Central Career Team

The staff in Barnes Hall are happy to assist students and alumni.

Erica Kryst, Ph.D.

Executive Director (Central Career Services)

Erica was a first-generation college student and grew up in rural, Northeastern Pennsylvania. For over 15 years she has worked in higher education beginning her career in Multicultural Student Services and Residence Life. For the past 12 years, she has worked in Career Services, first at The Pennsylvania State University where she served as a career counselor, and then at Binghamton University in the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development. There she served as Senior Associate Director for Career Experiences and Education and guided career center initiatives that supported equity and inclusion, oversaw career consulting services as well as a credit-bearing internship program. Erica has also taught numerous courses focused on professional development, internships, and career exploration. In the fall of 2022, she took on the role Executive Director of Career Services at Cornell University. Erica earned a B.A. in Musical Theatre and Communications from Susquehanna University, a M.S.Ed. in College Student Personnel from Bucknell University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Policy with a minor in Comparative and International Education from The Pennsylvania State University. Her dissertation focused on the higher education experiences and post-graduation plans of college students from rural communities.

Erica loves working with college students and helping them connect to the opportunities and networks that will help them feel confident and achieve their goals. She is constantly seeking new and innovative ideas to support students’ career and professional growth and works to ensure equity is at the forefront of career education and opportunities for college students.

Top 5 Strengths: Individualization, Achiever, Maximizer, Arranger, Learner

Liaisons: Center for Teaching Innovation, Parent and Family Programs

Media: Inspired by students, new Exec. Director of Cornell Career Services takes helmCareer Development Toolkit wins national award for technology excellenceUnpacking the Hidden Curriculum of Career Services: The Cornell Career Development Toolkit

Career Pathways

Agriculture, Food, and Natural ResourcesEducation and Academia

Identities and Affinities

First Generation

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AlumniFaculty and StaffGraduate StudentsParents and Families

Contact

Location
103 Barnes Hall