Your Career Connections Center Team

How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center:  Since July 1, 2019

Professional background/history:

I began my career as a Career Services professional at Michigan Tech as a Career Advisor and then Assistant Director. I moved south to Dallas to take the position of Associate Director of Employer Relations with Texas Woman’s University, and then moved back north to join MSOE as Director of Career Connections Center. I thrive on helping students reach their professional potential after their hard work earning valuable degrees.

Current Role description (both student & employer services):

While I oversee the Career Connections Center office, I have an outstanding team, and I’m very proud of the work we do to provide career development and job search benefits to our students and alumni. We work hard to make it as easy as possible for students and alumni to find valuable and fulfilling internships while they’re in school, and full-time jobs upon graduation.

Personal: born, raised, sports, hobbies, interests, family, etc.:

First and foremost, I am the extremely proud mum of one daughter, Elizabeth, who is a talented SICU nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. I visit as often as I can!

I grew up in the U.P. of Michigan and have earned 3 degrees from Michigan Technological University – easy to do when it’s in your backyard. I spend a lot of time skating, skiing, snowshoeing, and shoveling in the 300+ inches of snow we received every winter. I love hockey and am a serious Dallas Stars fan.

I moved to Milwaukee to join MSOE, and after living and working in Dallas, I’m happy to be back to the Midwest and the great lakes. I’m really enjoying the city of Milwaukee, and I’m looking forward to getting to know my fun, new community of Bay View.

How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center: Since November 22, 2021

Professional background/history:

I started my career as a Software Engineer at Bethlehem Steel and then taught Computer Science and Business (Management & Marketing) at Saint Joseph’s College (IN). After moving to Milwaukee and working in the Career Services Centers at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee I was excited to join the Career Connection Center at MSOE as the Assistant Director of Employee Relations and Data Analysis.

Current Role description (both student & employer services):

As the Associate Director of Employer Relations and Data Analytics, my goal is to connect as many employers as possible with the great students at MSOE.

Personal: born, raised, sports, hobbies, interests, family, etc.:

I grew up in Highland, Indiana and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Saint Joseph’s College (IN). While working at Bethlehem Steel I earned my Masters in Business Administration from Indiana University.

I am blissfully married to Bill Massoels and the mother of Patrick, Samantha, and Megan. When not spending time with family or attending MSOE Cross Country and Track & Field meets, I love watching college and professional sports.  I have been to a game at 13 different MLB parks.  My heart will always cheer for the Chicago White Sox and Saint Louis Cardinals, but one can’t help but cheer for the Milwaukee Brewers when you live in the city of Milwaukee. Having cheered for the Green Bay Packers the entire time we lived in Indiana with our family (surrounded by Bears and Colts fans) it is nice to be in Milwaukee during football season. And living in the city during the Bucks championships has also been fun!

How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center: Since January 2, 2024

Professional background/history:

I obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Towson University, and subsequently received my M.B.A. with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Upper Iowa University. After working closely with the Career Connections Center from the employer’s perspective, I joined the team here in January of 2024. A teacher at heart, it was clear to me that I belong on this side of the industry – helping students navigate entering the professional workforce and obtain maximum return on investment for all the hard work required of an MSOE student.

Current role description:

In my role, I am privileged to meet with students individually to help with all aspects of career readiness development and obtaining gainful employment through internships or full-time roles. Additionally, I get to explore my creative side, through maintaining our Career Connections Center website and crafting many of the promotional images seen around campus and in emails from the Career Connections Center.

Personal: born, raised, sports, hobbies, interests, family, etc.:

I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to Milwaukee in May 2023. While I’m still getting used to the cold, I have been enjoying my time exploring everything Wisconsin has to offer, especially the food. As a foodie, I love to go out to eat, but I also love to cook! When I’m not exploring (or shopping), I enjoy spending time at home reading or cooking. I have two cats – Winnie and Omelette, and I am a self-proclaimed cat lady.

How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center: Since April 1, 2024

Professional background/history:

As a lifelong learner, educator, and coach, it is a privilege to invest in the development of others just as others have invested in my career success. I earned my M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from UW-Milwaukee while working as the VP/COO of a nonprofit healthcare organization. After devoting most of my career to leading people and organizations, I sought my certification in professional coaching from UW-Madison. I recently received my SHRM Certified Professional credential and am working towards my coaching credential from the International Coaching Federation.

I am dedicated to supporting diversity and am proud to advocate for an inclusive workforce. In my last role, I developed and presented training and resources about neurodiversity in the workplace, giving employers strategies for attracting, hiring, and retaining neurodivergent talent. By tapping into a wide range of personal and professional experiences, I hope to support the career aspirations of all students at MSOE including those identifying as neurodivergent or being on the autism spectrum.

Current role description:

MSOE students and alumni can find me at the Career Connections Center primarily during drop-in hours. My main focus will be supporting students with resume development, job search strategies, and interview, career fair readiness and more.

Personal:

Before all else, I am the mom to two amazing kids. If we’re not watching movies, cooking shows, or playing video games, we are probably walking our dog Rosie or enjoying the outdoors. In my spare time I like to write, crochet, and learning something new. I am a lousy gardener, but I’m trying! I grew up close to New York City and I have lived and worked in a number of cities, but none compare to my adopted home of Milwaukee.

How long you’ve been with MSOE Career Connections Center: Since September 27, 2024

Professional background/history:

My entire employment history has revolved around the field of education.  I obtained my teaching degree from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL.  I returned to my home state of Wisconsin for my first job in Two Rivers.  After a decade of teaching at the middle school level, my husband and I relocated to the Milwaukee area where I have taught at the high school level until recently.  I have been lucky enough to teach at a wide variety of schools:  rural and urban, private and public, large and small.  Being exposed to such a diverse student population has helped me grow as an educator and a human.  The last several years my focus has been on helping my juniors and seniors with transitioning to their post-secondary paths.  Moving to a position with the Career Center seemed like a natural next step in my own journey.

Current role description:

As the administrative assistant, I am the first face you see when you enter the Career Connections Center.  I do my best to make sure the days of my team members run as smoothly as possible.  I also help students and employers reserve interview rooms, check students in for appointments, and point students in the direction of our well utilized Career Closet.

Personal:

I was raised in the small Northeastern town of Peshtigo.  The entire population of Peshtigo is smaller than the student body here at MSOE!  My husband and I met in college and have been together for over 30 years.  He was born and raised in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago and currently works for a small, local IT firm.  We spend our free time attending Admirals games, volunteering with local animal rescue organizations, going to plays and musicals, and relaxing with our pups.  Both of our pups are rescues, one came to us through a local group, and one came from Toronto, Ontario (although she originates from the city of Bogotá, Colombia!).