Meet the Peer Advisors

WPI’s Heebner Career Development Center Peer Advisors are an essential part of the student support network, offering guidance from a perspective that’s both knowledgeable and relatable. As fellow students, Peer Advisors understand the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating academics, career planning, and campus life.

Through one-on-one support, resource sharing, and peer-to-peer mentorship, they help students build confidence, make informed decisions, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for direction, Peer Advisors are here to help you succeed.

Samantha DeFrancesco

HCDC Peer Advisor Team Lead

Samantha DeFrancesco
She/her/hers
Class of 2026
B.S. Civil Engineering

Sam has served as a Peer Advisor since 2023. Recently promoted to the team lead position, she now helps coordinate peer advisor activities including drop-in hours, weekly Workshop Wednesdays, and more. The peer advisor team is a resource directly accessible to students consisting of student workers who provide relevant advice (updated by the professional staff) regarding application materials, interview preparation, job offer negotiation, and other various topics related to career advancement. Sam also works as a Peer Learning Assistant for one of the Great Problems Seminars (GPS), is a member of the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society, serves as a Public Relations Chair for the Social Committee, and is an active member of the Rockets Competition and Club Dance Teams.

Contact

Location: Unity Hall - 5th Floor
Website: cdc.wpi.edu

Holly Smith

HCDC Peer Advisor

Holly is a Class of 2028 Data Science major who has been working as a Peer Advisor at the Career Development Center since spring of her freshman year. She supports students by helping them improve their application materials, prepare for interviews, and feel more confident in their job search during Drop-in Hours and Workshop Wednesdays. Her favorite part of working at the HCDC is helping students feel more confident in themselves, their skills, and their worth as a potential employee. She loves the moments during a drop-in when something clicks for a student and they leave with new insight and a clearer sense of direction.