Career Advisor Bios

Melanie Murray

Melanie recently joined DePaul University’s Career Center in March 2006 as the Career Specialist for the College of Commerce students and alumni. She has several years of experience in career advising students and alumni as well as teaching a career development class at DeVry University. She also has a number of years of experience as a technical recruiter for IT consulting companies in the Chicagoland area. Melanie earned a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Mount Union College in Ohio.

Josh Billings wrote, “Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.” I like this quote, because it is motivational on finding ones strengths and putting them to work for you. I enjoy helping others achieve their goals and it is rewarding for me to see people happy in their career decisions.

Tess Nyka

Tess is the Associate Director of Career Services in addition to being a career advisor. She currently serves accounting students and alumni from the College of Commerce. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed her Master of Education in Counseling and Human Services (with an emphasis in higher education) at DePaul University. Prior to joining the Career Center staff, she worked at a financial services firm in human resources and at a law firm in recruiting.

“The job search process can sometimes be very challenging for a student or an alumnus. But, when that student or alumni walks out of my office ready to take the steps necessary to make their job search successful, that is tremendously rewarding for me.” —Tess

Mel Caliwliw Johnson

Mel recently joined DePaul Career Center in October 2005 as the Career Specialist for CTI students and alumni. Mel earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Career Development from Northwestern University. She received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Industrial Engineering from University of Toronto in Canada. Before joining the Career Center at DePaul University Mel worked as an Intern and as an Assistant Director at Northwestern University Career Services providing career advising to undergraduate students. Prior to moving to Chicago in 1996, Mel worked for multinational companies such General Electric in Canada as an Industrial Engineer and NynexCablecomms in the UK as a Product Manager .

“I believe that identifying and navigating your career path can be a very challenging process. In working with DePaul students and alumni, it is my hope to be an effective part of that development by providing the necessary tools and basic strategies that will enable them to explore career opportunities, create effective career plans and ultimately achieve their goals. I find it really gratifying to see motivated individuals land a great job or internship as a result of their hard work and perseverance.” —Mel

Ed Childs

Ed Childs earned his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from the University of Tennessee, and also holds a Master of Science in College Student Personnel with an Emphasis in Counseling from the University of Tennessee, and has a pending Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Memphis. He is a Doctoral candidate in Curriculum Studies at DePaul University. He joined the Career Center in May 1999 as an Internship Coordinator. Additionally, Ed worked as a financial staffing consultant with Norrell, an admissions counselor at Southern Illinois University, and an academic advisor at the University of Tennessee. He has made presentations at the National Career Development Association, the National Society for Experiential Education, and the National Resource Center for the First–Year Experience and Students in Transition. Further, Ed was professionally trained in working with Alumni at the Annapolis Institute, and in counseling college students through the AP College Board. Ed provides advising and assessments to students in the college of Liberal Arts & Sciences and with undecided students. He is also certified to administer and interpret the MBTI and the Strong Interest Inventory. Ed also has 7 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in higher education.

“I came to this field because of my belief that life is about learning and personal growth. Through teaching and advising we help activate this within students, allowing a person to discover what gratifies them in life.” —Ed

Donna DelGiudice

Donna was a returning adult student who received her Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Management from DePaul’s School for New Learning in 1992. She has been with the Career Center since January 1995 and currently holds the role of Career Specialist/Manager of Suburban Career Services. Before joining the Career Center staff, Donna was the Assistant Director of Student Life/Adult Student Services. Donna is a career changer, spending 18 years in the business world before working in higher education. She is currently pursuing graduate education in the Master’s in Public Service program at DePaul. Donna’s specialty is providing guidance and advising to adult students and career changers. In addition, Donna interprets self–assessment results, helping students focus on a career area.

“I feel that finding the right career choice is one of the most important decisions a person can make. I enjoy helping others identify options and strategies to help with their process.” —Donna

Hilarie Longnecker

Having held several positions within the Career Center, Hilarie Longnecker is excited to be providing advising services to students and alumni of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. While working towards her undergraduate degree in English at DePaul University, Hilarie served as a Peer Career Advisor and Event Planning Intern. After graduating in 2002, she worked in nonprofit development before returning to the Career Center full time as the Event Manager. In 2006, Hilarie transitioned to advising, initially focusing on the School of Education. She also manages the department’s Peer Career Advisor Program, recruiting, training, and supervising the on–going professional development of students who provide resume and basic career advising services to the DePaul community.

Hilarie is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Human Services and Counseling with a concentration in student affairs. She has focused much of her research on serving first generation and other at–risk students in college settings. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), American College Personnel Association (ACPA), and the Chicago Career Professionals Network (CCPN). Hilarie is also proud to be a volunteer mentor with DePaul’s Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) network.

“Discovering and pursuing the career path that is right for you is a difficult, yet rewarding and important process. I am honored to be able to help others find success and happiness through their work.” —Hilarie

Gina Anselmo

Gina joined DePaul University’s Career Center in September 2007 as the Career Specialist for School of Education undergraduates, graduates, and alumni. Gina earned her Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. Before joining the Career Center team, Gina worked for eight years as the Manager of College and Career Programs for a non–profit visual arts organization called Marwen. Within this capacity, Gina supported students in pursuing their future interests through individual college and career counseling, courses, workshops, events, internships, study trips, and other advanced programming. Gina also has experience as a clinical therapist supporting children, youth, and families within Uhlich Children’s Home, a residential treatment center in Chicago. She has also served as a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Gina has several years of experience teaching college and career preparatory courses which involve topics such as essay writing, resume preparation, interviewing, and job searching.

“I enjoy helping students envision the possibilities that go beyond what is traditionally expected in a given profession. I feel that creativity is such a vital part of life and having a good helping of it can encourage a student to realize inventive perspectives of how to look at their field and what they can contribute to it.” —Gina