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Professional Academic Advisor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Administrative & Professional Senior management: College of Engineering Department: Computer Science Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, Hybrid Categories: Academic Advising / Support We are seeking ...

Academic Advisor

Hampton, VA · On-site

$47K - $50K/yr

The Academic Advisor will be responsible for sustaining an environment of academic and professional excellence for students and educational team members. The Academic Advisor supports students and ...

Participates in professional conferences and other self-directed professional development activities. * Maintains knowledge of trends in academic area of advisement. OTHER DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

Academic Advisor I Job no: 50000364 Work type: Full time Location: Virginia Beach Categories: Staff ... Thorough reading, research, and participation in professional development opportunities, develop a ...

Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Blacksburg, VA · Hybrid

$36K - $45K/yr

Administrative & Professional Senior management: College of Engineering Department: Aerospace and Ocean Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Academic Advising / Support The Kevin T ...

$76K - $105K/yr

Overview The Academic Coach & Advisor (Nursing) supports student academic success, licensure readiness, persistence, retention, and professional growth. The role identifies atrisk students early ...

$76K - $105K/yr

Overview The Academic Coach & Advisor (Nursing) supports student academic success, licensure readiness, persistence, retention, and professional growth. The role identifies atrisk students early ...

Middle School Adviser

Hampton, VA · On-site

$42K - $45K/yr

Department of Education to provide academic, career, and financial counseling to eligible middle ... The High School Advisor plans and facilitates workshops for students, parents, and occasionally ...

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Professional Academic Advisor information

What is a professional academic advisor?

Professional academic advisors are educational specialists who guide students through their academic journeys. They assist with course selection, degree planning, and understanding university policies, ensuring students meet graduation requirements. Academic advisors also provide support on academic challenges, career planning, and connecting students with campus resources. Their goal is to help students achieve academic success and personal growth throughout their education.

How does a professional academic advisor typically collaborate with faculty and other campus resources to support student success?

Professional Academic Advisors frequently work closely with faculty members, career services, and student support offices to ensure students receive comprehensive guidance. They may participate in regular meetings with academic departments to stay updated on curriculum changes and refer students to tutoring or counseling services as needed. Effective collaboration helps advisors provide tailored advice and address both academic and personal challenges that students might face. Building strong partnerships across campus is essential for guiding students through their academic journey and promoting overall retention and success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional academic advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Academic Advisor, you need a strong understanding of educational policies, degree requirements, and student development theory, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education or counseling. Familiarity with student information systems (SIS), degree audit software, and advising management tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and problem-solving abilities help advisors connect with students and guide them effectively. These skills ensure advisors can provide accurate guidance, foster student success, and support institutional goals.

What is the difference between Professional Academic Advisor vs Academic Counselor?

AspectProfessional Academic AdvisorAcademic Counselor
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in education, counseling, or related field; certifications may be preferredBachelor's degree often required; counseling certifications can be advantageous
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, advising centers, online platformsSchools, colleges, community programs, sometimes in clinical settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, higher education institutionsHigh schools, colleges, educational organizations
Primary FocusGuiding students academically, planning course schedules, academic goal settingSupporting students' emotional well-being, addressing personal barriers to academic success

While both roles support students' academic journeys, a Professional Academic Advisor primarily focuses on academic planning and course guidance, whereas an Academic Counselor often addresses emotional and personal challenges impacting academic performance. Understanding these distinctions helps students seek the appropriate support for their needs.

Can you be a professional academic advisor with no experience?

While prior experience is often preferred for a professional academic advisor role, some employers may consider candidates with strong interpersonal skills, relevant education, or related experience in student services. Entry-level positions might provide on-the-job training to develop necessary advising skills and knowledge of academic policies.

How can I get a job as a professional academic advisor?

To become a professional academic advisor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant skills include strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities, along with experience in student services or counseling. Certification or training in academic advising or student development can enhance job prospects, and familiarity with student information systems is often required.

How do you become a professional academic advisor?

To become a professional academic advisor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as education, counseling, or a related discipline. Many positions also require experience in student services or counseling, and some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or certifications in academic advising or student affairs. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of institutional policies are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Advisor jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Academic Advisor jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Academic Advisor jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Academic Advisor job openings:

Academic Advisor

Blacksburg, VA • On-site


Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 625 rated colleges and universities

Free food

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$58K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Academic Advisor
Job no: 536517
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Computer Science
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, Hybrid
Categories: Academic Advising / Support
We are seeking student-focused Academic Advisors to support undergraduate students in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
All positions require a minimum of one day or more per week of onsite work in Blacksburg, VA
Job Description
The Academic Advisor provides comprehensive student-centered academic advising and support for undergraduate students within the College of Engineering. This position supports students in navigating academic programs, degree requirements, and university policies while promoting student success, retention, and timely degree completion. The advisor collaborates closely with faculty, academic departments, and campus partners to support student development, career readiness, and engagement in high-impact educational experiences.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in educational administration, student development, or a related field from an accredited institution; or a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field with professional experience in a relevant role at a level equivalent to an advanced degree.
Experience working in a student-focused collegiate setting, such as academic advising, classroom instruction, counseling, or related student services.
Experience handling sensitive student information in accordance with applicable privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA) in a professional setting
Experience working directly with university processes in one or more of the following areas: student orientation, course registration, degree auditing, or graduation requirements
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with NACADA academic advising pillars, competencies, and standards, demonstrated through professional development, membership, conference participation, or direct application in an advising role.
Experience using student information systems such as Banner, PeopleSoft, Starfish, or Navigate, or comparable degree audit and case management software.
Experience presenting information to individuals and groups in a professional or educational setting, such as advising appointments, classroom instruction, orientations, or workshops.
Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent tools for document creation, data management, and electronic file organization in a professional setting.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$58,000 and up to commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
June 26, 2026
Additional Information
We are seeking student-focused Academic Advisors to support undergraduate students in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Advising positions are currently available in all three departments, and candidates are encouraged to apply for one, two, or all three opportunities.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cheri Warren at CheriW@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: May 26, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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Benefits

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