Frequently Asked Questions

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Pearson Student Advisory Board

What is the Pearson Student Advisory Board (PSAB)?

The PSAB is a chance for students across the country to work together to make tangible changes to their learning materials and develop new programs to help their peers succeed. As Board members, students are given the unique opportunity to work directly with Pearson executives and product development teams to impact Pearson's marketing and editorial initiatives and efforts.

Participating in the PSAB program represents the chance for students to experience first-hand the inner workings of a global publishing business and to shape the learning materials for students across the nation.

What are the responsibilities of PSAB members?
  • Face-to-face brainstorming sessions with key senior Pearson executives about challenges in the business world.
  • Develop and pitch ideas to Pearson executives. Students then take these ideas and build projects around them.
  • Work on real projects that affect real students.
  • Attend PSAB Leadership Summit in Boston June 16-18. June 16 and 18 reserved for travel to and from Boston, so applicants should plan to be free all three days.
  • Time commitment averages about 5 hours per week, remotely from your campus or home.
Is there any travel required for the PSAB?

Yes. Travel is required on an as needed basis, and all the expenses are paid by Pearson. In the past, PSAB members have travelled an average of about 10 days per year on four different trips. We try our best to schedule any necessary meetings and travel on the weekends or during breaks from school so that our members do not have to miss out on class time. In the past, PSAB members have traveled to cities like Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Miami.

How long does each PSAB work with Pearson?

Each Board works with us for one academic year. We typically have our first meeting in June before the school year begins. This is not a summer internship program.

Are the PSAB members compensated?

Yes. Each PSAB member receives a stipend of $1000 for his/her work with Pearson. This stipend is split into two $500 checks which are mailed out in the fall and spring.

Each student also received complimentary copies of any Pearson books that s/he needs for classes during his/her term as a Board member.

What are some examples of different projects or programs that previous Board members have initiated or worked on?
How does the Board keep in touch throughout the year?

PSAB members use weekly conference calls and a data sharing website to communicate with each other and with Pearson employees throughout the year.

Is Pearson looking for students from specific majors?

No. We encourage students from all majors and educational backgrounds to apply.

Are all students eligible for a PSAB position?

The PSAB is only open to full-time undergraduate students who are physically attending courses at a US or Canadian college or university (including Hawaii). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents OR Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must not have plans to study abroad during their term on the PSAB. Unfortunately, family members of Pearson employees are not eligible.

Undergraduates at two-year colleges must be in their first or second year at the time of application. Undergraduates at four-year colleges must be in their second, third, or fourth (going on fifth) year at the time of application. All undergraduate majors are encouraged to apply.

How do I apply to become a PSAB member?

In order to apply we require that you submit a resume, cover letter, two letters of recommendation, and current copy of your college/university transcript via email to studentrelations@pearson.com. If you have to mail all or some of your materials, please send them to the following address:

  • Pearson Education
  • attn: Julia Bourque
  • 75 Arlington St. Suite 300
  • Boston, MA 02116
Are there guidelines that my professor/employer should follow in writing my recommendations?

In general, your recommendations should:

  1. Reveal your character
  2. State why you should be selected for the Pearson Student Advisory Board program
  3. Provide examples to support their statements for 1 & 2
  4. Be no longer than 1 page each
My professor/employer wants to send in his letter of recommendation himself. How should s/he do this?

If the person you have asked for a recommendation would prefer to send the letter in personally, s/he can send it via email to or mail to the following address:

  • Pearson Education
  • attn: Julia Bourque
  • 75 Arlington St. Suite 300
  • Boston, MA 02116
I've submitted my application materials. Now what do I do?

All candidates will be notified of their application status by May 2010.