Meet the Team

George Ampratwum became the Executive Director of the University of Pittsburgh Career Center in August 2023.

He has served most recently as the Director of Partnerships and Career Development at the Ashinaga Foundation in Japan. While there, he led the design, execution, and evaluation of five professional development initiatives and strategic programs in Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Brazil, and sub-Saharan Africa for over 150 employees and 6500 students. Other accomplishments included leading research and analytics to identify audience learning needs for employees and students and creating and facilitating learning and professional development programs across seven regional offices (UK, France, Brazil, USA, Japan, Senegal and Uganda).

Prior to the Ashinaga Foundation, he served at the African Leadership University (ALU) in both Rwanda and Mauritius as a Career Development Manager and Associate, respectively, scaling ALU’s career development and strategic corporate partnerships across the Rwanda and Mauritius campuses to ensure that 1200+ student secured jobs post-graduation.

George brings to Pitt a global perspective and experience, as well as expertise in business development and analysis, strategy and systems design, talent sourcing and management, financial modeling, and team development and management, among other skills. He holds a B.A. in psychology and sociology and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Ghana and an Executive MBA from the African Leadership University in Rwanda. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and working out.

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!

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.

Marie recently repatriated to the United States after 16 years of living and working in the Middle East. With 12 years of experience working in higher education in career development, she enjoys challenging, empowering, and training individuals for career exploration and growth. She is certified in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory and holds a certification as a Career Development Facilitator from the National Career Development Association, where she is also a member.

Before joining the University of Pittsburgh, she worked as the Career Services Manager for Northwestern University’s Qatar campus. She is experienced in career coaching, mentoring, professional development, administration, operational leadership, and experiential learning.

Marie holds a B.A. in Social Science and an M.S. in Education. She enjoys traveling, has been to over 20 countries, and likes gardening.

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 Associate Director for Career Consulting, 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, and makes amazing queso!!

Alex Aleco joined the Career Center in August 2023. Aleco comes to the Career Center with a diverse background in education and multimedia art, coupled with a passion for creative research and empowering students. They have first-hand experience navigating Pitt’s undergraduate experiential learning opportunities, including undergraduate research awards and internships, workshops, and networking events. In addition to their role as Experiential Learning Consultant, Aleco continues work as a mixed-media artist and independent researcher.

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 Thursday, 1pm – 3pm 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 Thursdays 1pm – 3pm by signing in on the Career Center website,  careers.pitt.edu.

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).

Alexander (Alex) Ball graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. In December of 2018, Alex was offered the role of Internship Associate with the university’s career center. In February of 2023, he transitioned into the role of the Pre-Law & Social Sciences Career Consultant. He was 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. Alex has a B.A. in Marketing from Penn State University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Alex is available to help any students considering Law School in their future or have interests related to the social science field.

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, Performing Arts, Career Education and Development, Academic Advising and Academic Coaching.

Ingrid holds a M.A. in Counseling & Development, Student Affairs in Higher Education from Slippery Rock University, and a M.A. in Piano Performance from the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. During the Covid-19 Pandemic she completed an IMMA accredited certification as Positive Psychology Practitioner and Mindfulness Coach.

Ingrid serves as the Career Consultant and Departmental Point of Contact for:
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

Ingrid also serves as coordinator for Pitt’s Career Champion Program

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.

Saya Jackson joined the Career Center in November 2023 to serve students in the fields of computing, informatics, and analytics. He is enthusiastic about collaborating with learners as they navigate their career transitions so that they don’t lose their vision, compromise their values, or silence their authentic voice.

He comes with over a decade of experience working as a human capacity development professional including five years of supporting the professional development of software developers at an international software company. He has also served as a research supervisor, lecturer, and a learning designer.

He was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and has lived and worked in several African countries including South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria.

Saya is a certified mental health coach and holds undergraduate and master’s qualifications in applied and Life Sciences as well as post-graduate certification in global entrepreneurship.

Saya works with the following majors:

Computational Biology
Computational Social Science
Computer Science
Data Science
Digital Narrative and Interactive Design
Information Science
Physics and Quantum Computing

Born in Cochabamba-Bolivia journeyed to the United States initially as an international student-athlete to play tennis, and has since lived in Kentucky and Washington State before settling in the Pittsburgh Area. Raquel began working at the Career Center in October 2022. She earned her B.B.A. in General Business and her M.S. in Exercise & Sports Science with a Sports Administration concentration from Eastern Kentucky University, where she worked as a life skills mentor for 2 years serving undergraduate first year student-athletes.

Prior to joining Pitt, Raquel served as the Life Skills Graduate Intern for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, in Spokane, WA. During her time, she oversaw the career development for all student-athletes as well as coordinating different community building events with SAAC as their WCC Liaison. She also served as academic point person for incoming freshmen of Women’s Tennis, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Rowing.

Previously to Gonzaga, she served as the Graduate Assistant for the Bratzke Student-Athlete Academic Success Center at Eastern Kentucky University where she oversaw academic progress for Football and Men’s Basketball.

Asha Seshan joined the Career Center staff in January 2024. She has lived in India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and various cities in the Unites States including Boston, Chicago, New York City, Seattle, and Pittsburgh. Prior to joining University of Pittsburgh, she has a worked at a consulting company and an online marketing start-up. She also held led STEM (robotics/computer science) and sports-related non-profit organizations.

Asha graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Economics. She also has a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Chicago.

In her spare time she leads an international LEGO robotics community for adults, serves on the board of a STEM non-profit, and mentors FIRST robotics teams.

Asha works with all majors at University of Pittsburgh, guiding students on their search for experiential learning opportunities and helping them reach their full potential.

Ashley has been with the Career Center since September 2019 with a focus on assisting 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 BA in Sociology. Her previous background is in mental health and education. She has a passion for advocacy, professional development, sustainability, and helping students to grow and thrive at Pitt and beyond.

When not at Pitt she can be found reading, gaming, playing Dungeons & Dragons or spending time with her two curious cats!

Ashley serves as the Career Consultant and Departmental Point of Contact for the following majors:

Swanson School of Engineering
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering

Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences
Bioinformatics
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Computational Biology
Ecology & Evolution
Microbiology
Molecular Biology

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.

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

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 almunus and a strong supporter of athletics here. Hail to Pitt!

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.

Michelina (Lina) Zwastetzky joined the Career Center in 2023. She serves as an Employment Development Specialist for students whose career interests include business, government, non-profit, the arts, marketing, media, education, and more. Her primary role is matching employers with students by developing positive relationships with companies who are open to hiring students within the liberal arts majors.

Lina graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, earned a teaching certificate from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Education in Higher Education Management from Pitt. With experience in industry and teaching, her goal is to focus on student and employer success stories.

Adedoyin (Doyin) Awofiranye joined the Pitt Career Center in 2023 as a recent graduate from the Master of Business Administration program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor degree in Economics from Covenant University in Nigeria. Her academic experience, particularly as a Teaching Assistant at Rensselaer, equipped her with robust data analysis and strategic planning abilities. As the Black Graduate Student Association Secretary at RPI and former Student Body President at New Hall International School, Doyin developed a passion for leadership and mentoring.

Alice has been an employee at the University of Pittsburgh since 1990.  In 2007, she joined the Career Center and currently is the Student Services Assistant/Receptionist.

Peggy started in the Career Center in August 1994. Her responsibilities include all budgets, human resources related duties and compliance with University processes and procedures. Peggy has been at the University of Pittsburgh since 1978 working in research, medicine and education before arriving in Student Affairs. During that time, she attended Pitt for Psychology. She says working in Student Affairs has been the best experience she’s had at Pitt because of the opportunity to work with students.

Bradley Pollock became the Pitt Career Center’s Data Coordinator in May 2023.  He has worked at Pitt since 2019, most recently as a Research Development Analyst in Pitt’s Office of Research.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Education from Allegheny College and is currently earning a graduate certificate in Applied Data Driven Methods from Pitt.  In his role he supports collection, analysis, and presentation of relevant student data including the annual first destination survey.

Rebecca became the Communications and Marketing Coordinator in the Career Center in 2022. Prior to that she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Washington and Jefferson University.

Samantha is currently a Graduate Student at Chatham University working to earn her Master’s in Counseling Psychology. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Conflict and Resolution Studies at Washington & Jefferson College. She joined the Career Center team as an intern in May of 2024.

Outside of academia, Samantha enjoys watching Pittsburgh sports, traveling, working out, and reading.