Career Development Team

Samantha joined Merrimack’s professional staff in July 2012 after serving as a graduate career advisor for first-year business students.  Following Samantha served in various roles across the center, from advising to operations. Most recently, Samantha served as the Director of Employer Experience, supporting employers as they seek to connect with students and the Merrimack community. She became an Assistant Vice President of the O’Brien Center in 2021.

Samantha earned her M.Ed in Higher Education from Merrimack College, and her B.B.A. in Hotel, Resort, & Restaurant Management from Northwood University, West Palm Beach, FL.

What is most important about career development that you learned in college?

“My alma-mater had a significant focus on networking and continuous personal/professional growth built into every course we took.  We were encouraged to attend local networking events for our industry once per month, to get business cards, to send thank you notes, and to engage in internships/co-ops.  The continuous reminder to interact with others and engage in each opportunity shaped my entire future and remains with me in the work that I do now in career development.”

Shannon has been a member of the team since August 2018, starting her time as the Corporate Engagement & Employer Relations Graduate Fellow then the Employer Relations & Engagement Specialist. While acting as the Assistant Director of Employer Engagement, she connected with employers building their organizational brand and recruiting strategies on campus.

As the Director of Career Connections, Shannon oversees student career development events such as the Internship & Career Fairs, Professional Development Retreat, and school-based networking and panel events. She will continue to serve as a liaison to employers as they connect with the student talent pool at Merrimack.

Shannon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Organizational Science from Coe College and her Master of Education in Higher Education at Merrimack College as a first-generation college student. She came to campus with experience in Admission in the Midwest before finding her home in career development.

What does Shannon wish she knew about career development when she was in college?  

It’s okay to meet with an advisor or participate in an event, even if you are unsure of what you’d like to do in the future. These appointments and events are meant to be ways you can learn about different career opportunities in your field(s) of interest. You can network with alumni who were in your shoes and hear about their career paths, hear about a job title you didn’t know existed, and so much more by just joining in!

Ellen re-joined the O’Brien Center team in October 2022 after working in marketing for a public library where she promoted library services and resources to the community.

Prior to that, Ellen was a graduate fellow in the O’Brien Center where she led marketing campaigns that encouraged students to network with one another, participate in internships, and strengthen their professional development skills. 

Ellen earned her M.Ed in Higher Education from Merrimack College, and her B.S. in TV/Video Production from Hofstra University.

What is the best piece of advice you can give to students about career development?

“It’s okay to change your mind or adjust your goals! Your degree does not necessarily define your career trajectory for the rest of your life. If you’re unsure of your career path, focus on transferable skills such as leadership, project management, teamwork, and solid interviewing skills to prove yourself to a potential employer. My career has already spanned at least 3 different industries! ”

Michael joined Merrimack’s professional staff in August 2022 after serving in higher education at Suffolk University in Boston for over 5 years. At Suffolk Michael focused on student employment and faculty support. Michael’s role at the O’Brien Center is Career Education & Preparation Coordinator. Michael helps to coordinate, organize, and host workshops, trainings and retreats for students, faculty and staff at Merrimack College.

Michael earned his BA in Education from Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.

What is most important about career development that you learned in college?

“While in college I learned it’s never too early to start thinking about your future. My alma-mater offered numerous workshops and events focusing on personal growth and career development. While I did attend a couple of these helpful events, I wish I attended all of them! Learning from my mistakes, it’s great to be in a position to encourage current students to take advantage of all the O’Brien Center for Career Development has to offer.”

Audrey joined Merrimack’s team in 2022 as the Career Progress and Outcomes Coordinator. Prior to this Audrey worked in various customer service and relations roles where building professional relationships was a key focus of her job. 

Audrey earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Endicott College with a Major in English Literature and Language and a minor in Business Administration. 

What is the best piece of advice you can give to students about career development?

Building relationships to further your career development doesn’t have to be scary. Being personable and having a positive attitude is a great way to make lasting professional connections. Having worked in various different fields, I’ve had the opportunity to see how different fields can be intertwined by interpersonal connections that can expand your network!

Hannah joined the O’Brien Center team in the Fall of 2023 as their Marketing and Student Outreach Graduate Fellow. Hannah recently graduated from Merrimack College in May of 2023, and she got her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media and Environmental Science and Sustainability with a minor in Marketing.

What is most important about career development that you learned in college?

“The most important aspect of career development that I learned in college is the importance of networking. Making connections and expanding your network opens up opportunities in many different areas, and it can be really beneficial for your career development and also fun!”

Rachel joined the O’Brien Center team in August 2023 as the Career Connections Graduate Fellow after working as an elementary school teacher. She also serves as head coach of the Merrimack College Cheer Program.

Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Elementary Education from Merrimack College in 2018 and is a current graduate student in the Communications & Media Department.

What is most important about career development that you learned in college?

“The most important aspect of career development that I learned in college is how many different experiences, whether they seem career related or not, can help you grow skills that you can apply to your career in the future. Experiences on teams, clubs & organizations on campus can help to build useful skills that can make you more successful in your future career.”

Sandy joined the O’Brien Center team in the Fall of 2023 as their Career Education & Preparation Graduate Fellow. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2009, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Sandy has since then served time in the military, traveled throughout Asia, and taught yoga in India, Laos, Mongolia, and the USA. She is now a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

What is most important about career development that you have learned?

“I have learned to take lessons from each different career to mold myself into a resourceful team player. Even within a career there could be many departments to get cross-trained in and we should always gratefully accept those opportunities because sometimes we find new things we’re interested in. Career development has been a significant part of shaping my personality, planning a better life for my family, and helping others succeed.”

Abigail joined the O’Brien Center team in the spring of 2023 as the Graphic Design Intern. Abigail is heading into her Senior year at Merrimack College, where she is pursuing a degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Studio Art. Outside of working with the O’Brien Center for Career Development, she is the Captain and Vice President of Merrimack’s Women’s Club Hockey team.

What do you wish students knew about the resources that the O’Brien Center offers?

I wish students at Merrimack knew how helpful the O’Brien Center could be. They provide many resources that assist students in finding career paths. Programs like AWATO, What Can I Do with this Major? and Lightcast can help students figure out what they might be interested in and what they can do after choosing a direction. The O’Brien Center for Career Development has many resources for students on all different paths. If a student is stuck on what to do next, whether it’s picking a major, concentration, or job, checking out the O’Brien Center resources should be the first place students go.