Career & Professional Development Annual Report 2025

Career development tailored to individual goals

Shivani Durvasula, class of 2026, strategic communications major

"This Fall Quarter I began working with the Kroenke Sports Entertainment as a Ticket Sales Intern for the Colorado Avalanche. My interest in professional sports began early on, rooted in a fascination with sports media and the ways it connects people to the excitement of live sports. Watching a Premier Lacrosse League game and noticing someone with the title 'Digital Media Coordinator,' was the moment that sparked my curiosity about pursuing this path as a career. Since coming to the University of Denver, I have sought out ways turn these aspirations into concrete steps towards my career goals in sports.  

The Burwell Center has been integral to my pursuit of a career in sports and starting my KSE internship. I first met my Career Advisor in my sophomore year. We quickly formed a strong relationship where I was able to share the career milestones I wanted to achieve. My advisor was there for me every step of the way during the application process. She showed me Teamworks Online (the platform where I found the internship), reviewed the cover letter and resumé that I submitted, helped me prepare for the interviews I had, and gave me advice for how to follow up with the company. She even helped me reserve a room in the Burwell Center where I did my final interview for the internship! 

My experience as an intern has already been incredibly rewarding. I've been able to network with leaders in the sports industry and find mentors to learn from. I regularly assist with Fan Experiences, customer prospecting, customer engagement materials, and game day operations. But everyday looks a little different in our office. It is an incredibly collaborative space where there are always new challenges to face. I frequently have to take a step back and appreciate this experience. I recently got to take some fans to the penalty box during warmups for one of our fan experiences. This was a true pinch me moment as I was showing these fans around and went out on the ice. 

I definitely would not be in these spaces without the support from CPD! It's been so nice to have people supporting me along the way and also celebrate these moments with me."

— Shivani Durvasula 

Through the Designing for Careers & Lives of Purpose retreat at the Kennedy Mountain Campus, students envision how their future lives might take shape, participate in experiences that move toward that future, and connect with one another.

"I really enjoyed the setting being at KMC. The quietness of nature helped with being able to focus on inner thoughts. My favorite exercises were the vision board activity, the get to know you activity where we wrote: '____________(blank) is what matters,' the last debrief nature walk, and the networking tools. I appreciated the get to know you activity with the name tags because it was helpful to understand a little bit about who each person is. The debrief nature walk was also very nice just to talk about the weekend with other group members. I really enjoyed the small group work where we were all able to chat and share ideas. The facilitation style was great. I appreciated the variety of writing, talking, observing, and artistic activities. The visualization activity was probably my favorite activity overall, that was awesome." — KMC retreat participant 

"My short time at the mountain campus helped me realize what I truly want to do with my life and it helped me visualize where my life is really heading towards. Since that weekend, things have been working so well, and opportunities have been lining up without too much effort, which I have been very excited and grateful for." — KMC participant who accepted a job shortly after the retreat 

Across the disciplines, faculty integrate career competencies into the classroom.

"My professor helped me develop skills through a thoughtful, question-based approach. Instead of simply giving me answers, they encouraged me to think critically and reach conclusions on my own. This significantly improved my critical thinking by shifting my mindset from just listening to actively analyzing and engaging with the material. In terms of problem solving, their guidance allowed me the space to try, fail, and learn always stepping in to support me when needed, but also giving me the freedom to build confidence by working through challenges independently. Ethical reasoning came into play through real world discussions, where I had to think carefully not just about what could be done, but what should be done. When it came to professionalism, my professor was just as supportive. They took the time to walk me through how academic and career processes work. They helped me understand that professionalism isn’t just about appearances, it’s about thoughtful planning, effective communication, and carrying myself with purpose toward long-term goals." — Undergraduate student

Genevieve Desch, class of 2026, studio art major

"My position required the use of critical thinking and problem solving skills. At the beginning of my internship they had me doing easier parts of the mural, but as time went on I was responsible for more complicated areas. You had to be efficient and precise because some areas required straight edges, geometric design, or complicated organic shapes that took time to crack away at. We also did not have an infinite amount of resources so you had to be deliberate with certain tile colors." — Genevieve Desch, summer internship award recipient with Green Star Movement  

On-campus employment provides students professional development opportunities.

The Fall 2024 Student Employees Achieve (SEA) Badging Program supported 27 student employees in developing key skills through trainings on communication, critical thinking, technology, and career development.

For Sociology and Languages, Literatures & Cultures double major Jocelyn Buenrostro, the SEA Badging Program highlights how on-campus employment prepares students for careers beyond campus.

What is your student employment job, and what have you learned there?

I work at the Financial Aid Office as the Senior Peer Advisor and in the Language Center as an Italian Tutor. As the Senior Peer Advisor, I’ve learned to communicate effectively and adjust training methods to fit the Peer Advisor’s learning style. I also have grown with my Spanish Translation skills as I’ve had to explain a student’s financial aid offer as well as the financial aid process to Spanish-speaking families. As an Italian Tutor, I’ve also learned to adapt to a student’s learning style and listen to what they hope to gain from attending the tutoring.

What have you gained from completing the Student Employees Achieve badge?

I’ve learned to clearly express the skills that I’ve gained from working both jobs. Many of the skills/topics discussed throughout the program made me think of how I can continue improving those skills in my workplaces as well as in classes. I’ve tried to apply more of the recommendations presented by the program to improve. I’ve learned to be more confident in my abilities, not be afraid of asking questions, and advocate for myself and the students we serve.

Read more about the 2024 Fall SEA Badge Cohort.

Through career fairs, networking events, and Industry Insights Panels spanning a wide range of industries, students have the opportunity to build relationships and connect with employers and alumni in a supportive environment. Employers from across Colorado’s key industries and the industries of DU alumni are actively engaged with the DU community.

“I have been on the hunt for an internship, and the Career Fair offered just that. I really appreciated the Career Fair because it gave me a chance not only to see what opportunities are out there, but also to see what may best fit my personal aspirations and goals.” — Ashley Muirhead, a senior majoring in communication studies with minors in writing practices and environmental science