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.
On this page:
Student Life
University at Buffalo
259 Capen Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-2231
Office Hours
Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Amplify the links between people through an expansive career champion network-- so that all students can be guided toward academic and career success.
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.
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!
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.
Tiffany Bassett
Career Design Consultant
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.
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!
Career Community:
🤲
Hannah Danielski
Events Coordinator
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me trying new restaurants around Buffalo, watching a documentary, or at a Disney Park. I love all things Disney from the history and the experience and the movies and shows. If you ever need any fun Disney facts or just want to talk about the latest Marvel movie, I’m your person!
Career Communities:
🎨
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.
Career Community:
⚙️
Jenna Hubbard
Associate Director, Operations and Special Events
Lauren Johnson
Associate Director, Career Education and Academic Initiatives
Lauren Khoury
Student Operations Coordinator
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.
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!
Cara Morse
Employer Relations Associate
Wayne Porterfield
Career Design Consultant
Meg Recktenwald
Associate Director, Employer Relations and External Engagement
I’ve participated/competed in a number of athletic trials in my life. Ask me what I have learned about myself and life by doing so.
I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting music. Ask me what I’m listening to lately.
Career Communities:
⚙️📈🤲
Carl Remmes
Career Design Consultant
I'm learning new ways to polish my YouTube, podcasting and gaming skills. Ask me about my latest Warhammer 2 campaign.
Career Community:
⚖️
Greg Sampson
Operations Assistant
I understand the world through story. Ask me about the roles I’ve played in my life!
Career Communities:
⚖️
Jenell Spitale
Associate Director, Experiential Learning & Student Employment
I am a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, enjoy MMA cardio classes alongside weight training and Pilates. All that training means I’m often working up an appetite, and I enjoy singing along to music while cooking my family’s favorite dishes. Ask me about what’s on the menu or my playlist!
Career Communities:
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
A robust career community that challenges students to imagine and design meaningful lives and careers.
Mission
We challenge students to see possibilities and seek opportunities in preparation for life after college.
Values
- We are Authentic.
- We are Resilient.
- We are Adaptable.
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