Strategies for Navigating Career Changes
Thursday, Oct. 16
5:30-6:30 p.m. PT
Online via Zoom

Career paths rarely follow a straight line. Professionals find themselves exploring new industries, pivoting to different roles or pursuing unexpected opportunities after a layoff. Currently, it is estimated that most professionals will have 3 to 7 career changes in a lifetime. 

Join us for this Ask Alumni panel featuring OSU alumni who have successfully navigated career changes throughout their lives. Panelists will offer candid insights, lessons learned and practical advice to help you manage your own career transitions with confidence. 

About the speakers:

Conner Barrie, '21

Conner Barrie is a versatile professional based in the Salem area with a rich background spanning the service, marketing, political, insurance and finance sectors. Outside of work, Conner is passionate about snowboarding, cooking and exploring Oregon's outdoors — always chasing new adventures. He has a B.S. in Business Administration from OSU.

Drew Desilet, '07, Ed.M. '17

Drew Desilet built his career in higher education as an advisor to the Associated Students of OSU and director of their SafeRide and Legal Services offices. He then pivoted during the pandemic into residential remodeling — following a family legacy of remodeling. As owner of CND Homes, LLC, he revitalizes homes with craftsmanship and care. In his free time, he has enjoyed officiating youth sports, specifically football, for over 13 years. Together with his husband Jason, he enjoys collecting wine and traveling to renowned wine-producing regions of the world. He has a B.S. in Political Science and an Ed.M. in College Student Services Administration from OSU.

Bre Miller, '09

Bre Miller, born and raised in Corvallis, spent 17 years with the Corvallis Knights before moving to Central Oregon for a better work-life balance with her husband and two kids. She now runs Bre Miller Consulting, supporting small businesses with marketing. Bre serves on the Sisters Business Association board, is a proud Rotarian and loves riding horses and spending time with her family. She has a B.A. in Speech Communication from OSU

Omar Trinidad, Ph.D. '24

Omar Trinidad is the assistant director of student success at Oregon State University's College of Business, where he supports international, first-year and graduate students through every stage of their academic journey — from recruitment and placement to career readiness and beyond. He earned his Ph.D. in Adult and Higher Education from OSU in 2024, with a research focus on how international students navigate racial issues in the U.S. His work is grounded in evidence-based practices that foster inclusive, empowering environments for diverse student populations. With over 18 years of experience in higher education, Omar brings both depth and heart to his role. Outside of work, he finds joy in faith, family and the outdoors. Whether crabbing on the coast, fishing Oregon’s rivers or biking scenic trails, he embraces nature as a space for thinking and resting.