George Ampratwum
Executive Director
George Ampratwum serves as Executive Director of the Career Center at the University of Pittsburgh, where he leads strategy, employer partnerships, and career development initiatives for one of Pitt’s most student-facing units. He brings to this role a genuinely global perspective, having built and scaled career and professional development programs across four continents.
Prior to Pitt, Mr. Ampratwum served as Director of Partnerships and Career Development at the Ashinaga Foundation in Japan, where he led the design and evaluation of professional development initiatives across seven regional offices spanning Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, the United States, Senegal, and Uganda. He also directed research and learning needs analysis to shape programming for employees and scholars across the Foundation’s global network.
Before Ashinaga, he held roles at the African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda and Mauritius, where he scaled career development and corporate partnerships across both campuses to strengthen graduate employment outcomes.
George holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology, an M.Phil. in Social Psychology from the University of Ghana, an Executive MBA from ALU School of Business, and is currently pursuing an EdD in Education Policy and Social Change at the University of Pittsburgh. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and working out.
Ryan Sweeny
Associate Director
Pronouns: He/Him
School Info: University of Notre Dame; Bachelors in Psychology, Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology
Places I have lived: San Luis Obispo, CA; South Bend, IN; Lumberton, NM; St. Michael, AZ and Pittsburgh!
Hello, I’m Ryan and for over 20 years I’ve been helping Pitt students in the Career Center! In my current role as Associate Director I oversee the work of our eight amazing Career Consultants and I personally work with graduate students and alumni with their career pursuits. I genuinely love living in Pittsburgh and being a part of the Pitt family. I’m a proud father of a son who graduated from Pitt and a daughter who graduated from Notre Dame and they both benefited from getting to grow up with me at Pitt. I’m an avid sports fan and over the years have attended Pitt football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, and soccer games.
The actor who would play me in a biopic is… Adam Sandler
My top picks on SiriusXM are… Big 80’s and Yacht Rock
Most likely late-night binge… SportsCenter
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… Football Commentary
Sharon Mickens
Associate Director, Employer Relations
Sharon Mickens joined the Career Center in June 2013. She serves as the Associate Director of Employer Relations. Sharon obtained her B.S. degree in Business Administration from the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University. Her experiences in leadership, management, training, and recruiting in the pharmaceutical and financial services industries lend support in attracting the region’s and the nation’s top employers to recruit from the world-class University of Pittsburgh.
Alyson Kavalukas
Assistant Director for Program Operations
Pronouns: She/Her
School Info: BA in French and Masters in Public Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh!
Places I have lived: Sharon, Pittsburgh, NYC, Miami, Tampa, & Lyon, France
Hi! I’m Alyson and I love working with Pitt students to help them achieve their goals! In my role I oversee event operations, data collection and analysis, marketing, and Career Central. My favorite things about this role are connecting students to impactful conversations, and learning where you all go after graduation! As a Pitt student I lived in Holland Hall, was President of SGB and the Blue & Gold Society, and loved attending football games at Pitt Stadium, including the last one. My family and I love Pitt volleyball and traveling to beaches and national parks whenever we can.
My top artist on Spotify is… The Original Cast of Hamilton
Most likely late-night binge… Daily Show/Fallon/Kimmel on my DVR
The actor who would play me in a biopic is… Jennifer Garner
Specialties and Interests
Special Events, Marketing, DataMarie Newkirk
Assistant Director for Experiential Learning
Pronouns: She/Her
School Info: State University of New York at Stony Brook, BS in Psychology/ Sociology -Interdisciplinary and Masters in Education at City University of New York Brooklyn College
Places I have lived: New York City, Qatar, and Pittsburgh
Hi! I’m Marie, and I enjoy empowering students, giving them the resources and confidence to plan and make career decisions. At the Career Center, I lead the Experiential Learning unit as part of a dedicated team. Together, we guide students in finding local and global experiential learning opportunities. Our team is committed to equipping students for professional success.
The actor who would play me in a biopic…Debbie Morgan
Most likely late night binge… Downton Abbey- British T.V. series and the 2 movies
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… Report on my journeys around the globe
Kaitlin Anne Miller
Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director
Kaitlin joined the Career Center in September 2024. Prior to that, she worked as an Assistant Kindergarten Teacher where she helped students work toward who they wanted to become. She is now excited to be a part of a team that continues this work. Kaitlin graduated from Pitt in 2016 with a double major in fiction writing and communication, a studio arts minor, and a digital media certificate.
Carol Balk
Senior Career Consultant
Pronouns: She/hers
School Info: American University, BA in Graphic Design; Chatham University, MS in Counseling Psychology
Places I have lived: New York, Washington D.C, Southern California, Pittsburgh
Hi, I’m Carol, a Senior Career Consultant in the Career Center. I’d like to help you recognize what you do well and put it to work. These are qualities you can always count on—especially when you are facing challenges or figuring out what comes next. In our conversations, I’ll draw on my education and work experiences in non-profit and corporate settings as well as business ownership. We’ll work to help you explore your options, identify careers that may be a good fit, and build confidence as you pursue internships, create a strong résumé, prepare for interviews, and more. Together, we can make the most of your time at Pitt so that you graduate with the skills, clarity, and confidence to build a future that feels right for you.
My top artist on Spotify… Hermanos Gutiérrez
Most likely late night binge…Kimmel
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… “What’s better than doomscrolling…?”
Carol specializes in working with student populations including:
- Undergraduate students
- Transfer students
- Alumni
- Veterans
- Adult Students
- First Generation Students
Carol provides expertise in career development with these majors and certificates:
- Psychology
- Public Service/Non-profit management certificate
- Administration of Justice/Legal Studies/Law, Criminal Justice, and Society
- Health Services
- Natural Sciences
- Media and Professional Communications
- Urban Studies
Carol recently completed a Federal Advising Certificate which enables her to assist students in finding one of the almost 2 million jobs the government has to offer.
Fall and Spring Semesters – Make an appointment on Handshake for Monday-Friday or visit Carol during her drop-in hours on Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. in the Career Center, 2nd Floor, WPU!
Summer Semester – Make a virtual appointment on Handshake for Monday-Friday or virtually drop-in during her virtual drop-in hours on Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. by signing in on the Career Center website, careers.pitt.edu.
Specialties and Interests
Veterans, Adult Students, First Generation StudentsAlex Ball
Pre-Law & Social Sciences Career Consultant
Pronouns: He/Him
School Info: BS in Marketing from Penn State, MEd in Higher Education from Pitt
Places I have lived: Houston, TX; Vernal, UT; Cairo, Egypt; Smethport, PA; Pittsburgh, PA
Hi! My name is Alex, and I am your Pre-Law & Social Sciences Career Consultant. Before that I was an Internship Associate here. In that time, I have gotten to see the positive impact our office makes in students’ lives, from the day they step onto campus to the day they graduate (and even after, since we work with alumni too)! My favorite part of this job is watching our students grow, especially that lightbulb moment when they start to feel more comfortable with their career journey. As you will hear me say at the end of every appointment: don’t be afraid to reach out and ask me anything. If I can’t answer it, I’ll help you find the person who can. I will always be in your corner helping you to reach your goals!
My Spotify go-to playlist: Tie between my oldies (anything pre-90’s), modern (2000s-10’s) or current (2020 and later)
Most likely late-night binge… Currently the Simpsons…….26 seasons down, only like 10 to go!
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… The worst dad puns possible (but you would learn the real difference between an alligator and a crocodile).
Alex is available to help any students considering Law School in their future or have interests related to the social science field.
Specialties and Interests
Pre-Law & Social SciencesGabby Brumond
Experiential Learning Consultant
Pronouns: she/her/hers
School Info: University of Delaware, BS & MS in Neuroscience
Places I have lived: Central NJ,Newark, DE, and Pittsburgh, PA
Hi there! I’m Gabby and I love creating workshops and programs that are accessible and engaging for students. I oversee the Career Study Hall program, assist with Internship Week and my specialty is assisting all students with Experiential Learning (Internships, Research, Volunteering etc.). I also work with 3 affinity groups, tailoring specific career resources for them. My affinity groups are students with Dis/ability and/or Neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, and First-Generation College students. When I am not working I love to read, draw, paint, and play video games.
The actor who would play me in a biopic… Saoirse Ronan
My top artist on Spotify… The Head & the Heart
Most likely late-night binge… Avatar the Last Airbender
Specialties and Interests
Experiential LearningLGBTQIA+First-GenDis/Ability and NeurodiversityAlyssa Camerota
Senior Career Consultant
Alyssa started with the Career Center in March 2014 working specifically with undecided students. She now also supports students pursuing technical and data-related majors. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Westminster College and her M.S. in Professional Counseling from Carlow University. Her background includes mental health counseling and both social and clinical research.
Alyssa offers personality and career assessments to help with the career exploration process. Alyssa is certified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory.
Alyssa works with Undecided, Undeclared, and students from the following majors:
Undeclared Majors
Undecided Careers
Nursing
School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
Specialties and Interests
Undecided StudentsTotionna Hill
Experiential Learning Consultant
Pronouns: She/Her & They/Them
School Info: BS in Psychology Neuroscience from Slippery Rock University, MS in Research Methods in Psychology from Swansea University
Places I have lived: Pittsburgh, PA; Slippery Rock, PA; & Swansea, Wales
Hi! I’m Totionna Hill, and I work as an Experiential Learning Consultant in the Career Center. In my role, I help students develop Career Readiness skills, explore their interests, and find internships & other experiential learning opportunities. While I was a student, I worked in Housing and Residence Life as a CA (which is called an RA at Pitt). I was also a Pittsburgh Promise Ambassador and a Campus Ambassador. In my free time, I like playing video games like Binding of Isaac, Animal Crossing, and any mainline Nintendo games, watching YouTube, crocheting, or exploring different shops around Pittsburgh.
My top artist on Spotify… Marino
Most likely late night binge… gaming, theories, ARGS, true crime, and historical retellings on YouTube
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… crocheting and crafting!
Specialties and Interests
Experiential LearningJamie Mathew
Pronouns: She/Her
School Info: B.S. in Business, Pennsylvania State University, M.S. in Higher Education Administration, Duquesne University
Places I have lived: Dallas, TX, Pittsburgh, PA
Hi! My name is Jamie and I love working at the University of Pittsburgh. I enjoy helping and guiding students to achieve their academic and career goals. I assist students in SCI and STEM majors with their career preparation, helping them to reach academic and professional success. I enjoy cooking and watching sports such as soccer and football.
The actor who would play me in a biopic… Mindy Kaling
My top artist on Spotify… Coldplay
Most likely late-night binge… Food Network
Jamie works with students in:
- School of Computing & Information (All majors)
- Computational Biology
- Computational Social Science
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Digital Narrative and Interactive Design
- Health Informatics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Erin Wheeler
Senior Career Consultant
Pronouns: She/Her
School Info: Westminster College: BA Elementary Education; University of Pittsburgh: Master in Higher Education
Places I have lived: Dayton, OH, Fort Wayne, IN, Meadville, PA, Winchester, VA, Columbus, OH, Pittsburgh, PA
I bring boundless energy and heart to every conversation with students. Before joining the Career Center, I spent years as an elementary school teacher, where I learned that real growth starts with truly listening and meeting people exactly where they are — and I carry that same philosophy into my work as a Career Consultant. I also teach a Wellness and Resiliency course, giving students mindfulness tools to thrive throughout all four years at Pitt. That’s a little bit about me — I can’t wait to learn more about you!
The actor who would play me in a biopic… Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls, always chatting, coffee in hand!
Most likely late night binge… Food Network!
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… History of local towns (please ask me about Conneaut Lake, PA or Pittsburgh!)
Erin works with the following majors…
Africana Studies
Anthropology
Applied Developmental Psychology
Architectural Studies
Communication
Economics
Education
English
Exercise Science
Film and Media Studies
Foreign Language
Health & Physical Activity
History of Art & Architecture
Linguistics
Museum Studies
Music
Public and Professional Writing
Religious Studies
Social Work
Sociology
Theater Arts
Specialties and Interests
Liberal Arts, Pre-Business, Education and Social WorkBrian Doyle
Brian Doyle joined the Career Center in 2019. He serves as an Employment Development Specialist focusing on STEM for Science and Engineering. His primary responsibility is creating increased employer interaction for students by developing relationships with companies and employers in these Engineering and Science fields.
Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015 and a Master of Business Administration from Delaware Valley University in 2018. He grew up in Bucks County, right outside of Philadelphia, but has always had a connection to Pittsburgh as a lifetime Steelers fan. He is a proud Pitt alumnus and a strong supporter of athletics here. Hail to Pitt!
Molly Hunter
Employment Development Specialist
Molly joined the Career Center in June 2026. She serves as an Employment Development Specialist for the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, where her primary focus is building employer relationships and expanding career opportunities for students in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
Molly earned her B.A. in Communication & Rhetoric from the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences at Pitt and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Marketing Science at the Katz Graduate School of Business. She brings previous professional experience in marketing, public relations, and broadcasting, having worked with organizations including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pitt Athletics, and TNT Sports.
Originally from Mount Pleasant, PA, Molly grew up attending Pitt Football games with her family, which first sparked her connection to the university. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time outdoors. #H2P!
Jeff Porter
Employment Development Specialist
Jeff Porter joined the Career Center in August 2015. He serves as an Employment Development Specialist for technology, engineering, and math related majors. His primary role is employer relations and employment development for technical fields. He also advises students that are in need of assistance with their career search based on Career Consultant referrals.
Jeff has a B.A. in Economics and Latin American Studies from the University of Texas and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Colorado. He has professional experience in human resources/recruiting, pharmaceutical sales and teaching English as a Second Language.
Shirley Stuckert
Employer Relations Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
School Info: Saint Vincent College; BA Psychology/Business minor
Places I have lived – Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and West Virginia
After spending 13 years in Human Resources, I took on what may have been my most rewarding role yet: full-time parenthood for 15 years. In 2023, I brought my interest in supporting people back to the workplace as Employer Relations Coordinator at the Pitt Career Center.
I love helping employers connect with Pitt’s exceptionally talented students and making the recruiting process as seamless as possible. Whether it’s posting opportunities on Handshake, registering for a career fair, or coordinating on-campus interviews, I’m always happy to be a resource and partner in finding the next generation of talent.
The actress who would play me in a biopic is… Jennifer Aniston.
My top artist on Apple Music is… Taylor Swift
Most likely late-night binge… I watch different shows all the time. I am looking forward to the new Ted Lasso.
Doyin Awofiranye
Alumni Student Programs Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
School Info: BSC in Economics and MBA, RPI
Places I have lived: Pittsburgh, Boston, Albany, DR Congo, Nigeria
Hi, I’m Doyin, and I joined the Pitt Career Center in 2023. I have a bachelor’s degree in Economics and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In my current role as Alumni Student Program Coordinator, I work to create opportunities for Pitt students to connect with alumni and explore their career paths. During my time as a student, I served as Secretary of the Black Graduate Student Association at RPI. I enjoy creating opportunities for students to connect, learn from others, and make the most of their college experience.
My top artist on Spotify is… Fireboy DML
Most likely late-night binge… The Office or Friends
The actor who would play me in a biopic is… Quinta Brunson
Specialties and Interests
Networking and Student-Alumni EngagementAlice Harrison
School Info: Diploma-ICM School of Business
Places I have lived: Pittsburgh, PA
Hi! I’m Alice and I very much enjoy interacting with Pitt students and the entire Pitt community. I serve as the receptionist in addition to responsibilities within the Business Operations Team. One thing that excites me in my role is watching the enthusiasm of students as they prepare for their future. A rewarding part of my life outside of work is volunteering with my church at senior facilities.
The actor who would play me in a biopic…Phylicia Rashad
My top artist on Spotify… CeCe Winans
Most likely late-night binge…House Hunters
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… The value of coupons and discounts
Sasha Gorchanyuk
Special Events Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
Education: B.S. in Communication at University of Louisville, M.B.A. at West Virginia University
Places I Have Lived: Kharkiv, Ukraine • Vancouver, Canada • Toronto, Canada • Lawrence, KS • Tuscaloosa, AL • Louisville, KY • Morgantown, WV • Pittsburgh, PA
Hi! I’m Sasha, and I love helping Pitt students find opportunities, build connections, and achieve their career goals! In my role as a Special Events Coordinator in Pitt’s Career Center, I help create and coordinate career events and experiences that connect students with employers and resources. My favorite part of this role is seeing students grow, gain confidence, and take steps toward their future.
Growing up, tennis was a huge part of my life, including the opportunity to represent Team Canada before continuing my journey as a student-athlete at the University of Louisville. My own experiences with internships, career programs, and mentorship shaped my passion for helping students find opportunities that make an impact. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, traveling, exploring everything that Pittsburgh has to offer, and spending time with family and friends.
The actor who would play me in a biopic… Margot Robbie
My top artist on Spotify… Tate McRae
My favorite late-night binge… Emily in Paris
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… Pittsburgh life + life adventures
Cooper Sharp
Data Coordinator
ABOUT COOPER
Pronouns: He/Him
School Info: Business Analytics M.S., Neuroscience B.S., Temple University
Places I have lived: Washington PA, Philadelphia PA, Ambridge, PA
My name is Cooper and I love to work with data to answer things we’re curious about. I am responsible for many of the data collection systems and projects, such as the First Destination Survey. I like to approach my work with the idea that I can help inform Pitt students and those aspiring to be!
My most likely late-night binge is… all of the water I forgot to drink that day
If I was a TikTok influencer, my niche would be… making pizza from scratch
The actor who would play me in a biopic is… (young) Evan Peters
Mary Ramsey
Program Coordinator of Student Success Initiatives
Dr. Mary Ramsey serves as the Program Coordinator of Student Success Initiatives at the University of Pittsburgh, serving at-promise students at Pitt, with a focus on supporting first-generation college students. A proud first-generation college student herself, Mary works with the Provost Academy and PALs program, and serves as the lead of the Career Prep Academy. She is a Certified Career Service Provider through NCDA. Mary obtained her Doctorate of Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where her research focused on the benefits of serving as a peer coach for underrepresented STEM students. She obtained her Master’s degree in zoology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she focused on conservation education in urban areas.
Prior to her current role, Mary served as the Peer Coach Coordinator for an LSAMP alliance and the lead of a STEM Academic Success Center. Mary has worked as an adjunct professor at Anne Arundel Community College, Clark State Community College, and Central State University where she taught biology, zoology, and college algebra.
Mary lives with her daughter, and dogs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She enjoys baking and tending to her houseplants.
