Meet the Career Center Staff
Abby Croft | croft1@purdue.edu | LinkedIn
Career Services Manager
M.S. Student Affairs and Higher Education – Indiana State University
M.A. Executive Development for Public Service - Ball State University
B.A. Public Relations - Ball State University
An Indiana native, Abby has guided students through their college journey for over 15 years. She arrived at Purdue in 2018 as an academic advisor in the College of Liberal Arts, served as the Assistant Director of Doctoral Programs for the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and now brings her passion for CLA students to the CLA Career Center. Abby is focused on ensuring students are empowered with the coaching and tools necessary for fulfilling careers. Outside of the office, Abby is an avid volunteer at national and international sporting events, and enjoys spending time with her dogs, Jersey and Jeter.
Advice to students: It’s never too early or too late to think about planning for your future career. How do you see yourself making an impact in the world utilizing the skills you have now, and those that you develop while you’re here at Purdue? What matters to you? These are questions you can ask yourself to feel more connected to your career journey and make it feel less like a “job” to do.
Sarah McCord | mccordse@purdue.edu | LinkedIn
Career Services Specialist
B.S. History - University of Southern Indiana
Before she arrived at Purdue, Sarah worked in education for 4 years, teaching consumer science to middle school students and special education at the elementary school level. Now, she is excited to bring her passion for helping others to the CLA Career Center where she can assist students on their journey to their future careers. Sarah is an avid runner and gardener and proud dog mom to her golden retriever, Tedward (Teddy).
Advice to Students: Purdue University provides you with an excellent education that is highly regarded around the world as well as the resources to help you succeed in whichever career path you choose. Start your career path early to reach your goals! Get involved on and off campus, network with alumni, apply for internships, and make an appointment with us at the Career Center.
Heather Walsh | hmwalsh@purdue.edu
Senior Administrative Assistant for Careers and Recruitment
A.S. Hospitality, Recreation, Tourism Management
Ocean County College
Heather moved to Lafayette from New Jersey in 2021 for a fresh start after the pandemic. She lives with her boyfriend and their blue heeler, Bandit and 2 cats - Nola and A.C. Heather owns her own travel agency, Holidays by Heather, which specializes in Ireland. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, listening to True Crime podcasts, and lounging around with her fur babies. She is excited to welcome students to the Career Center this semester and be a part of a team dedicated to helping others.
Paige Carter | epcarter@purdue.edu | LinkedIn
Career Center Intern
Political Science and Global Studies Double Major
Professional Writing Minor, Public Policy Certificate
Originally from Evansville, Indiana, Paige is a junior at Purdue University. She is heavily involved in the CLA community and through opportunities offered by the College of Liberal Arts she has studied abroad in Rwanda, participated in the political science internship program, currently works on research through the Political Science Research Collaboratory, and is a Dean’s Ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts. Outside of school, she loves visiting national parks and is learning to crochet.