Peer Career Advisors

Meet the PCAs

Allie Eisenberg

Hi! My name is Allie Eisenberg, and I'm a junior majoring in Information Science. I am from Glen Rock, New Jersey, just 25 minutes away from campus. I'm deeply passionate about pursuing a career in technology, and I’ve had the opportunity to gain valuable experience through internships, including a recent one at Prudential Financial, where I focused on data analytics and business intelligence. Last summer, I interned at a Fortune 500 technology company where I worked on technology consulting, which further fueled my interest in this field. This will be my second year as a PCA at Beyond Barnard, and I look forward to continuing to support my peers in navigating their own career paths. In addition to being a PCA, I am highly involved with the Columbia Women's Business Society and Kappa Alpha Theta. I'm thrilled to collaborate with my peers and make the most of the invaluable support offered by these organizations.

 

Paloma LaValley

Hi! I’m Paloma, a senior majoring in Political Science. This past summer, I was an analyst at JPMorgan on their Multinational Corporates team. My interests include strategic advisory, business growth (from small-scale startups to multinational corporates), and general finance. Outside of my PCA role, I'm active as a Resident Assistant, Chief of Staff for CMUNNY XIX, and member of Alpha Chi Omega. I’m also establishing an impact student investment fund and was the inaugural PIMCO Future Leaders Scholar at Barnard. Previously, I interned with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. In my free time, I love traveling, exploring cafes (especially for boba and matcha), and enjoying EDM. I’m super excited to work with you all this semester!

Victoria Le

Hello! I’m Victoria, and I’m a senior majoring in Economics from Dallas, TX. Beyond being a PCA, on campus I am a part of the Vietnamese Students Association, and off-campus I volunteer at the Manhattan Community Boathouse. Beyond Barnard has supported me from day one, and PCAs were my helping hand throughout my journey of navigating my professional aspirations. I plan to attend medical school in the future, and my experiences within the Summer Research Institute and Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Program have developed my understanding of research and medicine. In my third year as a PCA, I look forward to hearing about the numerous passions and paths my peers engage in and supporting your professional goals.

 

Alicia Lopez-Guerra

Hi! My name is Alicia Lopez-Guerra, and I am a junior studying political science and environment & sustainability, with a French minor. I am originally from San Francisco, California, and I intend to eventually attend law school and pursue a career in international environmental law. I am incredibly passionate about enacting change throughout a variety of national and international policy initiatives I hope to take part in implementing through a future legal career. This past summer I spent the beginning part of the summer interning at the New York City Council Member Julie Won’s office as a constituent service and legislative intern and will be returning to this position this coming fall. Additionally, I spent the latter half of my summer as a returning staff member and special events coordinator for the National Association of Japan America Societies’ High School Diplomats international exchange program. I’ve additionally worked at Council Member Sean Abreu’s office, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and the Earth Law Center. On campus, I can be found as a lead editor for the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review, putting together purchase requests for the Columbia Policy Institute, and crafting the budget for the Columbia Ski Team. In my spare time, I love to ski, run, read, and paint. I am incredibly excited to continue assisting my peers in sharing the wonderful resources that Beyond Barnard has to offer. 

 

Elodia Lunn

Hello! I’m Elodia and I’m a junior majoring in education and double minoring in psychology and race and ethnicity Studies. I am a returning Teach For America fellow and am committed to my work in education and educational policy, with a focus on making education accessible through DEI initiatives. Aside from academics I love cooking and baking, reading, and dancing as a part of CU ONYX. Beyond Barnard has been a useful resource for me, and I’m glad to continue supporting and learning about my peers as they apply for new opportunities!

 

Maya Varkey

Hi, I'm Maya! I’m a junior majoring in economics. I'm interested in various careers in finance, in particular investment banking. I’ve left every interaction with the Beyond Barnard office feeling so relieved and excited and I can’t wait to share that feeling with others. As a PCA and the President of Barnard Investment Group, I look forward to encouraging and helping my peers navigate the career search process which can often feel very daunting and overwhelming. If I’m not in class, you can find me spamming my food instagram with new content or performing in Columbia’s sketch comedy troupe "Chowdah."

Annie Liang

Hi! My name is Annie. I am majoring in English Literature with a minor in Classics, and I plan to attend law school in the future. I am passionate about pursuing a career in the legal industry, with a particular interest in immigration law. My experience includes working with New York City-based nonprofits, interning at an international law firm, and participating in Beyond Barnard’s Zwas Community Impact Internship Program.

I was born and raised in Guangzhou, China. As an international student, I understand the complexities of navigating the U.S. job market. From applying for CPT/OPT to finding employers who hire non-American citizens, I have firsthand experience with these challenges. My goal is to help fellow international peers navigate their career paths in a new professional landscape.

Beyond being a Peer Career Advisor, I am a writer for the Columbia Undergraduate Journal of Gynecology and a member of the University’s Tango Club. When I am not studying or working, you can find me talking to cats, collecting vintage gadgets, or writing music.

Nathalie Robayo

Hi! My name is Nathalie, and I am a sophomore at Barnard pursuing a major in psychology with a minor in French. I am specifically interested in research as well as social and developmental psychology. My long term goal is to be a therapist for adolescents and young adults. I have always been passionate about mental health advocacy, especially for this particular age group. In addition to my role as a PCA, I serve as a Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR) and lab assistant for Barnard’s Group Dynamics Lab. I am also the communications coordinator for Community Lunch, a community service organization at Columbia. In the past, I have worked as a legal assistant, lab intern, and peer health educator. This past summer, I worked for the Double Discovery Center at Columbia, supporting and engaging with first generation, low income high schoolers through interactive programming. I enjoy traveling, writing, and reading–you can always find me with a good book!

 

Suhani Sharma

Hello! I am Suhani, an international student and senior majoring in Economics and Political Science, minoring in English. My professional background is largely in economic research and advisory positions, both in politics and consulting. My research, with the Barnard Economics department, has spanned all my years at Barnard and is supported by the wonderful Bridgewater Scholars Fellowship. My time at Eleanor’s Legacy cements my political experience, working to fundraise and elevate women-led campaigns across NY state. This summer, I worked within the Economic Advisory division of Deloitte’s Financial Advisory team — an experience that has truly informed my plans for the future. In my spare time, I can be found at a Broadway show (or an off-off-off Broadway show) or in anguish over my loser sports teams. 

A Tradition of Peer Career Advising at Barnard College

Each year, Beyond Barnard hires 10 Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) to provide one-on-one advising for students throughout the academic year, and to lead on-demand programs on a range of career development topics. PCAs are trained by Beyond Barnard each summer, and complete an incredible 1,000+ individual advising engagements during the academic semesters.

Like other advising cohorts on campus, PCAs are very often the "front door" into Beyond Barnard's practice. Cohorts represent a wide range of academic and career interests, fostering greater connection with the range of students who take advantage of Beyond Barnard's resources. Students can schedule PCA appointments directly in Handshake throughout the academic year, whenever class is in session. 

Questions about PCAs can be directed to BeyondBarnard@barnard.edu.