Become a Peer Instructor

OUR COMMUNITY’S BACKBONE

Become a Peer Instructor!

We’re glad you’re interested in becoming a PI!

Since PIs are a large part of the day to day of the Hive and are given special privileges, we place a lot of trust in our PIs and have a thorough application and training process for hiring new PIs. While there are no technical requirements to becoming a PI other than being a student at Georgia Tech, the Hive hopes every PI hired is passionate and committed to helping others become makers.

The PI application is usually open for a few weeks before the end of the spring and fall semesters and is advertised via our mailing list. The application is also broadcast through other channels such as department mailing lists, so keep an eye out if you’re interested.

Apply now for Spring 2025!

GO TO APPLICATION

Apply this semester to start as a Peer Instructor for the following semester!

What is a Peer Instructor?

Peer Instructors (PIs) are our student volunteers dedicated to staffing the space. Our PIs are trained to operate our machines and are dedicated to helping other students out! PIs have a wide range of majors, expertise, and backgrounds, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help.

Basic PI responsibilities include:

3 volunteer hours on-shift per week
Actively teaching and assisting end-users when on shift
Completing required technical training sessions within the training period at the start of the semester
PI community involvement (i.e. running workshops, volunteering at outreach events, etc.)

A Few PI Perks!

After-hours access
MPI project funding
PI socials
Host workshops
Space imporvement

FAQ

Can I be a PI for this current semester?

Unfortunately, no. We only hire PIs to start the following semester. If you apply in the fall, you are applying to start as a PI in the spring. If you are applying in the spring, you are applying to start either in the summer or the fall. Note that most who apply in the spring choose to start in the fall, and availability to be a PI in the summer semester is not a factor in application decision making.

How much technical experience should I have before applying?

While technical experience relevant to the technical areas at The Hive can help your application, it is not required. When you are onboarded as a new PI, we teach you everything you need to know about our technical areas and equipment within the first few weeks of the semester. The most important thing we look for in applicants is a demonstrated passion for teaching and helping others.

What can I learn as a PI?

Being a PI is an amazing opportunity to learn both technical and non-technical skills that can help you in the present and in your future. On the technical side, you will have the opportunity to be trained in all of our technical areas, which are benchtop electronics, 3D printing, laser cutting, machine shop, PCB fabrication, craft, and embedded systems. On the non-technical side, you will gain valuable experience in teaching, communication, leadership, and so much more!