Meet our Team
Office Information
Building/Suite: FAC 2.106 (2nd Floor)
Phone: 512-471-7900
Email: lacs@austin.utexas.edu
Fax: 512-471-7903
Office Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday - Friday
- Mailing Address
Liberal Arts Career Services
University of Texas at Austin
2304 Whitis Ave. Stop G6200
FAC 2.106
Austin, Texas 78712-1508 - Workshop Requests
Please fill out this qualtrics form to request liberal arts related career presentations.
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Staff List
Headshot of Tatem Oldham
Tatem Oldham, Director
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Manages all aspects of career services and provides career coaching for graduate students seeking careers outside of academia.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Experience as a psychotherapist in both group and individual settings. Extensive training and five years' experience with the foster care system in Texas. Two years of recruiting experience and eight years in admissions coaching.
Education and Training
MEd in Educational Psychology, and BA in Communication Studies, both from The University of Texas at Austin. Advanced Certification in Conflict Mediation; 30 hours+ training in child abuse prevention and Child Protective Services. Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Part-time therapist, part-time philanthropist.
Best piece of career advice?
Talk to as many people in your field of interest as possible. Be persistent when you job search!
When not at work I enjoy...
Reading and family time.
Headshot of Caitlin Von Liski
Caitlin Von Liski, Assistant Director
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Coaches students interested in graduate school in the humanities. Helps Liberal Arts undergraduates translate their skills into career opportunities. Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths within resumes, cover letters and interviews. Develops career plans and job search strategies.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
13 years of experience working in career services. Interests in mental health, wellness and self-care.
Education and Training
M.S. in Counseling Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Kansas.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Running an animal sanctuary for old or forgotten pets.
Best piece of career advice...
It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do yet – career paths are windy and take us on quite the ride over the years. Pursue your interests and things you love inside and outside of UT – things will start to become clearer. Also, meet with us! We can help you break things down one chunk at a time.
When not at work I enjoy...
Exploring Austin’s hidden gems, booping my cat, Buns, hiking on the greenbelt, playing video games and venturing to new coffee places for a good cold brew.
Headshot of Karintha Fenley
Karintha Fenley, Law School Admissions Coach
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Helps Liberal Arts undergraduates navigate the law school admissions process. Provides critiques of personal statements and resumes for law school applications. Develops pre-law workshops to help students make informed decisions about law school. Provides one-on-one guidance to students interested in pursuing law school. Helps Liberal Arts undergraduates translate their skills into career opportunities. Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths within resumes, cover letters and interviews.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Experience at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as an academic advisor for 4 years. Experience as a community organizer and journalist with a social justice focus. Worked for MGM Resorts in Training and Development as well as other areas of hospitality.
Education and Training
M.A., Journalism & Media Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
B,A., Marketing & Cultural Studies from Chatham University.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Documentary Filmmaker
Best piece of career advice...
Always strive to do well in any position or role that you find yourself in, preferably one that's enjoyable to you! You never know who you will meet that will be helpful or how it will help you to meet future career goals.
When not at work I enjoy...
Spending time with my family, finding new yummy places to eat in Austin, watching Netflix, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Headshot of Denise
Denise Gutierrez, Career Coach
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Helps Liberal Arts undergraduates translate their skills into career opportunities, with an emphasis on career exploration. Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths within resumes, cover letters and interviews. Develops career plans and job search strategies.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Health education and holistic wellness.
Meditation, yoga and mindfulness practices.
Diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.
Advocate for study abroad opportunities for cultural expansion.
Education and Training
M.S., Health Behavior and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin.
B.S., Advertising with a Business Foundations Certification, The University of Texas at Austin.
Registered Yoga Teacher, 500-hours, Yoga Alliance.
Best piece of career advice...
Be true to yourself and choose something that aligns with what you want to be doing next. Let your career exploration and experience be an extension of you discovering who you are and what brings you to life. Come meet with us; we can help you discover your interests and strengths and put together a plan for you to move forward in your career exploration!
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Photographing nature across the world.
When not at work I enjoy...
Drinking coffee, reading a good fiction book with my partner beside me on a cozy Saturday morning, walking around my neighborhood, riding my bike around Austin trails with my friends, playing tennis with my brothers, exploring new food with my parents and dancing my heart out.
Headshot of Jeramy Howell
Jeramy Howell, Career Coach & Course Coordinator
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Helps Liberal Arts undergraduates translate their skills into career opportunities. Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths within resumes, cover letters and interviews. Develops career plans and job search strategies. Manages the LA/UEX Internship Course applications. Instructs UEX Internship Courses.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Working with first-generation students. Careers in politics and government. Mental wellness. Psychological trauma.
Education and Training
M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling (In-progress), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center;
B.A., Government, The University of Texas at Austin;
A.S., General Studies, Paris Junior College
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
A correspondent for 60 minutes. I really enjoy watching how the correspondents rigorously question everyone from celebrities, politicians, dictators, to war criminals. They also travel to a variety of interesting sites around the world and compile it all into a well-worded, concise, and intellectually-stimulating report.
In addition, I'd love to be a chef! Cooking is fun for me and I often find myself watchng several cooking videos in one sitting!
Best piece of career advice?
Learn to be comfortable with failure - Its okay to have or experience failure along your professional and personal journey. It's how you handle that failure that will define your path. You should learn from it and use it as a stepping stone for further self-improvement.
When not at work I enjoy...
Spending time with my dog, Baxter. Paying attention to current affairs and politics. I also enjoy hiking, going to museums and reading about history.
Headshot of Allison Wahl
Allison Wahl, Corporate Career Coach
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Helps Liberal Arts undergraduates interested in the corporate sector translate their skills into career opportunities. Teaching Assistant for Economics to Career Course. Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths within resumes, cover letters and interviews. Develops career plans and job search strategies.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
Five years of experience in career services and recruitment. Teaching experience for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Education and Training
BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Child Development from Concordia University in Irvine, CA.
Best piece of career advice...
It’s never too late to set a new goal or dream a new dream. Your career plans may shift and that’s okay! Ask questions. Ask for help. Take advantage of your resources. Talk with people who are doing things that interest you. Be confident in what you bring to the table.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Running a rescue ranch in hill country for animals in need to live out their days in a peaceful, loving home.
When not at work I enjoy...
Running Town Lake, curling up with a good book, eating Mexican food, going to concerts, and hanging out with my husband, Tyson, and our French Bulldog, Oliver.
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Sheri Burson, Program Coordinator for Professional Development Education
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Designs and instructs career-focused curriculum for Liberal Arts majors.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise
I am a strong believer in the need for play in our children's lives. In my doctoral dissertation, I studied the relationship between in-school play opportunities and academic and social-emotional outcomes among elementary school children. I also assessed K-5 teacher perceptions of in-school play where they reported desiring more, but facing many barriers to providing what was needed. Additionally, I have over 4 years of higher education teaching experience.
Education and Training
- Ph.D. in Health Behavior and Health Education from UT Austin in 2021
- M.Ed. in Health Education from Texas State University in 2016
- B.A. in Health Education from Ashford University in 2015
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...
Assistant Professor of Instruction. I've always had a love for teaching, and being able to focus all my professional energy on educating and guiding college students makes me happiest.
Best piece of career advice...
You may find the greatest joy from the most unexpected jobs or internships, so be open to new opportunities that perhaps were not originally on your radar.
When not at work I enjoy...
I love spending time with my family (I have a 6-year-old daughter, a husband, and 2 cats), weightlifting, reading, and bingeing whatever shows I'm into at the time.
Headshot of Jess Arrazolo
Jess Arrazolo, Events & Employer Relations Coordinator
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Employers/Recruiters email recruit@austin.utexas.edu
Manages the Liberal Arts Career Services recruiting and professional development programs. Develops and maintains employer relations, job and internship postings, recruiting events and professional development workshops.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise:
I also have experience in coordinating various forms of media production. I am deeply interested in the craft of storytelling and creative development.
Education and Training:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication from St. Edward’s University.
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...:
Pastry chef.
Best piece of career advice?
Reach out to that person for a chat over coffee. Ask to talk to that classmate about your shared interest. They could say no but it’s also possible that you could meet your new mentor, your new friend, you could start to build a trusted circle of support around you. That circle is what helps keep you committed to your goals.
When not at work I enjoy...:
Reading, music, tv, baking, going to museums and spending time with loved ones.
Headshot of Reyna Buitron
Reyna Buitron, Services and Outreach Coordinator
Contact (Requires UT EID)
Manages our student workers and front desk. Helps students schedule appointments and learn more about our office. Coordinates services and events and leads tours of the office.
Additional Areas of Interest/Expertise:
Working with students in regards to academic interest and success
Education and Training:
Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Texas State University
If I could pick any career, other than the job I'm currently doing it would be...:
High school History teacher.
Best piece of career advice?:
“The Man in the Arena” quote by Teddy Roosevelt. Strive valiantly and do not be afraid of failure.
When not at work I enjoy...:
Going to the movies, traveling, reading and listening to live music.
Jess Arrazolo (she/her)
Assistant Director of Events & Employer Relations
Manages recruiting and employer events.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
I also have experience in show production. I am deeply interested in the craft of storytelling and creative development.
Education and Training
B.A., Communication, St. Edward's University
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Pastry chef.
Best piece of career advice...
Reach out to people with shared interests. You could meet your new mentor, your new friend, and build a trusted circle of support around you.
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Employers reach out via recruit@austin.utexas.eduz
Contact Jess
Reyna Buitron (she/her)
Services and Outreach Coordinator
Manages student workers and front desk. Helps students schedule appointments and learn more about our office. Coordinates services and events and promotes team building and professional development.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Working with students in regards to academic interest and success.
Education and Training
B.A., Political Science, Texas State University
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
High school History teacher.
Best piece of career advice...
Take advantage of internships! Internships give you the opportunity to test drive many different fields to get a better idea if certain a career path is right for you.
Contact Reyna
Sheri Burson
Program Coordinator for Professional Development Education
Designs and instructs career-focused curriculum for Liberal Arts students.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
In my doctoral dissertation, I studied the relationship between in-school play opportunities and academic and social-emotional outcomes among elementary school children. I have over four years of higher education teaching experience.
Education and Training
Ph.D., Health Behavior and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin
M.Ed., Health Education, Texas State University
B.A., Health Education, Ashford University
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Assistant Professor of Instruction.
Best piece of career advice...
You may find the greatest joy from the most unexpected jobs or internships, so be open to new opportunities that perhaps were not originally on your radar.
Hong Tran Escobar (she/her)
Program Coordinator for Professional Development Education
Develops curriculum for, manages, and teaches career courses for liberal arts undergraduate students. Promotes understanding of how the skills developed through the liberal arts curriculum can be used in diverse career paths. Designs and facilitates professional development curriculum and content.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Interest in helping all students, especially first-generation students, in achieving their professional goals. Experienced in career services, pre-law advising, student affairs, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and event planning.
Education and Training
J.D., Seattle University School of Law, visiting student at The University of Texas School of Law
B.A., Political Science and Sociology, University of Oregon
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Bookstore owner and philanthropist
Best piece of career advice…
There is a learning opportunity in every experience. Whether positive or negative, these experiences teach you what to look for (or avoid) in the future.
Contact Hong
Karintha Fenley (she/her)
Assistant Director of Pre-Law Services
Provides guidance for students with law school admissions and legal career exploration. Coordinates pre-law programming curated to inform and connect pre-law students to law schools and pre-law opportunities.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Experience as an academic advisor, various roles in the hospitality industry, media creator in social justice movements.
Education and Training
M.A., Journalism & Media Studies, The University of Nevada, Las Vegas
B.A., Marketing & Cultural Studies, Chatham University
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Documentarian & Media Producer.
Best piece of career advice...
With every role you find yourself in, do your best to make a good impression. You never know when the connections you make now will be useful to you later.
Contact Karintha
Denise Gutierrez (she/her)
Career Coach
Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths and develop career plans and job search strategies. Develops and leads career exploration workshops.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Health education and holistic wellness through meditation and yoga. Advocate for study abroad opportunities for cultural expansion.
Education and Training
M.S., Health Behavior and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin
B.S., Advertising with Business Foundations Certification, The University of Texas at Austin
Registered Yoga Teacher, 500-hours
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Photographing nature across the world.
Best piece of career advice...
Be true to yourself and choose something that aligns with what you want next. Let your career exploration be part of discovering who you are and what brings you to life.
Contact Denise
Jeramy Howell (he/him)
Senior Career Coach & Course Coordinator
Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths and develop career plans and job search strategies. Manages and instructs Liberal Arts and University Extension (UEX) Internship Courses.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Working with first-generation students. Careers in politics and government. Mental wellness. Psychological trauma.
Education and Training
M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
B.A., Government, The University of Texas at Austin
A.S.,General Studies, Paris Junior College
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Correspondent for 60 Minutes and a Chef.
Best piece of career advice...
Learn to be comfortable with failure along your professional and personal journey. It's how you handle that failure that defines your path. Learn from it and use it as a stepping stone for further self-improvement.
Contact Jeramy
Marshall Beomhak Lee (he/him)
Pre-Law Advisor
Provides guidance for students with law school admissions and legal career exploration. Coordinates pre-law programming curated to inform and connect pre-law students to law schools and pre-law opportunities.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Corporate Transactional Law; Criminal Justice; Capital Punishment
Education and Training
J.D.Candidate at University of Texas School of Law
B.A., International Relations and Global Studies,University of Texas at Austin
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Music producer!
Best piece of career advice...
If you don’t even believe in yourself, no one else will. Believe in all that you have done so far in the most difficult times!
Contact Marshall
Micaela Jones (she/her)
Career Coach
Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths and develop career plans and job search strategies. Manages internship course.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Deeply committed to supporting first-generation college students as they navigate academic, personal, and career development. Passionate about promoting study abroad opportunities and guiding students to make the most of international learning experiences. Experienced in helping students explore various career pathways, build confidence, and make informed decisions about their future.
Education and Training
M.S.S.W., Social Work (Administration and Policy Practice), The University of Texas at Austin
B.S.W., Social Work, Baylor University
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Texas
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Movie critique, travel agent, or professional crocheter.
Best piece of career advice...
Be proactive in seeking mentorship and opportunities. The support you build can become your greatest asset as you progress in your career.
Contact Micaela
David McBride III (he/him)
Economics Career Pathways Coordinator
Supports Economics majors with career readiness and professional development. Connects with employers, students, faculty, and staff in the Economics department to create enhance career pathways and opportunities. Teaching assistant for the ECO 101S career course.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
I benefit from nine years of experience in career coaching, including at Baylor College of Medicine and Tulane. I have also worked in non-profit coordination and social science research.
Education and Training
M.A., Sociology (In-Progress), University of Houston
B.A., Sociology, Mississippi State University
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Screenwriter for movies and television series.
Best piece of career advice...
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. – Arthur Ashe
Contact David
Bo Hee Moon (she/her)
Humanities Career Pathways Coordinator
Supports English and History majors with career readiness and professional development. Connects with employers, students, faculty, and staff in the English and History departments to enhance career pathways and opportunities.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
My poetry has appeared in Gulf Coast, Salt Hill, The Margins, and elsewhere.
Education and Training
M.A., English with Creative Writing emphasis, Northern Arizona University
Teaching English as a Second Language Graduate Certificate, Northern Arizona University
B.A., Creative Writing with Psychology minor, University of Arizona
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Writer and advocate for women and children.
Best piece of career advice...
Reflect on your values and align your career path with work that you will find meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Bo
Tatem Oldham (she/her)
Director of Liberal Arts Career Services
Manages daily career services delivery and operations. Teaches undergraduate professional development courses and provides career coaching for graduate students seeking careers outside of academia.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Experience as a psychotherapist in both group and individual settings. Two years of recruiting experience and eight years in admissions coaching
Education and Training
M.Ed., Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
B.A.,Communication Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Part-time therapist, part-time philanthropist.
Best piece of career advice...
Talk to as many people in your field(s) of interest as possible.
Contact Tatem
Patty Prado (she/her)
Executive Director of Career Initiatives
Leads the College of Liberal Arts’ career team. Collaborates with campus partners, faculty, employers, and alumni to elevate the career readiness experience for our students.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Life and career coaching with Austin non-profit organizations, mindful communication and leadership development, MBSR
Education and Training
M.A., Human Dimensions of Organizations, The University of Texas at Austin
B.S., Radio-TV-Film, The University of Texas at Austin
Certified Professional Coach, iPEC
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Marine Biologist.
Best piece of career advice...
Don't compare yourself to others. Go in the direction of what interests and energizes you. You get to define what success looks like for your life.
Contact Patty
Jenna Salzman (she/her)
Graduate Writing Consultant
Edits and revises pre-law documents like personal statements.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Writing statements for law school and grad school
Education and Training
PhD, Government (in progress), University of Texas at Austin
M.A., Social Science, University of Chicago
B.A., Political Science, Abilene Christian Universit
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Science communicator or astronaut.
Best piece of career advice...
Learning what you don't like doing is just as important as learning what you love. Sometimes you stumble into a career just by a series of elimination.
Michelle Sanchez (she/her)
Career Coach
Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths and develop career plans and job search strategies.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Over 7 years of experience in Talent Acquisition in the Information Technology industry, ranging from large technology organizations to a Series A start up. Passionate about helping people in terms of development as well as process improvement and implementing new initiatives and programs.
Education and Training
B.B.A., International Business and International Economics, Minor in Marketing, Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
If I could pick any career other than my current role, it would be...
International Travel/Food Blogger
Best piece of career advice
Be relentlessly curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Not only will you build your knowledge, but you’ll contribute towards your learning experience and development.
Contact Michelle
Carolina Sarria (she/her)
Career Coach
Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths and develop career plans and job search strategies. Teaching assistant for the ECO 101S career course.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Experience mentoring, advising, and teaching across education and nonprofit fields in the US and abroad. Spanish and French language skills. Passionate about education and global perspectives.
Education and Training
B.A., Government and International Relations & Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
If I could pick any career other than my current role, it would be...
Writer or Flight Attendant.
Best piece of career advice
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and not know what the next stage in your life will bring. Be persistent, hardworking, and seek support when you need it – and remember to take advantage of the great resources and opportunities UT has to offer!
Contact Carolina
Kiara Staton (she/her)
Pre-Law Advisor
Provides guidance for students with law school admissions and legal career exploration.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Focus on Family Law Litigation, pro-bono work, and community engagement efforts. Passionate about helping students to grow as individuals and find things that spark their interest not only in legal work but in their personal and professional lives outside of the classroom.
Education and Training
B.S., Political Science, University of Houston
J.D. (in progress), University of Texas School of Law
If I could pick any career other than my current role, it would be...
Social Worker or Novelist.
Best piece of career advice
Do the things that you love and make time to foster your passions! I truly believe when you do that, opportunities will follow.
Contact Kiara
Caitlin von Liski (she/her)
Assistant Director of Liberal Arts Career Services
Manages coaching team and provides career coaching and graduate school admissions coaching. Teaches Liberal Arts to Career (LA 101M) each fall and spring semester.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Interest in the connection between mental health, wellness, self-care and career readiness.
Education and Training
M.S., Counseling Psychology, The University of Kansas
B.A., Psychology, The University of Kansas
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Running an animal sanctuary for old or forgotten pets.
Best piece of career advice...
Pursue your interests and things you love inside and outside of UT – it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. Embrace new experiences and come chat with us!
Contact Caitlin
Allison Wahl (she/her)
Corporate Career Coach
Coaches students to identify and articulate their strengths and develop career plans and job search strategies. Teaching assistant for ECO 101S career course.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Over six years of experience in career services and recruitment. Enjoys working with first-year students, boosting confidence, and providing access to resources.
Education and Training
B.A., Liberal Studies with Child Development concentration, Concordia University
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Running a rescue ranch in hill country for animals in need to live out their days in a peaceful, loving home.
Best piece of career advice...
It’s never too late to set a new goal or dream a new dream. Career plans may shift and that’s okay! Ask questions. Ask for help. Use your resources. Be confident in what you bring to the table.
Contact Allison
Ryan Wilburn (she/her)
Student Experience Communication Manager
Ensures students have access to up to date information about career preparation resources, job opportunities, and events. Collaborates across departments to expand knowledge of career preparation resources.
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Experience in small scale event planning and social media management. Interest in helping students gain confidence in their skills and in the value of their Liberal Arts degree.
Education and Training
B.A., Communication Studies and Spanish, Southwestern University
If I could pick any career, other than my current role, it would be…
Private chef.
Best piece of career advice...
Every job prepares you for your future in some way, whether by strengthening skills or teaching you new ones, so don't pressure yourself to have your dream job lined up after graduating!
Contact Ryan
