Thinking about business school? We talked to some business students at the prestigious Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver to see why they decided to take time out of their busy lives to further their professional education. What are these upcoming leaders planning to give back to the community when they graduate? Read and learn more about the future of Colorado from the students of today.

Jennifer – Executive MBA

I joined the executive MBA program because I was looking for something different, a career change. I was working as a consultant in education and I just got burnt out on education. But after working in the program for a while, I realized how many connections I had and decided it would be silly to walk away. I want to work on the tech side. I worked for 10 years with tech startups.

I think what I am missing from my career fulfillment is the hard sciences, math and the analytical side of things, so that’s why I am drawn to tech. I’d like to work on technology solutions for schools. Right now I am looking for developers to work with on business plan. Its nice to reconnect with some of the connections I had from many years ago.  

Part of the Executive MBA is a social capital project that we do to get involved in the community. We started a non-profit which brings safety awareness to kids and emphasizes the importance of helmets. In the spring, we visited 6 schools and donated helmets.

When I graduate I plan on staying in Douglas County, I have 4 kids and the youngest just went to kindergarten so it was a good time to go to school.

David – Master in International Affairs – Korbel School

I have been living in the area for 10 years. I spent some time as a peace corps volunteer in Mongolia. I chose to go to graduate school because the peace corps experience helps out towards your degree. You are able to count your time towards the completion of your degree so you only have to complete 72 hours of study, instead of 112.  

I am looking at doing different things when I graduate. Obviously continuing to move up the ladder, and perhaps I will find myself in academia or working with a NGO. If I can find work I will stay in Denver and I would like to help with immigrant integration. I still teach ESL to immigrants and refugees.  My mom was an immigrant from Mexico so I know how hard it is.

Kelsey – Master of Science Business Analytics

I am getting a masters from DU because I would like grow in the industry I work in, and learn new skills I can bring to the table. I would like to work in the high tech industry. I started my masters straight from, undergrad, I studied general business. I am from Colorado and would like to stay in Colorado when I graduate. Denver is great city, really growing and a good place for “yuppies.” There is such a positive energy here.  

I’d like to bring insight through data to society. For instance, people have assumptions, but through data analytics you can learn how to see the patterns, and then back up assumptions with real facts and data. I’d like to apply that insight to developing strong communities.

Madison – Undergrad Finance

I am from Minnesota and I came to DU because I like skiing. I liked the smaller business school here where you can get attention from the professors. After graduating, I’d like a job involving my degree in finance. I did an internship for Merril Lynch over the summer with a financial advisor so maybe I will do something like that. My professional goals are to build connections to have for life, from people from all over.  

Not sure whether I will stay in Denver after I graduate, the whether here is really nice. I participate on the club ski team, which is 5 weekends during the winter. The girls team won conference, boys got second place. When I graduate I would really like to coach a ski team.

By Emily Przekwas