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Student assistant vs advising assistant

The differences between student assistants and advising assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an advising assistant has an average salary of $42,453, which is higher than the $25,439 average annual salary of a student assistant.

The top three skills for a student assistant include customer service, front desk and administrative assistance. The most important skills for an advising assistant are financial aid, customer service, and scheduling appointments.

Student assistant vs advising assistant overview

Student AssistantAdvising Assistant
Yearly salary$25,439$42,453
Hourly rate$12.23$20.41
Growth rate4%12%
Number of jobs29,09315,603
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4443
Years of experience-12

What does a student assistant do?

Student assistants are university students who are working part-time for a staff member or department. They are usually assigned to do administrative or clerical activities to help ease the load of their supervisor. They may manage files and information dissemination channels of the department. They may extend assistance during the registration period by helping other students fill out forms, managing the department's enrollment procedure, or doing any other activity required by their supervisor. They may also be asked to mentor younger students. Student assistants should be organized and trustworthy.

What does an advising assistant do?

An advising assistant works with school or university counselors, with a primary focus on students' mental welfare. Their responsibilities are to document sessions with patients, provide clerical assistance, and assist with psychological assessments. This position preferably requires a degree in psychology. Strong communication and organization skills are also necessary.

Student assistant vs advising assistant salary

Student assistants and advising assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Student AssistantAdvising Assistant
Average salary$25,439$42,453
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $37,000Between $26,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, NY-
Highest paying stateRhode Island-
Best paying companyNcar - The National Center For Atmospheric Research-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between student assistant and advising assistant education

There are a few differences between a student assistant and an advising assistant in terms of educational background:

Student AssistantAdvising Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Student assistant vs advising assistant demographics

Here are the differences between student assistants' and advising assistants' demographics:

Student AssistantAdvising Assistant
Average age4443
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 7.2% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage6%11%

Differences between student assistant and advising assistant duties and responsibilities

Student assistant example responsibilities.

  • Help troubleshoot public computers according to directions and also manage database of library.
  • Adhere to all aspects of FERPA and student confidentiality guidelines.
  • Answer phone, run errands, take messages, help office manager
  • Order, open and distribute office supplies weekly, and run errands.
  • Clean and stock supplies in restrooms, wash windows, walls and fix light fixtures.
  • Perform CPR during emergency rotation.
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Advising assistant example responsibilities.

  • Identify project priorities and work with senior account managers/team leads to identify most critical projects and communicate them with account coordinators.
  • Monitor and adjust parts inventory using ADP software.
  • Organize events, memorials and trips design to provide camaraderie between veterans and the community.
  • Monitor students' degree progress and GPA, perform needs assessment and maintain detailed computerize files.
  • Work to ensure accuracy of system data transfer and reconciliation of employment procedures with ADP system capabilities.
  • Prepare and help mentor and direct veteran students transitioning from active duty and reserve and veterans family members that share benefits.
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Student assistant vs advising assistant skills

Common student assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Front Desk, 8%
  • Administrative Assistance, 7%
  • Financial Aid, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Office Equipment, 5%
Common advising assistant skills
  • Financial Aid, 15%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 10%
  • Administrative Tasks, 9%
  • Administrative Assistance, 8%
  • Repair Orders, 5%

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