About the Program

Pearson is seeking bright, motivated undergraduates to become members of the Pearson Student Advisory Board from June 2012 to June 2013. The board is comprised of passionate learners and student leaders seeking to implement change and impact college classrooms across the country.

Current board members work directly with Pearson executives to make tangible changes to their learning materials on such issues as the use of mobile devices in the classroom, the integration of social media in learning materials, and the evolution of games as learning tools. Utilize this unique opportunity to represent a student voice for the world's largest learning company, and apply for the Pearson Student Advisory Board today.

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Why Should You Join?

• Face-to-face brainstorming sessions with key senior Pearson executives regarding the challenges in the business world.
• Work on real projects that affect real students.
• Résumé-building, real world experience—before graduation.
• Travel opportunities during the term of service. Locations visited by PSAB members to complete their assignments include Boston, NYC, San Francisco, and Miami.
• $1,000 stipend and complimentary copies of Pearson textbooks and services.
• The opportunity to collaborate with other smart, ambitious students to make a lasting, positive difference in the educational experience of your peers and the world at large.

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What Are the Responsibilities of PSAB Members?

• Directly communicate with senior Pearson executives about college students' concerns and needs.
• Work with editors and marketing managers to influence the direction of existing and future product models.
• Develop and execute committee projects based on the Board member's interests and strengths. Programs executed by previous and current Board members include Pearson Prize, Pearson Free Agent, Pearson Campus Ambassador, Pearson Foundation Student Sustainability Summit, Pearson Education page on Facebook.
• Attend the Pearson Student Leadership Summit in Boston.
• Travel on an as-needed basis. (We accommodate your schedule as travel is limited to weekends, winter and spring breaks, and summer.)
• Time commitment averages 5 hours per week, remotely from your campus or home.

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Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time undergraduates during the academic year for which they are applying, attending classes at a Canadian or U.S. college or university. Distance education or online students are welcome to apply.
• Undergraduates must have permission to work in the U.S. or Canada.
• Undergraduates at two-year colleges must have successfully completed at least a semester/quarter of course work at the time of application.
• Undergraduates at four-year colleges or universities must be in their second, third, or fourth (going on fifth) year at the time of application.
• Undergraduates must not have plans to study abroad any time during the Board's term
• All undergraduate majors are encouraged to apply.
• Family members of Pearson employees are not eligible.

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Desired Qualifications

• Proven leadership and analytical skills.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated team player.
• Passion for making a difference and impacting the future of global minds.
• Eagerness for learning and helping others learn.
• Ability to tap into a wide network of students.
• Reputation for being a creative thinker and problem solver.

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How to Apply

Applications are now closed for the 2012-2013 Pearson Student Advisory Board.

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Questions

First visit the Pearson Student Advisory Board: Frequently Asked Questions—your questions may have already been answered!

If you do not see an answer to your question, please contact us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pearson Student Advisory Board (PSAB)?

The PSAB program 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?

Please see our Responsibilities section.

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 traveled an average of about 7-10 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 August before the school year begins. This is not a summer internship program, and the commitment will typically be from June to June.

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 receives 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?

• Pearson Prize
• Pearson Free Agent
• Pearson Campus Ambassador
• Pearson Foundation Student Sustainability Summit
• Pearson Education page on Facebook

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 attending courses at a US or Canadian college or university (including Hawaii). Undergraduates must have permission to work in the U.S. or Canada. 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 an online application, résumé, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation. Please see our How To Apply section for detailed application instructions.

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 her/himself. How should s/he do this?

After adding their contact information to your application, your reference will receive an automated email providing them with instructions for their letters of recommendation.

Their final deadline will be 11:59PM Eastern Time on Thursday, March 8.

The email will provide them with login credentials to the Reference Portal in order to submit their recommendations.

I've submitted my application materials. Now what do I do?

All candidates will be notified of their application status by a date being released soon.

Due to the number of applicants we are unable to confirm receipt of individual applications.

Join our Pearson Students Facebook page and follow @Pearson_Student on Twitter for the most current PCA and Pearson Students updates. And feel free to browse this website for other Pearson opportunities that may interest you!

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