Meet Your Career Coaches
August 17, 2026
Behind every resume review, mock interview, career assessment, and coaching appointment is a team of professionals who are passionate about helping LSU students.
The Student Services team at the LSU Olinde Career Center works with students at every stage of their career journey, from choosing a major and exploring career options to preparing for their first full-time job. No matter where you are in the process, they're here to help you take the next step.
Get to know the people behind the appointments.
Alyson Hewson
Senior Career Coach, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
How Alyson Got Here
Like many students, Alyson entered college without a clear career plan. She chose marketing because it seemed practical, but after graduation she realized a career in sales wasn't the right fit. While earning her master's degree in Strategic Communication & Leadership, she worked in the Center for Academic Success and researched professional development, where she discovered career services. Today, she enjoys helping students recognize their strengths and find careers that align with their interests and goals.
“ Career readiness isn't defined by one internship or one experience. It's developed throughout your entire college journey. ”
Favorite Way to Help Students
Whether she's visiting classrooms, attending student organization meetings, or meeting with students individually, Alyson believes the best way to support students is simply by showing up. She wants every student to know they have someone who genuinely cares about their success.
Student Tip
You don't have to come in with all the answers. Career coaching is a conversation, not a checklist. Alyson's goal is to meet you where you are and help you take your next step.
Fun Fact
Alyson is an avid reader who finishes around 100 books every year.
Crystal Loup
Career Coach, E.J. Ourso College of Business
How Crystal Got Here
Crystal's career journey has taken several unexpected turns. After graduating from LSU with a degree in psychology, she attended law school before realizing it wasn't the right fit and enrolled in cosmetology school instead. She spent nearly a decade as a cosmetologist while also becoming a mother and lactation counselor, experiences that reinforced her passion for helping others and led her back to LSU for a master's degree in counseling. After serving as a graduate assistant in the Olinde Career Center and working in several student support roles, she returned in 2024 as the career coach for the E.J. Ourso College of Business.
“ Doing more career exploration would have given me ideas to optimize my college experience and hope for the future. ”
Favorite Way to Help Students
Crystal loves helping students prepare for interviews. From practicing common questions to talking through job offers, she enjoys seeing students leave appointments feeling more confident and prepared.
Student Tip
You don't have to be job or internship searching to meet with a career coach. Coaching can help at every stage of your college journey, from exploring possibilities to preparing for graduation.
Fun Fact
Crystal is a self-proclaimed bookworm and can happily talk about books all day.
Erwin Torres
Manager, Student Services
How Erwin Got Here
Erwin's career has come full circle. With a background in Hospitality and Retail Management, he discovered a passion for teaching while serving as a graduate teaching assistant and later as an instructor. Although he eventually returned to industry, he missed working with students and found his way back to higher education. Today, he helps LSU students navigate their own career journeys, the same kind of support he once benefited from as an undergraduate.
“ Apply for and go for the opportunities that are available to you. ”
Favorite Way to Help Students
Erwin enjoys getting to know students through one-on-one conversations about their interests and career goals. Whether students need a single appointment or ongoing guidance, he wants them to leave with practical resources and confidence in their next steps.
Student Tip
Take advantage of Quinncia, LSU's free AI-powered career platform. It can review your resume, help you practice interviews, strengthen your LinkedIn profile, and more—all available 24/7.
Fun Fact
Erwin is a LEGO enthusiast and has a growing collection both in his office and at home.
Lilly Brunner
Career Coach, College of Engineering
How Lilly Got Here
Lilly spent years preparing to become a teacher before realizing the classroom wasn't where she felt most fulfilled. She began researching careers she could pursue with an education degree and discovered higher education, where she could combine her love of helping people, creativity, and teaching, without being in a classroom. She started as a career coach at Baton Rouge Community College before joining LSU as the career coach for the College of Engineering.
“ I can confidently say that I'm in my dream career, but one I never would have considered growing up. ”
Favorite Way to Help Students
Lilly loves having one-on-one conversations that help students connect their goals with practical next steps, whether that's resumes, interviews, networking, or internships. She finds that simply talking through a student's journey is often the best place to start.
Student Tip
Networking doesn't only happen at career fairs. Check Handshake regularly for employer information sessions, tabling events, and other smaller opportunities to connect with employers across campus.
On Campus
If she's not meeting with students, Lilly's favorite spot on campus is Mike the Tiger's habitat.
Lisa Hibner
Manager, Student Services | Career Coach, LSU Online
How Lisa Got Here
Lisa's career path grew out of a lifelong curiosity about people and how they learn, grow, and make decisions. While studying psychology in college, a class assignment challenged her to explore career possibilities, leading her to combine psychology with English education before eventually earning a master's degree in counseling. Throughout her career, she's worked as both an educator and higher education professional, building programs and supporting students as they discover meaningful career paths.
“ Careers are created when individuals follow their natural interests and open themselves to experiences. ”
Favorite Way to Help Students
Lisa enjoys working one-on-one with students to create personalized plans for success. Whether they're preparing for interviews, developing job search strategies, or building confidence, she values helping students identify their strengths and take practical next steps.
Student Tip
Don't skip mock interviews. Even strong communicators benefit from practicing before the real thing, and a little preparation can make all the difference when opportunity knocks.
Did You Know?
Working with a career coach is a service many professionals pay for after college, but as an LSU student, it's available to you at no additional cost.
Mackenzie Heath
Career Coach
How Mackenzie Got Here
Mackenzie's career journey began with an on-campus student job that sparked her passion for creating meaningful experiences for fellow students. While earning her master's degree in Higher Education at LSU, she discovered she enjoyed working one-on-one with students even more than planning campus-wide programs. Shortly after graduating, she joined the Olinde Career Center as a career coach and quickly found the role she was meant to do.
“ Sometimes you just need a human who sees you, hears you, and supports you. ”
Favorite Way to Help Students
Mackenzie strives to create a welcoming space where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring possibilities, and navigating uncertainty. She hopes every appointment leaves students feeling more confident than when they arrived.
Student Tip
Explore What Can I Do With This Major? if you're unsure about career options. It's one of Mackenzie's favorite tools for helping students connect their major to a wide variety of career paths.
On Campus
Mackenzie says there's something special about the feeling of LSU's campus. As a lifelong Tiger fan, working at LSU is truly a dream come true.
Rachel Aker
Career Coach, College of Music & Dramatic Arts
How Rachel Got Here
Rachel's career has always centered on education, creativity, and the performing arts. After earning her theatre degree from Austin College, she spent five years as a high school theatre teacher before pursuing a master's degree in Theatre Studies at the University of Houston. She later came to LSU to earn her Ph.D. in Theatre, teaching, directing, and working across several campus departments along the way. Today, as the career coach for the College of Music & Dramatic Arts, she helps students connect their experiences to meaningful career opportunities.
“ One of my favorite parts of my job is helping students learn how to ask new questions. ”
Favorite Way to Help Students
Rachel enjoys helping students develop self-awareness by encouraging curiosity about their interests and experiences. Through thoughtful conversation and reflection, she helps students recognize the unique strengths they bring to future employers. She recommends the Focus2 assessment and the Career Center's Explore Your Values worksheet for students looking to dig deeper.
Student Tip
Networking is about more than finding your next job. The relationships you build with classmates, faculty, and mentors provide support and guidance throughout your career.
On Campus
Rachel loves that the College of Music & Dramatic Arts welcomes students from every major. With more than 400 performances a year, there's always a chance to audition, take a class, or simply enjoy a show.
Sam Press
Manager, Student Services
How Sam Got Here
Sam didn't always plan to work in career services. He entered college convinced he would become a band director before eventually switching to elementary education. After discovering classroom teaching wasn't the right fit, he found his passion in higher education and, ultimately, career exploration. Today, he helps students navigate the same questions he once faced, proving that career paths don't have to be linear.
“ Finding your calling comes at the intersection of your interests, values, skills, and personality. ”
Favorite Way to Help Students
Sam enjoys helping students connect the dots between who they are and what they want to do through career assessments like Focus2 and the Strong Interest Inventory.
Student Tip
You don't have to know exactly what you want to do before meeting with a career coach or coming in for a drop-in. Whether you're exploring majors, polishing a resume, or just figuring out your next step, the Career Center will meet you where you are.
Fun Fact
Sam rescued his dog, Kevin, from an airport in Las Vegas, and they now celebrate their birthdays together.
Ready to Meet Your Career Coach?
Whether you're still deciding on a major, searching for an internship, preparing for interviews, or getting ready to launch your career, you don't have to figure it out alone.
The LSU Olinde Career Center is here to help you prepare for whatever comes next. Schedule an appointment with a career coach, attend a group appointment, or explore our online resources to start taking the next step in your career journey.
About the LSU Career Center
Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe LSU students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.