About the Career Design Center

Redefining the career experience. At the Career Design Center, we engage with the UB community, employers and alumni to challenge students to see possibilities and seek opportunities in preparation for life after college.

What We Do

Create career and life design experiences, elevate social capital and cultivate connections with top employers so students can prepare for life after college.

Design a career and life with meaning through discovery – together we help students uncover interests and new paths, build connections and grow forward.

Start by joining career communities

Amplify the links between people through an expansive career champion network-- so that all students can be guided toward academic and career success.

Message other students and employers in Bullseye powered by Handshake

Prepare students to live and lead in a global world by building more connections with top regional, national and international employers to increase job and internship opportunities.

See who's hiring

How We Do It

Studio 259 (located at 259 Capen Hall) is more than just an office for the Career Design Center. Instead, it’s a welcoming, active-learning design studio featuring self-guided public art installations focused on career and life design, professional selfie stations, a practice interview PoppinPod, the latest in mobile screens and flexible furniture to triple the amount of usable space. Faculty and staff are invited to visit Studio 259 to facilitate career conversations with students, conduct interviews, introduce career exploration resources to classes, and anything else you can dream up!

Book a tour of Studio 259

More than 90 percent of recruiters use online profiles such as those found on Bullseye powered by Handshake and LinkedIn when hiring. And the first thing a recruiter should see is your professional-looking photo. Stop by Studio 259 to take your professional selfie Monday-Friday.

Sometimes things just don’t go as planned. We all experience setbacks but sometimes our failures create the space for new opportunities that lead to our greatest achievements. Failure enhances our resilience and teaches us life lessons that help us to grow and step forward into possibly unexpected, but still undeniably wonderful life experiences.

Uncover adventures. Check out the paths that our #UBuffalo community has taken by scanning the QR code under their name and see yourself in their remarkable stories.

Your network is much larger than you think. Get started by thinking about the people in your life right now who support your academic and professional success. Grab a marker and fill in the bubbles!

Design your career + life with the Career Design Studio. Filter by how you are feeling, browse by collections, or let the Career Design studio surprise you by taking this simple quiz.

Who’s In Your Network? Building your network starts with the people you know, expanding each time you boldly connect with people who can provide industry insight, knowledge, and even more connections! Networking goes both ways, so think about how you can pay it forward when someone helps you, too.

Pick a pennant you are most drawn to. Scan the QR codes next to each pennant to explore that Career Community’s content collection in the Career Design Studio. Then, join one or more Career Communities in Bullseye powered by Handshake to receive personalized resources and events sent right to your inbox.

You are unique. Career Communities are the best place to explore all the ways you can combine your unique interests and talents with job market trends and in-demand skills, together with a community of like-minded UB students, alumni, and mentors.

Your major is just the beginning. Career paths are limitless with many twists and turns. By trying new things, you can build your way forward, weaving your interests and skills together. So, be open and say yes to new opportunities that challenge you to design a meaningful life and career. You may be surprised by the adventure that unfolds.

Practice and preparation are two keys to building the interviewing skills required to land the opportunity you want. Speaking naturally while telling good stories and selling your skills and experiences takes time to master. Take advantage of our Poppin Pod to settle in and use our Big Interview tool to practice the tough questions and increase your interviewing confidence.

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Meet Your Connections

Meet the faces that believe discovery creates opportunity. Every career design center connection has a story to tell. It begins with an interest and leads to an opportunity where their career and life have collided.

Steven Simpson

Director

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to team activities and environments. As a former college athlete, musician, and active member of our community with my family, I have thrived most when connecting, collaborating, and learning with and from others.

When I'm not collaborating with our talented Career Design Center team to engage and support our students, alumni and employer partners, you can find me playing my guitar, biking, golfing, reading, and learning about history, or watching F1, soccer, baseball, and hockey events.

Connect with Steve

Career Communities:
🎨 📈

Tiffany Bassett

Employer Relations Associate

I aim to try at least one new hobby each year. Last year, I learned to knit mittens and bake bread. This year, I’ve learned to sew my own clothes and I’m thinking of trying piano. Ask me about the hobby I plan to try next.

Connect with Tiffany

Career Communities:
🤲🎨⚖️

Ed Brodka

Career Design Consultant

I love humor and helping students use LinkedIn. Ask me about why laughter is so important.

Connect with Ed '85, '87

Career Communities:
🎨 🤘

Gina Bellavia

Graduate Career Design Consultant

I love growing vegetables and herbs and then using them in recipes to feed people. Each year I like to experiment with new plants and meals. Ask me what I plan to grow next!

Connect with Gina

Career Community:
🤲

Hannah Danielski

Events Coordinator

Dave Ferris

Career Design Consultant

I love everything basketball; the history of the game, watching it, playing it, and discussing all topics surrounding it. Ask me who my favorite player is AND ask me who I think the GOAT is.

Connect with Dave

Career Community:
⚙️

Jenna Hubbard

Associate Director, Operations and Special Events

I'm a foodie. Ask me why I decided to grow 40+ lettuce plants inside my house. 🥬

Connect with Jenna

Career Communities:
🎨 ⚙️ ⚖️ 💙 📈 🤲

Lauren Johnson

Associate Director, Career Education and Academic Initiatives

I love to make people laugh… through my singing! Ask me about how my stand-up comedy routine in front of 600 people turned into one of my most embarrassing moments.

Connect with Lauren

Career Communities:
🎨 ⚙️ ⚖️ 💙 📈 🤲

Holly Justice

Career Design Consultant

I love exploring the natural world. 🌲 🏞 🌳 Ask me about my next adventure.

Connect with Holly

Career Communities:
🎨 ⚙️ ⚖️ 💙 📈 🤲

Lauren Khoury

Student Operations Coordinator

I read books the same way that I read a room. Quietly and quickly. 📚 Ask me what book I’m reading now.

Connect with Lauren

Career Communities:
🎨 🤲

Hunter Lane

Senior Career Associate for Internships

I love to play tennis, volleyball, and anything remotely competitive. My roots are southern, and the beach is my favorite escape. I have a weird obsession with caesar salads and am always seeking out the newest restaurant in the city. Ask me about my favorite wing, pizza, or Italian joint in Buffalo.

Connect with Hunter

Career Community:
📈

Mara O'Shei

Instructional Support Technician

Outside of work, I try to be outside as much as possible. I was always the kid who enjoyed running through the woods and exploring. I love to camp, hike, run, fish, swim, and pretty much any hobby you can think of while outside. When the rain or snow is too much for me though, I enjoy playing board games with my family or reading a new book. Ask me about my latest outdoor adventure!

Connect with Mara

Cara Morse

Employer Relations Associate

If I had a million dollars I’d buy a shed filled to the top with craft supplies. I could get lost in being creative for hours and often wander the aisles for new and interesting ideas. Ask me about my favorite crafting project.

Connect with Cara

Career Communities:

💙 🤲