Team members are expected to follow a regular schedule from Sunday to Friday, with work hours between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Work after 10:00 PM is discouraged to promote wellness.
- Weekend Availability
- Occasional weekend work may be required for key programs. Requests will be communicated at least two weeks in advance when possible.
Weekly Work Schedule: Hybrid Structure
- In-Office Requirement: Leadership must be in the PSA Main Office for at least 6 hours per week, spread over three weekdays (Monday to Friday).
- Standard Office Hours: In-office hours should fall within business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
- Flexible Hours: Remaining hours can be worked either remotely or in-person, depending on task requirements and Program Manager approval.
Development & In-Person Training Overview
Incoming leadership is required to commit to 8 hours of in-person training each week from January to April 2025; remote work is not permitted during this period.
The PSA Student Leadership curriculum is designed to develop core management skills aligned with the 8 NACE Competencies, critical for post-graduate success. This 8-week program follows an experiential learning model, using a flipped classroom approach to introduce core concepts. Participants review materials before sessions, which are then applied through interactive activities, case studies, and exercises to foster higher-order thinking and cross-functional collaboration. Each week concludes with a shadow period with outgoing leadership to refine skills through practical application.
Business casual attire is required for all group sessions, with agency-specific dress codes for agency-specific trainings.
The training culminates in the creation of a Strategic Business Plan document and presentation, which will serve as a guide for the upcoming fiscal year.
NACE Competencies
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Ability to analyze complex issues and identify effective solutions.
- Communication: Proficiency in both verbal and written communication, with clarity and impact.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within diverse teams to achieve common goals.
- Digital Technology: Competency in using current technologies to achieve business objectives.
- Leadership: The capacity to lead others in achieving goals, demonstrating ethical decision-making, and motivating teams.
- Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrating integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic in all professional activities.
- Career & Self Development: Continuous learning and self-improvement to drive career growth and adaptability.
- Equity & Inclusion: Commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive environments and ensuring equitable treatment of all individuals.
Penn Student Agencies' Function Vertical Teams
Strategy & Finance|S&F
The Strategy and Finances vertical is responsible for high-level decision-making, financial oversight, and long-term planning. This team ensures PSA’s financial health through budget planning, forecasting, and business performance analysis.
They manage resource allocation to meet strategic goals, enhance PSA’s competitive edge, and develop innovative strategies. Key responsibilities include fiscal reporting, expense monitoring, and exploring new revenue streams and partnerships.
People & Operations|P&O
The Operations and People vertical manages PSA’s daily operations while fostering a positive work environment. This includes overseeing recruitment, staff training, and event logistics, ensuring smooth agency operations.
Focused on optimizing workflows and maintaining high performance, this team drives talent management, promotes collaboration, and ensures alignment with PSA’s goals. They also ensure compliance with policies and procedures to maintain operational efficiency.
Marketing & Outreach|M&O
S&F Career Path
Students applying for Strategy & Finance-focused roles at PSA will develop key transferable skills, highly valued in interviews for internships and post-graduate careers in fields such as:
- Investment Banking
- Corporate Finance
- Management Consulting
- Product Development
- Entrepreneurship
Key Skill Areas Developed:
Financial Analysis & Budgeting
Gain hands-on experience in managing budgets, financial forecasting, and analyzing business performance. These skills are essential in investment banking and corporate finance, where financial analysis and resource allocation are critical.Strategic Planning & Decision-Making
Develop critical thinking and strategic planning abilities, preparing students for high-level problem-solving and decision-making in management consulting and product development roles.
P&O Career Path
Students applying for People & Operations-focused roles at PSA will develop key transferable skills, highly valued in interviews for internships and post-graduate careers in 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, honing essential project management skills. These are crucial for roles in entrepreneurship and product development, where driving projects from ideation to execution is key.Leadership & Team Collaboration
Lead teams, delegate tasks, and foster a positive work environment, building critical leadership and collaboration skills. These are vital for roles in entrepreneurship and management consulting, where effective team leadership and achieving results are central to success.
M&O Career Path
Students applying for Marketing & Outreach-focused roles at PSA will develop key transferable skills, highly valued in interviews for internships and post-graduate careers in fields such as:
- Marketing & Advertising
- Public Relations
- Product Development
- Sales
- Creative & Brand Strategy
Key Skill Areas Developed:
Client Engagement & Relationship Management
Engage with clients, manage expectations, and drive customer satisfaction, honing relationship-building and negotiation skills. These are crucial in corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and consulting, where working with clients and stakeholders is key.Social Media Strategy & Content Creation
Gain hands-on experience in creating content and managing social media campaigns. These skills are directly relevant to roles in digital marketing, brand management, and advertising, where crafting compelling narratives and engaging audiences across platforms is essential.