Our Staff
The Career Education unit is proud to do work that integrates conversations about careers and the future into many facets of the university experience.
- We help students prepare for and pursue meaningful work.
- We support students in better understanding who they are and who they want to become.
- We curate accessible career resources to empower students to be active learners as they move through their careers.
Together with our Experiential Learning and Employer Relations colleagues, we make up the Careers & Experience department. Our goals are to connect undergraduate and graduate students with learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom and to support students in designing a meaningful future through career education and networking opportunities.
Location and Contact
Room 210
University Community Centre
519-661-3559
careereducation@uwo.ca
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Who We Are
The Career Education unit is made up of both professional and student staff members. Our professional staff have diverse credentials and areas of career expertise. We are well-equipped to support you and look forward to helping you achieve career success whatever your goals or objectives!
Ann Ayinde
ManagerAnn is a certified career development practitioner and passionate coach who loves helping students feel confident about their next steps - whether that’s finding the right job, exploring career options, or setting up a coffee chat. With over 10 years of experience supporting individuals through career transitions, Ann brings a warm, practical, and strengths-based approach to every conversation. She’s also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and has led workshops that empower Western students to thrive. Ann is always happy to chat and help you move forward in your career journey.
Top 5 Strengths: Restorative, Belief, Relator, Connectedness, Developer
Michelle Zuber
Career CoachMichelle’s background is in Social Service, working with diverse individuals/groups. She has a strong commitment and passion for advocacy, equity, and community engagement. Michelle has been recognized for her ability to create an inclusive and nourishing environment, for her ability to “see the big picture”, for remaining optimistic in the face of adverse challenges, and for creative problem solving. Her Clifton Strengths are Input, Woo, Adaptability, Ideation, and Intellection.
Top 5 Strengths: Input, Woo, Adaptability, Ideation, Intellection
Pranay Reddy
Career CoachPranay is a multilingual career educator with international experience guiding students in post-secondary education. As a former international student and computer science undergraduate, he is particularly curious about the future of work, shaped by the intersection of technology and globalization. Before entering the field of higher education, Pranay served in the Indian Air Force followed by a stint as a corporate recruiter. A certified life coach, he holds two Master's in Higher Education and Psychology and is currently working towards completing a doctorate. Aside from work, you will find him enjoying solo motorcycle rides, experimenting with new recipes, and refining his travel vlogging skills.
Top 5 Strengths: Maximizer, Individualization, Relator, Discipline, Developer
Erin Sardido
Career CoachErin is an educator and leader who is passionate about helping students identify their strengths, explore possibilities, and move forward with confidence. With a decade of experience at Western University, she has supported student learning and development through roles in Career Education, Teacher Education, and Residence Education. As an Ontario Certified Teacher with a background in Education, Music, and Psychology, Erin brings an educator's perspective to career coaching. Through one-on-one coaching and workshops, she helps students connect their experiences, skills, and interests to meaningful opportunities and career pathways.
Top 5 Strengths: Consistency, Relator, Maximizer, Strategic, Developer
Omar Smith
Career CoachOmar's career journey has taken him from hospitality operations to college classrooms, program coordination, and now career coaching at Western University. With more than 20 years of experience in postsecondary education and an international background in hospitality, he brings a practical perspective to helping students explore their career options and aspirations. As a former international student with educational and professional experiences across borders, Omar understands that career paths are rarely linear. He believes that experiences gained through education, work, and community involvement can help shape meaningful career opportunities. Omar enjoys helping students recognize their strengths, identify transferable skills, and explore possibilities. He brings a practical, supportive, and conversational approach to career coaching, encouraging students to make informed choices and pursue fulfilling careers that bring purpose and meaning to their lives.
Top 5 Strengths: Learner, Achiever, Responsibility, Belief, Context
