More Than a Job Search: How Korbel Prepares Students for Meaningful Careers

At Korbel, career readiness isn’t a final step, it’s a journey supported every step of the way.

For many students, one question sits just beneath the surface of their academic journey: What comes next?

At the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, that question isn’t something students are expected to answer all at once, or alone. Instead, it’s something they explore over time with support from the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), a team dedicated to helping Korbel graduate students translate their interests into meaningful careers.

From the moment students begin their program, OCPD positions itself not as a final step before graduation, but as a consistent partner throughout the entire journey.

“We really encourage students to engage with our office early and often. From the beginning and ongoing,” said Rae Ann Bories-Easley, OCPD Senior Director, who has spent 30 years in career services, including 15 years working with Korbel students.

Rae Ann and the OCPD team are dedicated to offering personalized support for every level of career journey by helping students identify what they enjoy, learn how to employ their strengths, and come up with search strategies to identify the right positions for them. Whether students arrive with a clear plan or are still exploring, OCPD meets them where they are and helps them move forward.

AmeriCorps Internship Service Day

“We work with all graduate students – even if they don’t know what they want to do,” Rae Ann said. “We’re here for them for their entire two years and beyond. We meet them wherever they’re at in their development.”

At its core, OCPD is built around the idea that career development is a process, not a one-time decision. Students can access support through individual appointments, drop-ins, group trainings, workshops, and employer information sessions. Many of these resources are introduced even before classes begin, allowing students to start exploring career paths early. Students are also connected to Korbel’s alumni network through dedicated networking events designed to help them understand where their degree can take them and how to get there.

Together, these touchpoints reinforce a clear message: Students don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. Instead, career readiness is built through time and experience.

“Finding Your Fit”: From Interests to Opportunities

Through internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and programs like Korbel AmeriCorps, students gain hands-on experience that connects academic learning to real-world impact. These experiences not only strengthen resumes, they also help students test their interests and build confidence.

Alongside experiential learning, OCPD provides key tools students need to navigate the job market. Among the office’s core offerings are resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and job search strategies. For many students, these services are essential to becoming competitive candidates.

“We encourage students to get as many applied skills as possible, and we’re always looking into new opportunities to help them do so, whether it’s interning, volunteering, studying abroad, doing a fellowship, doing research with a faculty member or at a think tank,” said Jamie Polliard, Internship Program & Office Manager at OCPD. “These all demonstrate to prospective employers that they’re ready to hit the ground running.”

For career office staff, it’s not enough to help students find just any job, they do their best to help them find the right jobs.

“It’s all about finding their fit,” said Jamie, who has 16 years of experience in higher education with prior experience in international business and non-profit management. “Our philosophy is not to just help students get jobs but to pursue careers that inspire them! We all spend more time at work throughout our lives than anything else except sleeping, so your career should be worthy of that time.”

Thanks in part to these crucial resources, Korbel graduates are competitive candidates for a range of industries. In fact, out of 133 graduate students who completed their degree in 2024, 97% of job seekers were employed. Korbel graduates also report high levels of job satisfaction, with 89% reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with their current roles (based on a survey of graduates from 2022 to 2024).

Further, to ensure accessibility and equity, the office awards stipends for unpaid internships, working to reduce barriers that might otherwise limit students’ ability to pursue professional development opportunities. Career staff also work closely with international students and student organizations to ensure career support is inclusive and responsive to student needs.

Initiatives like Job Club, where graduating students meet regularly for accountability, support, and community, also reflect their commitment to students, particularly during critical transition moments. Programs to visit employer sites and meet with Korbel alumni in the field, such as the annual D.C. Career Connections program, further expand access and give students unique exposure to professional pathways.

2026 D.C. Career Connections Trip

Creating a “Culture of Care”

Haley Graham, a senior majoring in International Studies and Socio-Legal Studies, has worked with OCPD since her first year at the University of Denver. Haley explained how staff regularly go above and beyond – far more than their job entails – to create “culture of care” in which they guide each student toward many professional possibilities, from scholarships and fellowships, internships and jobs, and much more.

Her advice for students to get the most out of the OCPD office?

• If you have questions, ask!
• Come to drop-in hours.
• Take advantage of the resume review opportunities.
• Ask about opportunities – the career staff often have insight into jobs you might not have seen otherwise.
• Attend career events and networking opportunities.

Above all: “Take advantage of the opportunities that are around you, build connections, and seek out new opportunities,” Haley said. “We are not a scary office, and we love supporting students!”

Connecting Networks and Outcomes

Career development at Korbel is grounded in relationships. Students gain access to a broad and supportive professional network that not only includes notable employer partners, but also a highly involved alumni network. That network plays a meaningful role in student success.

“We have an impressive alumni network who are immensely generous to each other and our students,” Jamie said.

That generosity is always reciprocated by OCPD staff, who continue to support students after they graduate, even years later.

“We’re really proud of the work we do for alums,” Rae Ann says. “We have a database of events, resources, and networking opportunities that we have collected for alumni. We’ve intentionally partnered with Colorado and APSIA schools to offer graduates support and programs beyond graduation.”

For the OCPD team, the work with both students and alumni is deeply meaningful.

"Our network is a source of hope and inspiration," Jamie said. "We help students plug into that."

At a time when career paths can feel uncertain, that support – and the network behind it – matters more than ever.

“The best part of this job is the students, and their vision and difference they want to make in the world. We get the opportunity to support and empower student goals and aspirations, which is a privilege,” Jamie said.

At Korbel, career development isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the support, resources, and confidence to find them. And with OCPD, students don’t have to do it alone.

Internship Orientation Session