Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Becoming a Professional Development Advisor

• How do I become a Professional Development Advisor (PDA)?
  
  You must submit an application and supporting documents (e.g., resume, official transcripts, etc.), which will be evaluated for eligibility. If found eligible, a phone interview will be conducted. Training will be provided in a telenet/webinar format to all PDAs offered a position. PDAs must sign a contract before beginning to mentor advisees.
  
  
• How many advisees will be assigned to me?
  
  Assignments will vary based upon practitioner requests for services as well as the geographical location of the advisee and PDAs. PDAs are always asked before being assigned an advisee, and may choose whether or not to accept at that time. PDAs are also allowed to recruit their own advisees.
  
  
• What types of assistance may I offer to an advisee?
  
  PDAs provide mentoring for an individual’s professional development, such as attending school or career exploration. PDAs do not provide mentoring for business development, such as program licensing, start-up, accreditation, or grant writing.
  
  
• Are there other types of advisement?
  
  Yes! A quickly growing facet of our program is the “center advisement model,” in which the PDA schedules monthly visits to a center based upon the PDA’s schedule and the center’s needs (typically at naptime). The PDA meets with each interested staff member individually, with occasional contact in between meetings through phone and/or e-mail. Centers are encouraged, though not required, to receive the INCCRRA/Gateways to Opportunity presentation by our outreach liaison prior to beginning this service.
  
  
• May I advise over the phone or do I have to meet with my advisees in-person?
  
  Initial contacts to schedule appointments are generally conducted via phone or e-mail. A minimum of one in-person meeting is highly encouraged to effectively begin the advising process and to complete program paperwork. Additional meetings may include a combination of phone, e-mail, and face-to-face meetings as agreed upon by the PDA and advisee. Occasionally an advisee may be assigned to you who does not live in your geographic area. In that case, meetings may take place exclusively over the phone and through e-mail.
  
  
• When and how will I be paid for my advising services?
  
  Advisors are paid monthly based upon submitted paperwork. Current rates are $30.00 per hour for advisement, with additional time allotted for administrative work. Paperwork is due monthly, with due dates assigned based on the PDA’s last name.
  
  

• How much paperwork will I be required to complete?

  During the first advisement session, each advisor must complete a PDA Services Agreement and a Professional Development Plan with their advisee. Afterward, a contact log must be completed and sent monthly for each advisee. Occasionally, during work with an advisee, you will be asked to complete renewal and/or reflection surveys to continue or end the advising agreement.

• How much travel will be involved?

  Every effort is made to limit the distance between the PDA and advisee. PDAs are compensated for travel to and from advisement sessions. PDAs are encouraged to attend the annual PDA conference which is held each summer in Bloomington, Illinois. Additional trainings and meetings are provided throughout the year via a telenet/webinar format.