(International Affairs, 1970) is a retired U.S. Ambassador and an Honorary IAFS Board Member. With a distinguished career in diplomacy, she remains a dedicated supporter of IAFS students through the Casey Family Global Grant Scholarship, which helps fund study abroad opportunities for current IAFS students.

What sparked your interest in international affairs, and how did your time at the 91������ shape your career path?  

A ten-week “Grand European Tour” in my early teens proved to be a game-changer.  From that moment on, I knew I was destined for a career in international affairs. CU taught me International Politics, Diplomatic History, Economic Theory, and Global Finance, as well as two foreign languages. It also helped refine my critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. All that knowledge helped make for future success at every point along the way. 

Serving as the U.S. Ambassador to both Algeria and Tunisia, what were some of the most significant challenges you faced, and how did you navigate them?

Overseas, good security takes priority, particularly when the political climate is volatile, as was the case in Algeria. Civil strife makes for uncertainty and complicates efforts to conduct business in a normal fashion. Finding a balanced approach depended on close collaboration with the local authorities as well as with one’s own team, including Washington-based members of that team. In Tunisia, long-standing relations offered opportunities for joint programs on multiple fronts in order to enhance bilateral interests. Likewise, promotion of political inclusivity and human rights was an important part of my portfolio. That included support for Tunisia’s vibrant women’s movement. 

What advice would you offer to young women pursuing careers in international affairs and diplomacy today?

Careers in international affairs and diplomacy offer an opportunity to make a substantive difference in life. Also, there will likely never be a dull moment. Not every profession can make such claims. Go for it! As preparation, I recommend you: A) travel as much as you can; B) seek out  opportunities to demonstrate that you can live successfully in someone else’s country; C) learn to speak another language (any language will do); and D) take the Foreign Service Exam early on.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, how do you view the progress of women in diplomacy, and what steps do you believe are essential for advancing gender equality in this field?

In the early days, US diplomats were all men. Mid twentieth century, that began to change. However, unlike their male colleagues, women who elected to marry were obliged to resign from the Foreign Service. A lawsuit eventually changed that, along with other discriminatory practices. Today, women make up about 40% of the Foreign Service, though, according to the, they continue to be less well-represented in the senior ranks (approximately 30%). Continued progress for women will depend on adequate representation in the entry and mid-level ranks, along with equitable job opportunities. On an individual level, nothing succeeds like challenging assignments, dedicated service on the front lines, and, of course, unassailable professional competency. 

You established the Casey Family Global Grants Endowment to support students studying abroad. What motivated you to create this endowment, and what impact do you hope it will have on students? 

As a passionate internationalist, I am keen to promote broader understanding of the world beyond the borders of the United States. What better way to accomplish that objective than by creating a scholarship to support education abroad for IAFS majors? Learning the art of global citizenry benefits the IAFS student as well as the US at large. It is the gift that keeps on giving. Hopefully, each Global Grantee will return home with a life-long ability to appreciate better the wonders and challenges of a global world. 

Visit the and search for the Casey Family Global Grants Endowment Fund to continue Mary Ann's legacy of supporting education abroad for IAFS majors. 

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(International Affairs, 2024) is a recent 91������ graduate now pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations at the . During her time at CU, she wrote an undergraduate honors thesis, An Exclusive Entry: Analysis of the Spanish Asylum System, graduated summa cum laude honors, and was a student assistant for the International Affairs Program. 

What motivated you to pursue graduate studies in international affairs, and how has the experience been so far?

I really enjoyed studying International Affairs at CU and by the time I graduated, I knew I wasn’t ready to stop being a student. I’m passionate about learning about global affairs and issues, so pursuing a Master’s in International Relations was an easy decision for me. My experience here in Barcelona has been amazing! My studies are challenging but rewarding thanks to my professions, my peers, and the academic and personal growth I’ve had. 

How has studying in Spain postgrad influenced your understanding of global issues and international collaboration?

Studying in Spain has broadened my understanding of global issues and international collaboration in ways I never expected. In my program of roughly 200 people, I’m among only a handful of Americans which has pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many ways and given me new perspectives. Learning about complex topics and issues in international relations with people and professors from all over the world has drastically changed my world view. I think I used to view global issues and international collaboration in straightforward, black-and-white ways but since beginning my studies, I’ve started to understand how much nuance there is in these topics. The more I learn the more I realize there’s few concrete answers to some of the biggest questions in international affairs. The more you know the more you realize how much you don’t know!

What skills or experiences from 91������ have been most valuable in your graduate studies?

CU helped prepare me for my graduate studies in so many ways. Taking on big academic challenges such as doing the IAFS Honors Program taught me skills in writing, analysis, and time management which have been very applicable here. Most of my classes at CU required public speaking and class participation which were great experiences for me because my graduate classes have the same requirements! Many of my classmates come from backgrounds that didn’t require these skills which has made me grateful for those experiences at CU. The student assistant position I had with the IAFS Program at CU was one of the most valuable experiences I had as well. Learning how to work in a professional environment prepared me for the environment that comes with being a graduate student. Additionally, studying abroad before my junior year at CU helped prepare me for living in a new country and helped mitigate my culture shock. Overall, CU gave me lots of skills and experiences that have assisted me in my graduate studies!

Have you encountered any unique challenges or opportunities as a woman studying and working in international affairs?

There are definitely some challenges as a woman studying and working in international affairs because it is such a male-dominated field. For example, women are a minority in diplomatic positions across the world with only . Everyone in my program is very kind and respectful, but in some of my classes the men generally speak more than women so it can be intimidating to make my voice heard. I notice that when a woman starts to speak up it encourages other women to speak up too, so I always do my best to participate. I think it resonates with the professors too when women talk more which has given me opportunities to make an impression and better connect with them. 

What are your career aspirations, and how do you see yourself contributing to the field?

My career aspirations are to work for a think tank in the field of international relations. I’m interested in working for ones that conduct research and work related to the Middle East and/or Africa especially. Think tanks help inform the public of the world around them, influence policy, and further research in specific fields which is essential in international affairs. Being a part of the work and research think tanks do is my biggest professional goal.

If you could go back and give advice to yourself as a college senior, what would it be?

The biggest advice I would give myself as a college senior is to relax, let things happen naturally, and enjoy the present more. I was so nervous during my senior year about the future but I’ve come to realize that having high expectations and constantly worrying about what’s going to happen is counter-productive. Prepare for the future, but don’t obsess over it. There’s so much going on in the present to enjoy!

What role do you think women play in shaping the future of international affairs?

Women are critical in shaping the future of international affairs! Historically, women have been portrayed to have minimal roles and agency in global politics. For example, in my classes I learned how in the 1800s the practice of international humanitarianism emerged with , a woman who provided humanitarian aid to soldiers during the Crimean war. She helped create modern humanitarian aid but she is largely unknown! Rather, Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross, was inspired by her work and is now largely given credit as the creator of modern humanitarianism. This is changing though… as women become globally empowered, their impact in global politics is astounding. Women are starting to become some of the most important thinkers, activists, researchers, diplomats, scholars, and hold many other essential positions in international affairs. There is a long way to go in empowering women across the world, but it’s clear that we are going to be pivotal in shaping the future of international affairs!

Learn more about the IAFS Honors Program and check out the Outstanding Honors Theses!

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The world of climbing offers more than physical challenges—it’s a force for connection, mentorship, and transformation. Created with the support of (founded by IAFS alum Veronica Baker Amores),  and  are two short films that deliver powerful stories of community and resilience. The films take viewers on breathtaking journeys into the heart of climbing communities in Malawi and India, showcasing the sport's ability to inspire and empower. Learn more about the backstories behind the films on GCI's and articles. 

This documentary captures the vibrant climbing culture emerging in Malawi, a southeast African country with untapped climbing potential. The film showcases the experiences of Global Climbing Initiative trainers and local climbers participating in educational climbing workshops funded through GCI's Climbing Leadership Fund. Through stunning footage of Malawi’s mountainous landscapes and heartfelt interviews with local climbers, Climb Malawi highlights how climbing can foster leadership, resilience, and growth. 

Set in Badami, India, Powerstar chronicles the collaborative efforts of climbers developing new sport climbing routes in a region famed for its ancient Chalukya temples. The film tells a story of determination and innovation as a group of friends navigate obstacles, launch a crowdfunding campaign, and unite climbers from India and around the world to support the local climbing scene. Through their efforts, Powerstar celebrates the spirit of community and the importance of equipping future generations of climbers. 

Both films demonstrate that climbing is not just a sport but a global movement bringing people together to learn, grow, and leave lasting legacies in their communities. 

Read Advice for a Non-Traditional Career to learn more about   .

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University of Colorado leadership celebrated the career and contributions of Tanya Kelly-Bowry, CU’s longtime advocate at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C.

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(International Affairs & Political Science, 2002) has been a valuable member of the IAFS Advisory Board since February 2023 and prior to that served as a mentor to IAFS students through the IAFS Mentorship Program. We interviewed Nancy in August 2024 to learn how she has applied her 91������ education to her work in the fields of climate, tech, and energy. Read Nancy's full interview below.

Nancy co-founded and is COO at , a New York-based company focused on helping homeowners adapt to and lower their risks from climate change. Previously, Nancy was executive director at S&P Global, working in 91������, Washington DC, London and Denver, where she was a member of the management team for the energy division. She also led product launches and business growth across the various energy markets, globally, and at AutoGrid, a California-based SaaS startup, where she led the go to market efforts for PR and marketing, launching the company into APAC and expanding its presence in US and European markets.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in International Affairs and Political Science at 91������?

Having moved abroad as a child and coming from a high school outside of the US, I developed a keen interest in knowing as much as I could about other cultures and understanding why the world works the way it does. I knew beyond just wanting to travel, I wanted to work in an international capacity after school, which meant needing to learn about other countries, their economies and political systems, customs and cultural differences, etc. IAFS and PSCI were a perfect fit to give me the background I needed to move comfortably throughout the world.

How did your education at 91������ influence your career path, particularly in the energy and technology sectors?

A lot of what you see in the world, whether policies, economies, politics or conflicts, revolves around natural resources and technology. My education at CU laid the foundation to grow my knowledge and understanding of how different systems and cultures influence those markets. For example, a publicly traded company operating in the US works very differently than a state-owned company in another country. Working with companies across a wide spectrum of political systems and economies require the kind of solid baseline that I developed at CU.

In your professional career, you have had many leadership roles, from Director to VP to Founder and COO. If you had one piece of leadership advice to share with IAFS students and alumni, what would you share?

The world around us is dynamic and in many ways, fluid. While there’s always a reason for why things are the way they are, they aren’t necessarily good or the best way forward. Always challenge the status quo. You never know what new concept or innovation will come from taking the lead in a situation and asking, “Can we do things better? And how?”

Are there any new areas or challenges in the climate, tech, or energy spaces that you’re excited to explore in the future?

I’m pretty excited about working in the confluence of all three of those topics, climate, tech, and energy, particularly in the context of real estate and the built environment. Climate risks and the ensuing financial impacts are affecting all of us, making housing unaffordable and unsustainable in some places. Addressing these challenges through technology—whether by modeling data in new ways to manage and reduce financial risk or by using technologies that mitigate physical climate risk and promote diversified energy options—offers numerous opportunities to make our homes and communities more resilient.

What drew you to join the IAFS Advisory Board, and how do you see your role contributing to the growth and success of the Advisory Board and the IAFS Program?

When the IAFS Advisory Board first launched the IAFS Mentorship Program a few years ago, I had the privilege of serving as a mentor, which introduced me to the broader and amazing work the Board is doing. I was especially drawn to the mission of providing global opportunities to IAFS students. Even more so, I witnessed the incredible work of the Board in action, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the global grant program in just a few months! Since joining, I’ve served on the Global Grants, Finance, and Strategy committees. I've had the opportunity to share my experiences and collaborate with fellow Board Members to consider the changing world and how we can adapt the board’s approach to help the IAFS program continue offering opportunities that meet the evolving needs of its students.

How do you see your role on the board as an extension of your commitment to mentoring the next generation of global leaders?

The IAFS community is truly unique and specially positioned to help raise up the next generation of global leaders. I firmly believe that experiencing other cultures firsthand is crucial for understanding different perspectives—a quality that distinguishes global leaders. The board has a tremendous opportunity to help IAFS students gain this valuable exposure through its Global Grants Scholarship. Additionally, the IAFS Mentorship Program connects students with alumni, many of whom are global leaders themselves. Having benefited from mentoring during my career, giving back has been important to me. I’ve had the opportunity to tutor for many years, participate as a mentor in multiple programs, serve as a school board trustee, and even act as pitch coach for government scientists developing new solutions for humanity. Each of those opportunities has been uniquely rewarding, and serving on the IAFS Advisory Board is an extension of that. It’s an honor to serve on this incredible board and continue to find ways to help foster that next generation.

Visit the IAFS Alumni & Giving page to learn more about how to be involved with IAFS and the IAFS Advisory Board.

Visit the Global Grants Fund page to learn about the scholarship, read stories from Global Grants recipients, and discover how you can support the Global Grants Fund.

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Join IAFS alumni and friends on Saturday, September 21st at the Koenig Alumni Center for the Second AnnualIAFS Homecoming Reunion Tailgate!

Registration is free but it is limited! If you haven’t already registered for this fun, family friendly and free event – please do before registration is closed! 

The tailgate is a fun, family friendly event with free food and beverages, photo opportunities with Chip and the CU Cheer and Dance teams, and the start of the Silver Buffalo Alumni Band parade. Check out all the other 2024 Homecoming activities, including the Alumni Awards Ceremony on September 19th from 5:45-9pm where two IAFS alumni will be honored with awards!

No ticket? No problem. Join others on Duane Field during the  experience and watch the game live on the big screen! You'll still be able to hear the cheers, sing the Fight Song, and soak in the beautiful CU campus for the game. Fan Fest begins at 7am. Cashless concessions and merchandise available.

*Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.

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Congratulations to International Affairs Alumni Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93) and Paul Beddie (IAFS '89) who received Alumni Awards from the 91������ Alumni Association! Join us in celebrating Tanya, Paul, and other CU Alumni during the Alumni Awards Ceremony, Homecoming Weekend, September 19 5:45-9pm in the Glenn Miller Ballroom. along with the IAFS Alumni Homecoming Reunion Tailgate! 

George Norlin Award - Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry (IAFS '93)

Tanya Mares Kelly-Bowry embodies the ideals of the George Norlin Award and her legacy of excellence, advocacy and mentorship continues to inspire those around her. Tanya’s journey from a young Latina student at CU to a prominent lobbyist and community leader is inspirational. Her innovative achievements, lifelong relationships and commitment to public service have left a lasting impact.

Alumni Recognition Award - Paul Beddie (IAFS '89)

With a focus on global citizenship, Paul Beddie's connection and commitment to 91������ have remained steadfast throughout his illustrious international career. His service and leadership demonstrate dedication to the university, making him an ideal recipient of the Alumni Recognition Award. 

Read more in the Coloradan Alumni Magazine article Alumni Awards: Celebrating the Legacy of Forever Buffs (July 16, 2024).

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Pamela Civins brings extensive experience to her current role as CU-91������’s Peace Corps Strategic Campus Recruiter. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in Nepal, working as a teacher and teacher trainer. She has spent over 20 years in leadership roles in education and mentoring nonprofits, and she credits her experience in the Peace Corps with helping her discover her professional passions. Her professional goals include developing the next generation of leaders.

What is your favorite memory from CU, either from your undergraduate experience or in your current role as CU’s Peace Corps Recruiter?

One of my favorite things about 91������ is the beauty of the campus. As an undergraduate student, a lot of my time was spent around the quad near Norlin Library. Being around that area brought a peacefulness to me. I was usually rushing from classes and then to my job on the Pearl Street Mall. I also remember enjoying time with friends on the University Memorial Center (UMC) patio. The view of the Flatirons from there was and is amazing!

Having grown up in 91������, including attending 91������ High School and 91������, I took the mountains and nature around me for granted. Now, being back in 91������ and on campus, I appreciate everything surrounding us even more today.

Can you share the specific moment or experience that led you to apply for the Peace Corps?

I did not apply to the Peace Corps right away. It took me three years after I graduated to submit my application. I carried the Peace Corps packet everywhere I lived during those three years. I tried big city life, moving to San Franscisco. I spent time in Southern Europe, to make sure I liked traveling and that I enjoyed experiencing other cultures. I spent time in Florida, living with my grandmother. 

When I was with my grandma, I mentioned I wanted to join the Peace Corps, but that I was a little worried about being away from her and others in my family for two plus years. She had just turned 80 years old and was a woman who always did what she thought she should do, and not what she wanted to do in life. She told me that I was young and that I should do what I wanted to do in life. She gave me the permission I needed to go for it. I applied while I was at her house and had my interview (then in person) in Miami.

Your Peace Corps experience in Nepal involved teaching English and training other teachers. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?

We had three months of training in Nepali language, culture and in classroom teaching. It was a crash course in everything related to Nepal. Going to my post, I was nervous and worried about a lot of things – could I teach in a classroom; would my colleagues at the school want me, an American, to be there; would the family I chose to live with like me; and would I like them. Everything was challenging the first few months in my village and at my school. I was learning and doing at the same time. One of my classes, 60 third graders in a little room, had a lot of energy. I had a 35-student fifth grade class that had always learned by rote, and trying to interject some creative activities was a challenge.

Somehow it got easier as I settled in with my family and got to know my community better. People were patient with me and helped me with my Nepali. My Nepali language guru was the three-year-old in my household. She let me know when I made a mistake, but she also seemed to understand me better than others!

By my second year, I could speak the language and I really enjoyed creating and facilitating teacher training, on my own and with a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer. When my time in Peace Corps ended, I decided I wanted to pursue a master’s degree focused on training, which is why I chose to attend the in Brattleboro, Vermont.

How did you adapt to the local culture and community during your time in the Peace Corps?

I adapted to the local culture and community by taking time to observe what was around me, and I really relied on my Nepali family. My family members were always honest with me. For example, one time I wanted to wear blue jeans outside of their compound, but they let me know that while it was acceptable in Kathmandu, it was not good in the village. I never wore pants outside of our house. I wore , a type of Nepali clothing mostly young, unmarried women wore. We had a local tailor come to the house and I ordered five outfits. It was an opportunity to bond with my family.

What skills or qualities did you develop that you find valuable in your current or future career?

I credit my experience as a Peace Corps volunteer with helping me develop patience, with being flexible, with rolling with whatever comes along. I became a better listener. I became less afraid of talking with people I didn’t know. I became more creative. So many things… I use all these skills today and have used them in all the jobs I’ve had, including being an Executive Director, and leading a Boston nonprofit organization for over a decade.

As I described above, I learned that I loved designing and facilitating training. It was fun creating sessions for Nepali teachers. It really paved my career path. I realized I didn’t want to be a classroom teacher, but I knew I still wanted to help people learn. In fact, about nine months after my service was over, I ended up back in Nepal, training incoming volunteers who were going to teach English as a Second Language. In graduate school, I did a practicum (a full-time job!) in Nepal as a women’s literacy program coordinator with the international nonprofit . I got the job in part because I spoke Nepali!

Since completing your service, how has your Peace Corps experience influenced your life?

I completed my service 30 years ago, and I can remember much of that time like it was yesterday. Two years in my village gave me time to get to know myself and helped me become more open to new experiences. I became less afraid of what I didn’t know.  I made lifelong friends with whom I have shared happy and sad times together. My time in the Peace Corps had a profound impact on the person I am today.

I came back to 91������ to recruit future Peace Corps volunteers because, as my wife often tells me, I am a walking and talking Peace Corps advertisement. I feel like I’ve come full circle, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share more about the Peace Corps with a new generation of 91������ students.

What advice do you have for individuals considering joining the Peace Corps?

I always encourage individuals who are thinking about joining the Peace Corps to be flexible about where they serve and the work they do. Be ready and be open to learning a lot about themselves. I also let people know that a lot of the work they do in the Peace Corps will be to build relationships with others. Don’t worry if at times, one’s job seems to move slowly. In the end, you may discover that through the Peace Corps experience, your own personal growth and learning often surpasses what you contribute.

Finally, don’t be afraid to apply and to explore new opportunities like the Peace Corps! The benefits are many and may impact you throughout your life.

I have a few virtual events coming up, including an:

On March 13, 2024, at 5 p.m., thanks to IAFS and other programs, we will be bringing the documentary to the 91������ campus. We look forward to welcoming the producer/director, Alana DeJoseph, to the event. More detailed information will be announced soon.

I’m always happy to talk with folks, so please reach out to me at peacecorps@colorado.edu any time to set up a meeting.

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We emailed Scott in November, 2023 about his experiences being a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State and how his IAFS degree from 91������ has shaped his career. Read the full interview below!

The Buffs  in 91������ for the first home win in my lifetime, and then celebrating at with the goal post.

You are currently a mentor in the IAFS Mentorship Program, paired up with our very own Sarah Wittemyer (IAFS ’24, IAFS Student Assistant). What made you decide to participate in the program? What are the most rewarding parts of the program? Why should IAFS students participate in the program?

I have loved being a mentor within the and after 30 years, I thought it was time to reengage with CU. Honestly, I have learned as much from my three mentees (including advice that applies to my current job) as they have probably learned from me. For IAFS students, as long as they are willing to commit to engaging in the program, it is a great opportunity to learn what is out there in the professional world and the wide variety of career possibilities, especially beyond the first job.   

You have had a lengthy career in a variety of roles within the U.S. Department of State. What skills, knowledge, or experiences from your IAFS degree have you been able to use throughout your career?   

I learned to think about a country’s challenges and assets in a critically organized way. Living in a foreign country, it is easy to be so much in the weeds and dealing with everyday life (trying to find a parking place in Mexico City) that you can miss the big picture. My education at CU has given me the skill to be able to pull back and really analyze what I am seeing.

What advice would you give to IAFS students or alumni interested in a career with the U.S. Department of State?

The State Department is a great place to have a career if you are adaptable and appreciate change. In my 27 years, I have had 14 different jobs, 15 different supervisors, and participated in three long-term training opportunities to learn Spanish and Polish and to receive a master’s degree. Moving and change can be tiring, but if you are open to new things, the career fits that.

I absolutely loved my time in the Peace Corps. Although two years in a small African village was a bit like a two-year camping trip, it was an incredible experience that would have benefited and changed me whether or not I had ever worked overseas again. The best part, without a doubt, were the people who welcomed me, treated me like family, and even gave me an African name (Bakary Dembele).

You’ve lived in multiple countries from Canada and Mexico to Nigeria and Poland. What is one experience from your time abroad that particularly stands out to you? What has been the most challenging aspect of living abroad?

I have lots of stories, good and bad. The most challenging aspect is the little things like setting up internet, driving, or remembering to hang on to your beer cap in Africa to keep out flies. These things can wear you down if you let them. I love the unique stuff like sitting in an airport lounge in Lagos having a beer with my boss, a Nigerian official, and Jimmy Carter. Just hearing the ex-president of the United States have a “normal” conversation with two of my friends and be a real person was very enlightening and also humbling.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you plan to stay abroad, or have you considered returning to the United States?

Back in 91������, bringing my international skills to a post State Department job in Colorado, and watching the Buffs march to National Championships in at least football and women’s basketball.

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( ) graduated from CU in 2015 with a dual major in International Affairs and Political Science, and a certificate in Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies. As an undergrad, she spent a total of 14 months abroad in Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan studying the Arab Spring. After CU, she worked in Jordan and Washington, DC conducting research for the State Department, Middle East Institute, Wilson Center, and Center for Strategic Studies. She then went to Yale University to earn a master's degree in Global Affairs and work as a research fellow for John Kerry.  

While at Yale, she realized the untapped potential of rock climbing to catalyze positive economic, social, and environmental change. Veronica founded a nonprofit called to equip climbing communities worldwide with the knowledge and resources to thrive. She now runs a team of 14 individuals from seven countries to help global climbing organizations access gear, education, and funding to grow. In her spare time, Veronica works with graduate school applicants who want to make a positive difference in the world, helping them gain acceptances and scholarships to top programs.

You can find her CU honors thesis , read about her nonprofit at , and learn about her graduate consulting work at ascentadmissions.com. Connect with Veronica on . She is happy to provide mentorship to any students and alums working to figure out their path.

Here are Veronica’s 10 Tips for a Nontraditional Global Career

1. Do research and/or write a thesis.
   • Having research experience or having written a thesis impresses future employers and grad schools and can make you stand out from other applications.
   • You can also take advantage of research opportunities abroad, expanding your experience and network.
2. Know your personality and desired lifestyle, and build your path based on what you need.
   • Consider your work style. Do you see yourself as a self starter/entrepreneur mindset or do you prefer having a boss?
   • As you consider what you want to do in life, keep in mind things like if you are close to family and want to live nearby, or if you need to take care of family members. Another thing to think about is how risk tolerant you are when it comes to making decisions and simply being adventurous when it comes to building your own path.
3. Create your own opportunities. Ask for what you want.
   • Put yourself out there by cold emailing companies and nonprofits telling them what you could do for them. By doing so, you can obtain opportunities that will propel your career forward.
   • If you don’t want to work full time it's always worth asking for roles to be part time roles, or vice versa. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make these decisions for yourself and what you want to do.
4. Gaps, short experiences, and variety in your resume can be framed as an asset, not a liability. Frame things with confidence, as if they were your plan all along.
   • In your 20s, employer loyality is not the most important thing. If you can leran what you need to in 3 or 6 months, take that shorter opportunity and when talking about it, focus on the experience gained in that role.
   • Bouncing between sectors and role types helps inform you what you don't want to do, which is just as valuable as what you do want to do.
5. Consider funding your experiences with side jobs, any learned skills can be helpful for your main career.
   • An unpaid but all-star internship plus working at Starbucks may get you farther than a paid but not very well suited job/internship.
   • Look for hourly/flexible experiences you can opt in or out of such as contract work (virtual tutoring, graphic design, website design, editing, translation).
6. Consider founding a nonprofit, company, or organization- even if it's small.
   • Founding something shows leadership skills (initiative, imagination, communication, relationship building, project management, follow through) which are rare qualities employers desperately seek in the workforce. When described properly in a resume and cover letter, these skills set you apart in a way that applies to any field.
   • This also allows you to test the waters in a new interest before jumping into a career fully. Starting a blog, student group, social media account, or side hustle lets you see if you have what it takes for your idea to gain enough momentum to become your full-time path.
7. Have a "thing" that makes you memorable (and be prepared that it could come out of left field).
   • Jobs, grad school, scholarships - people want to back rising stars adding unique value to the world. Find your “thing.” Veronica wasn’t a climber until age 22, and then it changed her life and career trajectory.
   • Veronica also had dramatic experiences (political uprisings and evacuations) while living in the Middle East during the Arab Spring - using this story for cover letters and applications made her unique from other candidates.
8. Keep an eye out for low effort, high reward opportunities.
   • Virtual internships, consulting jobs, international events can all add a lot to your personal brand. Volunteer with an organization for just a couple hours a week, but take advantage of the connections and experiences gained.
   • Take advantage of networking opportunities and gatherings. Utilize career services or alumni networks from your university.
9. If you go to grad school, find the school that will invest in you.
   • Take time for you to interview the graduate school, not only the other way around. You want to make sure the school is a great fit for your goals and lifestyle.
   • Consider the type of graduate program. Do you want a program that is the classic/expected route for your career? Or do you want a flexible program that can give you the freedom to pursue your own path?
10. Seek mentors. Learn voraciously.
    • The majority of successful people have one or more mentors they can point to without whom their success would have never happened. People want to mentor others, but you will need to put in the work to find, connect, and maintain a mentorship relationship.
    • Whether you’re in school or not, keep learning. Learn from people, education, or other resources (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, etc.). Not stopping is the key to maintaining creativity and building yourself to be an expert, which leads to better, higher paying, and more flexible career options in the future.

Specific resources mentioned that personally helped Veronica:

• (application opens July 1st)
• CU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (application opens in the fall)
• CU Career Services
•  (application opens in the fall)

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