Justin Finnerty, M. ED., Director

Justin Finnerty is the Career Preparation Center Director at the Polytechnic campus. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Utah and his Master's Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Career Counseling from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Being skilled in career counseling and employment advising, he will happily provide assistance and answer any questions you may have regarding your resume, cover letters, upcoming interviews, salary information, on-campus recruiting, and internships. He primarily works with students enrolled in the College of Technology and Innovation and The School of Educational Innovation and Teacher Preparation. He is in our office daily.

Barbara Aarested, M.S., Career Counselor/Employment Advisor

Barbara Aarestad, M.S. is the Career Counselor/Employment Advisor at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus. She attended North Dakota State University, earning a Master's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management/Labor Relations. Additional study at the University of Minnesota focused on Work and Human Resource Education. Experiential learning (internship) outcomes and portfolio development are areas she is ready to help you explore. She can also answer questions regarding: choosing a major, graduate school applications, resumes, cover letters, interviews, salaries, on-campus recruiting and seeking internships, in addition to in career development and assessment. She is in our office daily.

Sharon Kurtz, Administrative Assistant

Sharon has worked at the front desk of the Career Preparation Center and Student Counseling Services since 2003. Prior to that, she worked at the Tempe Campus since 1991 at Student Health Services and Counseling and Consultation. She likes the friendly atmosphere at the Polytechnic campus and the more personalized services we are able to offer at the Polytechnic campus. Sharon enjoys traveling, cooking, sewing and hiking in her spare time.

Emily Thomson, Career Peer
Major: Elementary Education
Class Status: Junior

Emily Thomson has been a great asset to the Career Preparation Center this year. She is always ready to assist students with developing a career plan, as well as provide employment resources consistent with their talents, experiences, academic preparation and career goals.

Ashley Karner, Career Peer
Major: Exploratory
Class Status: Sophomore

Ashley Karner is a brilliant member of the career peer team. She helps with marketing and promotional materials for the office and assists at class presentations.

Benjamin Muffih, Graduate Research Assistant
Major: Computer Systems (Software)
Class Status: Graduate Student

Benjamin Muffih is another enthusiastic member of our team. He is responsible for managing our website, as well as collecting and analyzing data for our biannual survey conducted at the end of every semester with the results published in the subsequent fall.

Ivan Buenrostro, Career Peer
Major: Aeronautical Management Technology (Air Transportation)
Class Status: Senior

Ivan brings with him many career preparation skills and information as he has previously worked in a corporate environment. Additionally, Ivan is an avid volunteer in the community. He is very resourceful and devoted in helping peer students achieve career success in their related fields while at ASU.

Amanda Cobo, Career Peer
Major: Aeronautical Management and Technology Professional Flight
Class Status: Junior

Amanda is a wonderful asset to the Career Preparation Center’s team. She assists in resume writing, classroom presentations, and marketing. Through her training she is fully equipped to guide you as you create the key materials that will make your future a success.

Kelsey Rodgers, Career Peer
Major: Engineering
Class Status: Freshman

Kelsey is one of our newer career peers. She also assists in resume writing, classroom presentations, and marketing. She is very enthusiastic, energetic, and always has a smile on her face.

Melissa Farnsworth, Career Peer
Major: Exercise and Wellness
Class Status: Graduate Student

Melissa adds great experience to our team. She will also assist you in developing a career plan, resume writing, classroom presentations, and marketing. She is very devoted to helping students achieve career success in their related fields while at ASU.

John Hyatt, Career Peer
Major: Real Estate
Class Status: Freshman

John is the newest member of our team. He is also very enthusiastic, a quiet listener and pays careful attention to detail. He also assist in resume writing, classroom presentations, and marketing.