Karin Asher
Interim Director

Karin serves as the Associate Director of the Career Center at the University of Pittsburgh, where she oversees numerous efforts related to career development services and resources for Pitt students. Karin’s ten-year career in Student Affairs has also included work in Residence Life and First Year Experience, contributing to her interest in engaging freshman students in career development. Karin holds a masters degree in Counselor Education from Penn State University and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Carol Balk
Career Consultant

Carol specializes in working with student populations including:
- Undergraduate students
- Transfer students
- Alumni
- Veterans
Carol provides expertise in career development with these majors and certificates:
- Public Service/Non-profit management certificate
- Administration of Justice/Legal Studies/Law, Criminal Justice, and Society
- Health Services
- Natural Sciences
- Media and Professional Communications
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Science/Environmental Studies/Geology
About Carol
Carol began working at the Career Center in July 2018. She earned her B.A. in Graphic Design from American University and her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University, where she worked as a career counselor for 4 years serving undergraduate/graduate students and alumni. Carol teaches two one credit classes, including internship for students in the public service major as well as a career development class for CGS students.
Prior to joining the Pitt staff, Carol engaged in several careers including ownership and operation of Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own ceramic studio and as an art director and graphic designer at the Carnegie Museums. She is a certified administer of the MBTI personality assessment and a trained facilitator in salary negotiation through the American Association of University Women (AACW). She is a member of the National Career Development Association (NCDA), American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU), National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and the Career Leadership Collective (CLC).
Specialties and Interests
CGS, Veterans, Adult StudentsContact
Recent Posts
Lindsay Fera
Employment Development Specialist

Born a Pittsburgh native, Lindsay graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Lindsay is a firm believer of leading by example, and fulfilling your commitments and doing so at the full extent of your ability. Additionally, she is a dynamic worker with the drive to go above and beyond in everything she does. Lindsay previously served as the Student Engagement Manager for 3.5 years at the College of Business Administration. Now, she is currently the Employment Development Specialist for the Career Center serving employers seeking early talent from among liberal arts majors or students interested in opportunities with government agencies or non-profit organizations. Hail to Pitt!
Contact
Recent Posts
Alyson Kavalukas
Internship Coordinator

Alyson joined the Career Center staff in 2012 and has been with the University since 2004. She has lived in Pittsburgh, Miami, Tampa, New York City and Lyon, France, with professional experience in a variety of industries. Alyson has two degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, a Bachelor of Arts in French and a Masters of Public Policy and Administration from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Hail to Pitt!
Specialties and Interests
InternshipsContact
Recent Posts
Ryan Sweeny
Assistant Director

Ryan began his career at Pitt in 2004 in career services; prior to working at Pitt, he was a mental health counselor and a high school teacher and coach. In addition to his duties as Assistant Director, Ryan enjoys working with undecided students.
Ryan holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Notre Dame.
Joel Anne Sweithelm
Special Events Coordinator

Joel Anne is responsible for the marketing and logistical coordination of the Career Center events, including the Fall and Spring Career Fairs, Majors & Minors Expo, and numerous other career-related programs and events. She has extensive nonprofit and association experience in fundraising, public relations, program development, and special events management. Joel Anne received her B.S. in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Sharon Mickens
Assistant Director, Employer Relations

Sharon Mickens joined the Career Center in June 2013. She serves as the Assistant 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.
Erin Wheeler
Career Consultant

Erin started working at the Career Center in November 2018. Prior to that, she worked at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education. Erin comes to the Career Center with four year in Higher Education as well as experience as an elementary teacher. She grew up in Meadville, PA but has also lived in Winchester, Virginia and Columbus, Ohio before moving to Pittsburgh in 2014. Erin earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Westminster College and her MEd in Higher Education Management at the University of Pittsburgh.
Erin’s passions includes advocating for a healthy work/life balance as well as physical activity. In her spare time you can find Erin at a yoga studio or researching local history.
Specialties and Interests
Liberal Arts, Pre-Business and Social WorkContact
Recent Posts
Glen Edward
Graduate Student Assistant

Glen Edward is a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education (M.Ed). While supporting students to enhance growth and development, giving students innovative learning opportunities and while creating a supportive environment. Glen’s research interest focuses on the political aspects of the intersection of sexual orientation, gender, and race in higher education in the United States and new methods of advising and supporting skills in career development.
Ingrid Beute
Career Consultant, Engineering & Science

Ingrid serves as the Career Consultant and Departmental Point of Contact for the following majors:
Swanson School of Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences
- Astronomy
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Neuroscience
- Physics
About Ingrid
Born in Johannesburg South Africa, Ingrid journeyed to the United States initially as an international student and has since lived in Venezuela and Canada before settling in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Ingrid joined the Career Staff in 2022 bringing with her experience in Intercultural and Global Development, Career Education and Development, Academic Advising and Academic Coaching. Ingrid obtained her master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Slippery Rock University. During the Covid-19 Pandemic she completed an IMMA accredited certification as Positive Psychology Practitioner and Mindfulness Coach.
Specialties and Interests
Engineering, ScienceContact
Alexander Ball

Alexander (Alex) Ball graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in the spring of 2017. In December of 2018, Alex was offered the role of Internship Associate with the university’s career center, a role he still holds today. He is a member of the Diversity + You team, facilitated the Panther Leadership Academy during the 2020 school year, and developed a “Mock Interview Day” program to help students practice their interview skills with recruiters in a more relaxed, welcoming environment. In the fall of 2022, Alex will earn his masters of higher education degree from Pitt.
Contact
Recent Posts
Lauren Fagan
Career Consultant

Lauren has been with the Career Center since July 2019. She works with SCI, Math & Stats students. She brings three years of career consulting experience with her to Pitt. Lauren was born and raised in Pittsburgh and attended Slippery Rock University. She received her BS in Psychology and then continued to receive her MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education with College Counseling.
Majors:
School of Computing & Information
Computer Science, Data Science, Digital Narrative & Interactive Design, Information Science, Intelligent Systems, Library & Information Science, Telecommunications
Department of Statistics
Statistics, Econ-Statistics, Applied Statistics
Department of Mathematics
Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Actuarial Mathematics, Mathematical Biology, Mathematics-Economics
Availability:
Spring Drop-In Hours: Mondays, 1-3 p.m. in 200 William Pitt Union
Here’s how to schedule appointments with Lauren:
-Undergraduates: please request an in-person or virtual appointment with Lauren in Handshake
-Graduate students: there is limited availability in Handshake with Lauren for graduate students. Reach out to Lauren by email if you cannot find a time that works for you.
SCI Only Office Hours: Fridays, 2-4 p.m.
In-person (5111 SENSQ) first Friday of every month, otherwise virtual via Zoom: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97141028904
Specialties and Interests
SCI, Math and StatisticsContact
Ashley Steffy
Career Consultant

Ashley has been with the Career Center since September 2019 with a focus on helping students within engineering, biological sciences and chemistry succeed. She graduated from Carlow University with a Masters in Student Affairs, though she has additional coursework related to counseling psychology. Ashley was born in Washington, PA and attended Washington & Jefferson College where she received her BS in Sociology. Her previous background is in mental health and education. She has a passion for advocacy, professional development, and helping others.
When not at Pitt she can be found reading a good mystery with her two curious cats.
Specialties and Interests
Engineering and ScienceContact
Recent Posts
- Physical Scientists can do anything: Here’s how you start your career planning by Alaina G. Levine
- What Can I Do with My Life Science Degree by Karen Walpole
- How to Get a Job in the Life Sciences Field out of College by Hannah Harshman
- 6 Red Flags to Avoid When Applying to Engineering Jobs by Karl L. Hughes
- From Intern to Software Developer: How One Engineer Prioritized Happiness and Growth by The Muse
Alyssa Camerota
Career Consultant

Alyssa started with the Career Center in March 2014 working specifically with undecided students. 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.
Specialties and Interests
Undecided StudentsContact
Recent Posts
Michelle Yingling
Career Consultant/Pre-Law Advisor

Michelle has been with the Career Center since January 2013. She was initially an intern and later became a Career Consultant working with students interested in Pre-Law and Social Sciences. Michelle is originally from Marietta, Ohio and moved to Pittsburgh, PA to pursue a graduate degree. She received her BA in Psychology from Ohio University. Michelle also received her MSEd in Child Psychology from Duquesne University and her MS in Professional Counseling from Carlow University.