Career Services Administration (CSA) collaborates with career centers, employers, and partners across the system to drive student career preparation. CSA supports colleges and campuses with scalable resources and foundational systems to foster an ecosystem where career preparation is unavoidable.
Career Services Administration
Sara Newberg Executive Director
Life Story
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamline University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in College Student Development. Having served for over 20 years in a director role of 3 career centers, I bring a strong understanding of career center operations and effective practices.
Role Responsibilities
As the Executive Director, I lead strategic initiatives that prepare University of Minnesota students to pursue their post-collegiate aspirations. Working collaboratively with partners throughout the system, Career Services Administration supports a ‘career everywhere’ philosophy in which career readiness preparation is equitable and unavoidable.
How did you become a career development professional?
I first got interested in working in higher education when I was a community adviser in a residence hall. I loved working with other college students and never wanted to stop. So here I am still doing that! I learned so many thing from that experience: how to manage conflict, how to gain respect and engagement from students as a leader, how to work as a team player and much more.
I became a career professional when I experienced how hard it was for me and my friends to transition from college to life after college. It seemed like there should be more support for students and I wanted to be a part of helping make that better.
Out of Work Obsessions
Out of work I enjoy time in nature and on our little farm with chickens, horses and cats.
Becky Hall Director - Career Systems
Life Story
I earned my MA in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, and a BAS in Psychology and Gerontology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. My experience in career development includes roles as Director, Assistant Department Director, Career Counselor, and Consultant with emphases on clientele in the technology, engineering, and healthcare industries. I am actively involved in many professional organizations, and have served on the Executive Board and as President of the Minnesota Career Development Association.
Role Responsibilities
Provide project management and leadership for many of the University’s coordinated career initiatives, including graduate outcomes measurement, vendor selection and contract processing, program development, and event management. Leads the office in partnering with units across the University of Minnesota system, including significant work with Global Programs and Strategy Alliance (GPS), Institutional Research, and Information Technology.
How did you gain experience when you were a student?
I worked as a student employee on campus in the student center and as a lifeguard in community education, both of which helped me to refine my skills as an instructor and coach. I also completed two internships during college, which helped to develop skills aligned with my coursework, to begin to establish my professional network, and to better clarify my career goals.
Strengths
Competition, Achiever, Command, Self-Assurance, Strategic
Best words of advice for students
Seek out support services. As a student at the University of Minnesota, you have access to many great supports, all of which are available to you to help you achieve your best outcomes during your time here, and to set you up for future success.
Jane Sitter Senior International Career Consultant
Life Story
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Individualized Studies with a focus in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, and Masters degree in Comparative International Development Education from the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development. Previous to joining Career Services Administration, I taught English in Seoul, South Korea at the Konkuk University English Village program, and supported international students in higher education in residence life, first year experience, and new student transition programs.
Role Responsibilities
I support undergraduate international students’ career development and job searching outcomes through programming for students and staff, and outreach to employers around the consideration of international candidates in their applicant pools.
How did you gain experience when you were a student?
I saw in my email an opportunity to become a Section Leader with the CLA First Year Experience. I was curious about helping other students and sharing my own experience. This led me to 3 years of work with the CLA First Year Experience, and other opportunities such as becoming a CLA Student Ambassador and deciding to become a Community Adviser in Housing & Residential Life. I gained so much meaningful experience as a student employee, and lifelong friendships!
Out of Work Obsessions
I love to explore globally and also around the Twin Cities! I love to try new restaurants, attend community festivals and events, and check out museum exhibits. My hobby is to try out hobbies, so I have taken classes with wood, glass, and textiles to learn how to make different things.
Strengths
Strategic, Communication, Input, Ideation, Woo
Myers-Briggs
ENFJ
Katie Kovarik Handshake and Events Manager
Pronouns: she/her
Life Story
I received my Bachelors of Design in Architecture with minors in Interdisciplinary Design and German from the University of Minnesota College of Design. Before joining Career Services Administration as a full time staff member, I worked in the office as a Graphic Design Office Assistant for the entirety of my undergrad.
Role Responsibilities
I lead the system-wide management and strategic oversight of the Handshake platform as the primary expert and liaison for the University of Minnesota. I plan and execute the Job & Internship Fair, coordinating logistics, employer outreach, and accessibility across campuses. Additionally, I develop and deliver training for career services staff, faculty, and students through workshops and digital resources. Beyond these, I support internal operations including office logistics, vendor coordination, communications, and various administrative functions.
How did you gain experience when you were a student?
I had a work study role on campus during my undergrad. This allowed me to gain experience in an office environment and meet people from a variety of offices across the system.
Out of Work Obsessions
Reading, baking, crafting and trying new hobbies
Strengths
Context, Individualization, Input, Developer, Responsibility
Myers-Briggs
INFJ
Annie Vangsnes Program Manager for Career Integration Initiatives
Life Story
My background is in both communications and career development, with 6+ years as a career coach. I have a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Kansas and M.A. in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development in Higher Education.
Role Responsibilities
As the program manager for Work+ at the University of Minnesota, I’m driven to improve the student employment experience for the 8000+ students who are integral to running our institution. Directing career content initiatives, I strive to coordinate engaging educational materials driven by and for students.
Sarah Cawthon Career Education & Content Manager
Life Story
My career has taken me through a variety of industries and roles, from communications and education to research operations, events, and content strategy, including time living and working in Mexico. Across each of these experiences, I've found myself drawn to the same kind of work — making information easier to understand, creating structure where it's needed, and developing resources that help people move forward. I enjoy translating complexities into clear, accessible content and learning experiences, which ultimately led me to career education.
I earned my B.A. in Communication and Journalism with a minor in Psychology from Indiana University and a TESOL certificate from the University of Notre Dame.
Role Responsibilities
As Career Education & Content Manager, I develop career education resources and content that helps students explore possibilities, build skills, and prepare for their next steps. I work with career centers and campus partners on curriculum, training, communications, website content, and system-wide resources.
How did you gain experience when you were a student?
I sought out a variety of opportunities during college to develop my skills and explore different areas of interest. I worked as a writing tutor, contributed to IU's student newspaper, and served as an on-air DJ for IU's student radio station. I also gained professional experience through retail work and internships with the University of Notre Dame's Center for Arts & Culture and Ancilla College's admissions office. In addition, I volunteered in Mexico, supporting kindergarten students in developing their educational and social skills. Together, these experiences helped me discover how much I enjoy communicating, creating learning experiences, and helping people navigate new opportunities — interests that have continued to shape my career.
Out of Work Obsessions
Traveling, good food, live music, existing in nature, hanging out with my cat, practicing yoga, and finding my next favorite coffee shop.
Strengths
Communication, Strategic, Adaptability, Individualization, Learner.
Myers-Briggs
INFP