About WML Consultants
Writing & Media Lab (WML) Consultants are trained undergraduate students from a variety of majors and minors. Their job is to be a collaborator and co-learner alongside Furman students as you engage in a range of writing processes. Our mission is to not only help you with a specific writing assignment or multimedia project, but to help you become a stronger writer and communicator overall.
If you are a current Furman student and interested in working as a consultant, please fill out our application form! We do most of our hiring over the summer between academic years.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. The application deadline is May 9, 2026. Please email [email protected] if you want to apply but need an extension.
The application asks you for some basic information, such class year and major(s)/minor(s). We also ask:
- Why do you want to be a consultant?
Then you can choose which one of these prompts you want to respond to:
- Describe a learning experience that left an impression on you; OR
- Describe a time you taught someone a new concept or skill.
Next, you can choose whether you are applying just for WML or for PAL, too. Did you know that you can apply for BOTH programs?! Learn more about Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) if you’re not familiar with it.
Finally, the WML part of the application will ask you to submit a writing sample. This can be a paper you wrote for class, a creative work, or other genre. Share something you’re proud of having written!
If you’ve never tutored or taught before, don’t worry! We will provide you with onboarding and training before your first official work shift. And great news – all consultants get paid for their training time!
Onboarding Topics
- policies and procedures
- how to manage student appointments and walk-ins
- setting up a regular schedule of work hours
- how to log work hours so you get paid
Training Topics
- teaching and learning theories
- how to talk with writers about their work
- writing processes
- how to help with different genres of writing
- how to help with different stages of writing
- overview of multimedia projects with a chance to specialize in a topic that interests you
Some training will be in-person and some will be asynchronous and online via a Moodle course.
Once you’ve been hired and the semester starts, you’ll be responsible for consistently working your scheduled hours.
Other details:
- Most consultants work between 6-10 hours per week, but this can vary based on your availability
- Consultants also attend between 2-3 required staff meetings each semester. During staff meetings, we’ll usually ask for your feedback and suggestions to improve the WML and provide you with professional development opportunities so you can learn and grow as consultants.
- We have 1-2 Lead Consultants who are responsible for helping manage the WML and who are available to support you as you learn and grow as a consultant.
- Consultants are paid $10/hour.
If you have more questions, email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to answer them!