Meet Our Student Staff
Peer Career Coaches
The 2022-2023 Peer Career Coach team, from left to right: Pat Delaney, Eve Thorner, Riana Richards, Nick Rakis, and Lance Van Ostran.
Peer Career Coaches are a team of students who are trained to assist undergraduate students through the career development process - from creating and editing your resume or CV, crafting an engaging cover letter, and finding positions that suit your interests and goals. Peer Career Coaches can also help with interviewing and career fair preparation.
The Peer Career Coach team is the first point of contact during daily drop-in hours. Stay for 10 minutes or stay for an hour to get the assistance you need and a Peer Career Coach can help you through the process. If a Peer Career Coach needs assistance with your questions, they will help you schedule an appointment with a Career Coach.
If you are in a club or residence hall who would like a Career Development presentation, the Peer Career Coaches can help with that too! Just email [email protected] with information about what you would like presented and they will craft a workshop to fit your needs.
Pat Delaney
Hey everyone! My name is Pat Delaney, and I am from the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. I am a junior Social Work Major with a minor in Communications Studies. As for some activities that I am a part of on campus, I am really looking forward to being the Training Coordinator of Manresa 2023! I am also involved with Xavier’s Alternative Break’s program as well as Emerging Leaders Retreat. While I am fairly new to the team, being a Peer Career Coach in the CDO has enabled me to create some great connections with the staff as well as strengthen my professional presence both on and off of paper. As for my hobbies, I love listening to music, going to Dunkin' with friends, trying new foods, and going on bike rides!
Fun fact: I met Scottie Pippen at a soccer tournament without even knowing who he was.
Eve Thorner
Hi all, my name is Eve Thorner and I am a current senior at Xavier University. I am a double major studying Business Analytics and Marketing, and I am extremely excited to be working on the Peer Career Coach team this year! It’s so rewarding assisting with resume building and helping my fellow peers reach their career goals. I love helping others and am humbled by this opportunity to learn from you all, too! During my free time, I love to workout and hangout with my friends, and I also enjoy working as a Marketing Intern for the Rec Sports department on campus. If you ever see me around campus, please say hi!!
Fun fact: I have a Shiba Inu and love all animals, especially dogs!
Riana Richards
Hello! My name is Riana Richards and I am a junior from Southfield, Michigan. I am a Psychology major and Social Work minor. Outside of the classroom, I am a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, Volunteer & Professional Coordinator for Psi Chi, and the Event Coordinator for the Children's Charities Club. This is my second year working as a Peer Career Coach and I greatly enjoy it. Throughout my freshman year, I was able to improve my resume and cover letter with the help of the amazing Career Coaches. I applied for this position to offer the same assistance to my peers. I hope to help students achieve their career goals. I also serve as the Events and Planning intern. In this role, I hope to increase engagement and aid in implementation of all of Career Development Office's events.
Fun Fact: I love roller skating and have my own pair of skates. They are black with blue and green wheels.
Nick Rakis
Hello! My name is Nick Rakis and I am a junior from Kensington, Maryland. I am currently a management major and an economics minor. Outside of the class, I am involved in the Xavier Club Tennis team and X-Change Program. I spend my free time hiking with my dog and hanging out with friends. My favorite part about being a Peer Career Coach is getting the opportunity to build relationships with my peers while also helping them achieve their career dreams. I believe that through professional engagement activities, every student can find the perfect career path. I also look forward to working with my amazing coworkers.
Fun Fact: During Summer, 2021, I took academic courses in the Xavier Expeditions Program. Part of these courses involved spending time exploring the National Parks of Wyoming for two weeks.
Lance Van Ostran
Hi, my name is Lance Van Ostran and I am a senior from Granville, Ohio. I am currently in the ECOS program, which is short for Economics, Sustainability and Society. I am also an active member of the Ultimate Frisbee team here at Xavier, and I can usually be found hanging out in the food court of Gallagher, throwing frisbee on the yard, or in the Smith building. I’m excited to be a Peer Career Coach this year so as to give back to the school that’s helped me so much. In fact, a graduated senior who worked as a Peer Career Coach not only helped me create my resume and cover letter, but also encouraged me to look into the PCC position and eventually apply.
Fun Fact: Outside of frisbee, my hobbies include snowboarding, camping, off-roading in my truck, and playing video games.
GRADUATE STUDENT EMPLOYEES
Paula Mendoza
Hi there! My name is Paula Mendoza, and I am currently in the second semester of my MBA program. I am originally from Bogota, Colombia, I came to the U.S. when I was 16. I have an 8-month puppy, Truffle, as well. I'm so excited to be part of the Employer Relations Team as a Graduate Intern! I have a passion for helping students connect with different employers as I know how important networking is.
Some of the things I do in my role include connecting with employers interested in recruiting XU students, scheduling both virtual and on-campus events and interviews, and regularly using Handshake to help students and employers connected with each other. I would say that my favorite part of my role is working with the team and coming up with fun ways to connect students with employers!
If you see me and Truffle walking around, feel free to say hi! Fun fact: She sometimes comes to work with me!