Mission
Transforming Oregon State University into a leading career-centered university
Vision
The Cascades Career Design Center team supports students in cultivating professional skills and relationships to thrive in and adapt to an emerging and dynamic workforce.
We seek to accomplish our vision by:
- Providing opportunities for career design throughout each year of our students' educational journeys at OSU-Cascades.
- Identifying equitable ways for students to engage in relationship building and grown their network to support their career growth.
- Collaborating with OSU-Cascades faculty and staff in their efforts to stay ahead of industry trends, embed career readiness into coursework and integrate experiential learning across all programs.
Values
We are student centered: Student success is central to our decision-making process.
We are a team: We pursue healthy and productive working relationships through open communication, mutual respect and celebration.
We value relationships: We believe that building and maintaining strong relationships is critical for student success.
We listen: We practice respectful dialogue, seek input from different perspectives and find common ground.
We focus: We align our energy, strengths and resources to achieve our goals.
We are adaptable: We are resourceful, curious and see opportunity in order to adjust to new and changing circumstances.
Staff
Cynthia Engel
Director, Career Design Center
cynthia.engel@osucascades.edu
Student Success Center 110H
Credentials:
MA, Ed Policy and Administration (Comparative and International Development Education): University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
BA, French: University of Oregon Honors College, Eugene, OR
Cynthia Engel is an experienced leader in global career development with over 25 years in higher education and international education. As Director of Career Services at OSU-Cascades, she leverages her expertise in program innovation, strategic partnerships, and inclusive career readiness to empower students for success in a global workforce.
Jeremy Hansen
Assistant Director, Career Design Center
jeremy.hansen@osucascades.edu
Student Success Center 110I
Credentials:
B.A. in Philosophy: University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification
With over 15 years of experience in education, Jeremy has honed his skills in the classroom as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at an international school, working with students from around the world. He also worked as an academic and behavioral coach for college students and young adults before accepting the position of career advisor at OSU-Cascades. Jeremy has also lived abroad in Uppsala, Sweden and Seoul, South Korea. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys the company of the mountains through mountain biking, hiking, camping, and snowboarding.
Ella Merkel
Senior Student Career Assistant
Ella is a senior at OSU-Cascades majoring in Environmental Science. Having worked jobs across multiple different industries, she enjoys sharing her experiences with others. In her free time, Ella enjoys spending time with horses, doing watercolor paintings of her pets, and making soap.
Loea Keana'aina
Student Career Assistant
Loea is a sophomore at OSU-Cascades majoring in environmental science. She enjoys all activities outside, from studying plants to whitewater rafting. In the school year to come, she looks forward to meeting new people and making new friends!