Student Services
Meet the Career Management Team
Ramona Valdez, M.S.
Career Management Lead
Focus: Arts, Entertainment and Media
Colleges: Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Language Spoken: English
[email protected]
Wenjun (Vivian) Jin, M.A.
Career Management Lead
Focus: Natural and Life Sciences, Environment and Sustainability; Technology; Professional Services (non-business majors)
Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin
[email protected]
Alejandro Rodriguez
Career Management Lead
Focus: Energy, Construction, Utilities and Transportation; Manufacturing and Trade; Technology
Colleges: College of Engineering, College of Sciences
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
[email protected]
Esmeralda Cortes, M.A.
Career Management Lead
Focus: Education; Healthcare, Nutrition and Wellbeing; Social and Human Services
Colleges: College of Education, College of Health and Human Services
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
[email protected]
Lorenzo Sianez Jr., M.A.
Career Management Lead
Focus: Hospitality and Tourism; Military and Defense; Public Administration and Safety Services
Colleges: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
[email protected]
Daniel Nieto
Career Development Coordinator
Focus: Professional Services (business majors only)
College: Fowler College of Business
Language Spoken: English
[email protected]
Michelle Svay, M.A.
Career Development Specialist
Focus: Professional Services (business majors only)
College: Fowler College of Business
Language Spoken: English
[email protected]
Pearl Burgin, M.S., CRC
WorkAbility IV (WAIV) Coordinator/Career Counselor
Focus: Students with disabilities
Language Spoken: English
[email protected]
Germán de la Peña, M.Ed.
Career Development Coordinator
Focus: Energy, Construction, Utilities and Transportation
SDSU Imperial Valley
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
[email protected]
Career Fairs
Our career fairs connect students and alumni with employers to talk about various work opportunities. We also host an annual Graduate School and Continuing Education Fair for those interested in pursuing advanced degrees or certifications.
Self Exploration
This is the phase of exploring values, interests and skills as a result of self-reflection and career-exploration. At this phase, you should engage in a self-assessment of personal biases, values and cultural influences. Use this time to Identify skills, experiences and subject matter expertise necessary to enter specific career pathways.
Self Exploration Tools and Resources
Skills, Experience, Expertise
This is the stage of acquiring skills, experience and subject matter expertise necessary to enter specific career pathways. In this stage, you should identify and develop career readiness competencies as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) in the context of the workplace. You should also engage in High Impact Practices (HIPs) to gain ‘hands-on’ experience and insights into career and occupational pathways.
Skills, Experience and Expertise Tools and Resources
Employment Preparation
When preparing for employment, you should assess and articulate how academic, experiential and co-curricular experiences translate into skills, experience and career goals in order to secure specific occupations. At this time, you should identify and utilize effective strategies and resources for job searching and/or entrepreneurship. You should also develop and apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and pursue career opportunities that align with personal goals and aspirations.
Employment Preparation Tools and Resources
Career Navigation
Once you’ve entered the workforce, you may identify continuing education programs, schools, and credentials for professional development. You should also develop strategies for career navigation that prioritize work-life balance to manage professional goals and well-being. This is the time to demonstrate your knowledge of cutting-edge technologies (including Artificial intelligence A.I., etc.), and gain insight into utilizing them for career advancement.
Career Navigation Tools and Resources
Career Services Newsletter
Read our monthly newsletter, written for SDSU students and alumni. Within the newsletter you will find career tips, upcoming Career Services events, career events in the community, resources, job listings and more.
All students are automatically subscribed to the newsletter through their SDSU Handshake account. If you have not seen these emails in your SDSU email inbox, you may have to check your spam folder. If you would like to resubscribe or have issues receiving these emails, please submit a request to the Handshake Help Center.
Graduate School Resources
Get Connected
For general inquiries, visit our office, call our front desk, or email us:
5500 Campanile Drive, MC 8255
San Diego, CA 92182-8255
619-594-6851
[email protected]