Business Acumen & Career Outcomes

Career Paths: How Matt Schottland Turned a Love of Numbers into a Dual Degree and a Startup

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:59:26 +0000

Career Paths: How Matt Schottland Turned a Love of Numbers into a Dual Degree and a Startup Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 03/31/2025 - 14:59

Jane Majkiewicz

Matt Schottland is building Brain Buffs, an adaptive SAT prep platform, with a CU alumni/student team—while wrapping up undergrad, starting a master’s, and tackling tax season at KPMG.

Matt Schottland’s (Fin, Acct’25) love of numbers was sparked at age 12 when his dad sat him and his siblings down to explain the stock market. “I really liked it,” Schottland said, “because it taught me about the world around me and how companies work.” Two hours later, he was the proud owner of a single share of Domino’s Pizza.

Since then, there are other numbers that have stood out to Schottland. One is the 4+1 Bachelor’s Accelerated Master’s Program—a lure for coming to Leeds (and after a disappointing freshman year elsewhere, his family’s Buff legacy was also too compelling to overlook).

That defining event when he was 12 convinced Schottland that finance would be his future focus. At Leeds, he also discovered he loves the concrete rules associated with accounting. Blending that with the often unpredictable nature of finance led him to pursue a major in both.

A few more numbers have defined his time at Leeds. He has a 3.98 GPA, he has worked at three competitive internships (Medtronic, Lockheed Martin and KPMG), and last year, he launched his own startup, Brain Buffs, which now includes a team of nine CU students and alumni.

Brain Buffs is an AI-driven, adaptive learning platform designed to help students improve their SAT scores through personalized test prep. To date, the company boasts that students using the platform have improved their scores by an average of 150 points.

The benefits of real-world experience

This spring is no exception to Schottland’s desire to excel. He took the semester off to fully immerse himself in the “crazy busy tax season” at his internship at KPMG.

“My mindset has really been to try as many things as I can while I’m in a position where it’s acceptable to do so." He has intentionally sought internships to explore both the finance and accounting realms, in line with his dual interests.

“My mindset has really been to try as many things as I can while I’m in a position where it’s acceptable to do so."

Matt Schottland (Fin, Acct’25)

Now preparing to complete his senior year this fall, Schottland is especially excited about how the BAM program is structured.

“The program is run very well. … They’re really intentional in how they plan it. In my final semester of undergrad this fall, I have concurrent enrollment, with classes that apply both to my undergrad and to the grad school. That made the program compelling.”

Entrepreneurial momentum

The idea behind Brain Buffs took root in high school, but it was the entrepreneurial energy at CU that gave it momentum. Together with his brother, Logan (a 2024 CU alumnus now working as a software engineer at SpaceX), they launched the company with their team and began a yearlong development journey that resulted in partnerships with five Colorado schools and plans for expansion across the state and beyond.

As the team continues to refine their algorithm, they envision broader applications—preparing students for the ACT and many other types of learning. Despite the trend toward test-optional admissions, Schottland believes standardized tests like the SAT will remain important in states like Colorado, which still require the test to gauge proficiency levels.

Learning by doing

Even as he enters the master’s phase of his education, Schottland is doubling down on growing Brain Buffs. He sees a direct link between his coursework and the startup’s evolution—particularly experiences like the BCOR Applied Semester Experience (BASE), which he described as a critical turning point.

“You work with successful companies … You’re writing out financials, doing opportunity summaries, you’re looking at competitors … these aren’t just theoretical. It’s actually doing these things.”

A cycle of support

As Brain Buffs scales, Schottland has tapped into a wide range of resources offered through Leeds and 91��ý. At the time of publication, the company had applied to the New Venture Challenge and was awaiting results to see if they will qualify for the next round.

“If we went through the entire competition and didn’t win funding, I would still be happy,” he said. “It’s great connections, and you get to be part of a great community of startups. That’s amazing to be part of, and it’s great publicity for Brain Buffs.”

Brain Buffs also participated in Startups2Students—an initiative that led to hiring four CU students—and collaborated with the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, a partnership Schottland said saved the company nearly $50,000 in legal fees.

“The more you get involved, the more impressive CU’s startup culture is. All these amazing people with all these smart ideas, and they’re just going for it. They’re making a real impact.”

“In Leeds and CU in general, there’s a sentiment that no idea is too crazy, and nothing is too hard to solve. It’s not ‘Can this happen?’ but rather, ‘How can we do this?’”

“There are so many resources to make you successful,” he said. That mentality, combined with programs like Peer2Peer Mentoring, has helped Schottland build meaningful relationships with fellow students and industry professionals alike.

“In Leeds and CU in general, there’s a sentiment that no idea is too crazy, and nothing is too hard to solve. It’s not ‘Can this happen?’ but rather, ‘How can we do this?’”

Matt Schottland (Fin, Acct’25)

“It’s worth it to get involved early because Leeds’ resources are well built-out programs. They’re really intentional and they pay a lot of dividends as you progress at Leeds.”

For Schottland, one major dividend has been the reward of knowing he is helping other students. “I’ve been working a lot, but it’s because I love it. It’s just so rewarding and fun for me. If I’m up at night working, I know there’s a student out there also working. The students really drive me to keep going.”

Want to get your entrepreneurial ideas off the ground? Connect with the Deming Center.

Matt Schottland is building Brain Buffs, an adaptive SAT prep platform, with a CU alumni/student team—while wrapping up undergrad, starting a master’s, and tackling tax season at KPMG.

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The Leeds Sustainability Case Competition: Business Students Tackle AI’s Energy Challenge

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:35:34 +0000

The Leeds Sustainability Case Competition: Business Students Tackle AI’s Energy Challenge Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 02/11/2025 - 08:35

Jane Majkiewicz • Video by Cody Johnston

The annual Leeds Sustainability Case Competition brought together 39 teams from top business schools to develop solutions for sustainability challenges in the age of artificial intelligence.

As AI technology expands, its energy consumption is growing exponentially, raising urgent sustainability concerns. How can companies embrace AI without compromising environmental responsibility?

That was the central challenge that MBA students from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley (Haas), The University of Chicago (Booth), Duke University (Fuqua) and Columbia tackled at this year’s Leeds Sustainability Case Competition.

91��ý’s "For the Bees" team from the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program took first place, while Leeds’ "The Green Beans" team secured second place.

“Addressing environmental sustainability will be crucial for businesses over the next decade,” said Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business. “Leeds is at the forefront of highlighting how sustainability is not only a competitive advantage for business, but also an opportunity to drive innovative solutions to global challenges.”

A legacy of sustainability at Leeds

“For 25 years, the Leeds School of Business has prioritized sustainability, ethics and social responsibility, and our students come here because of that focus,” said Mike Leeds (Fin’74).

Since 2001, the Leeds Sustainability Case Competition—formerly known as the Net Impact Case Competition—has provided students with real-world business challenges focused on sustainability. The competition brings together graduate students, executives and businesses that share a common commitment to business practices that yield positive social, environmental and financial returns.

A unique opportunity for future business leaders

“This competition is a unique opportunity because students work in cross-functional teams, collaborating with peers from different disciplines to develop innovative solutions to sustainability-related challenges,” said Kathryn Wendell, executive director of the Leeds Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility.

With AI rapidly transforming industries, this year's competition demonstrated how business leaders can balance technological progress with environmental priorities. In addition to fostering an environment of creative problem-solving, the annual event also strengthens students’ professional networks, giving them essential connections as they become next-generation business leaders.

The annual Leeds Sustainability Case Competition brought together 39 teams from top business schools to develop sustainable solutions to power the AI surge.

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Career Paths: How Luke St. John Became a Natural Networker

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 20:18:11 +0000

Career Paths: How Luke St. John Became a Natural Networker Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 02/07/2025 - 13:18

Luke St. John (Fin’25) built a robust habit of networking while pursuing his passions at Leeds. That ultimately helped him secure a job before graduation.

For senior Luke St. John, launching his career this spring has boiled down to two things: Doing what he loves and talking to everybody.

This May, St. John will graduate and begin his new role as a business analyst at McKinsey and Company in Denver. He attributes this success partly to his involvement in various student organizations at CU. Since his freshman year, he has served as vice president on the board of the Boulder Freeride ski and snowboard club—the largest student organization on campus. He has also been an active member of Leeds Student Government and has participated in the Leeds on Wall Street group.

Turning dreams into milestones

Joining clubs helped St. John navigate a challenging start to his freshman year, fostering friendships and cementing valuable connections to craft a positive college experience. His spring semester of junior year was another turning point: Realizing he had enough credits to graduate early, he took time off to pursue his travel dreams—skiing in Japan, surfing in Bali and exploring Europe. That didn’t thwart his plans to graduate—but instead expanded his curiosity and confidence.

To fund his travels, St. John worked nearly every day at a restaurant for two months, a lesson in financial planning and perseverance. And navigating the unknowns of travel became a strong talking point during interviews. That semester off ultimately paid off. His new role at McKinsey will involve significant travel, and St. John feels ready for the challenge.

Follow your passions

St. John credits his parents for instilling in him an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for doing meaningful work. His father started a company more than 20 years ago building drift boats for fly fishing.

“I think that was so cool for me to see my entire life growing up … [my father] has been so focused and dedicated to his company. He has good days and he has bad days, and I get to see those firsthand. I know that deep down, he loves what he does.”

His mother works as a curator and grant writer for the Steamboat Art Museum, a job she loves and one that has inspired St. John’s interest in nonprofits.

“Having both parents doing something they're so passionate about … it’s kind of hard not to think, ‘They made it work 100% doing that. So why can’t I?’”

Network with peers

Early on, St. John recognized the value of Leeds’ career resources—he was in Leeds’ career coach Susan Brodnicki’s office at least an hour each week, he laughed. She worked tirelessly to help connect him with leads and contacts. Also, he never underestimated the power of collaborating with peers to practice and build skills.

His involvement with Leeds Student Government proved to be a fertile ground for learning and leadership. “It was so cool that I could go in, and not really knowing much … the juniors and seniors were able to guide me to where I wanted to go, and then they let me take the reins on stuff that I was really passionate about,” said St. John.

Through student government, St. John first learned about McKinsey from a junior who had secured a job there. That influenced his decision in freshman year to focus on finance and business. His involvement in the investment banking club starting sophomore year further honed his networking and interview skills.

"You need to put yourself out there. The worst that’ll happen is people won’t respond."

Luke St. John (Fin’25)

“They trained us that you need to put yourself out there. The worst that’ll happen is people won’t respond,” said St. John. He learned how to “take that ‘no’ and move to the next company or reach out to somebody else that might be more helpful.”

Stick with it

St. John estimates he’s sent over 500 emails for coffee chats in the last three years.

“I probably had 30 or 40 calls with companies before I even got to McKinsey,” he added. While he reached out to contacts from other schools, he found conversations with Leeds alumni to be the most productive.

“On other calls, they didn’t necessarily have the understanding about classes or looking out for me as much as people at Leeds,” said St. John. “That’s what’s so cool: Buffs looking out for Buffs.”

When St. John had his first interview with McKinsey, he reached out to a couple of students in the Leeds Consulting Group, even though he isn’t a member. Those students happily devoted a couple of hours each to help St. John practice.

Explore options through internships

Internships helped St. John gain clarity about his career path.

“I knew I wanted to do something in finance, but I didn’t necessarily know what,” St. John said. Interning with both private and nonprofit organizations allowed him to discover his preferences and envision his future. Gaining that professional experience has allowed him to feel confident going into his new role, knowing how to gauge expectations.

Looking ahead

St. John will spend two to three years as a general business analyst for McKinsey, following the company’s track to consultant, senior consultant and engagement manager roles.

No matter where the path ultimately takes him, St. John knows he’ll benefit from the experience.

“I am incredibly excited just to be able to touch a variety of industries,” he said. He hopes to pair the business knowledge he develops with his passion for the outdoors and sustainability. He dreams of starting a company to make skis, inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial journey.

One certainty: Networking will remain a cornerstone of St. John’s path. Here’s some proof: After the interview for this story, he followed up with an email to share contacts for other articles, including his younger brother, a current CU student transferring to Leeds this fall.

That’s “Buffs looking out for Buffs” in action, which, for St. John, comes naturally.

Want to put your networking skills to work? Connect with the Leeds Career Development Office.

Luke St. John (Fin’25) built a robust habit of networking while pursuing his passions at Leeds. That ultimately helped him secure a job before graduation.

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Harnessing Data Power: A Game-Changer for Supply Chain and Marketing Careers

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:06:50 +0000

Harnessing Data Power: A Game-Changer for Supply Chain and Marketing Careers Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 01/14/2025 - 11:06

Jane Majkiewicz

Leeds is at the forefront of data analytics with two new innovative master’s programs—supply chain analytics and marketing analytics.

Data is everywhere. The challenge isn’t collecting it but turning it into actionable insights and informed business decisions. That’s the vision behind Leeds’ new master’s programs in supply chain analytics and marketing analytics, beginning in 2025.

“Being able to launch marketing analytics and supply chain analytics degrees is exciting and supportive of the growth of the school and the opportunities we provide as students consider the changes occurring in business careers,” said Kristi Ryujin, associate dean for graduate programs at Leeds. During her 11-year tenure, she has witnessed seismic changes in these two major areas of global business.

Transforming supply chain operations

Supply chains became a household topic during the pandemic, as shortages, price surges and logistical bottlenecks exposed vulnerabilities in global systems. Today, organizations must grapple with growing amounts of data to answer critical questions: Where should products be stored? How should production be timed? How can pricing and overhead be optimized? How will changing tariffs and regulations affect operations and revenue?

“These are the kinds of questions we’re hearing,” Ryujin noted. “Discussions with industry partners show how far supply chain operations have come from the days of literally walking the lines in the warehouse. Now, we’re looking at things like performance over time, and it’s all data driven.”

Leeds’ new Supply Chain Analytics master’s program builds on 10 years of expertise in core supply chain topics including procurement, logistics, inventory management and programming skills in Python. The new program replaces and updates the existing supply chain management degree, incorporating new technologies including AI and machine learning, and advanced technical skills.

The ability to predict demand, address inefficiencies and reduce risks can translate into significant cost savings and operational improvements for organizations. For example, supply chain analytics can help a food manufacturer forecast ingredient needs to avoid spoilage, streamline delivery schedules and align with sustainability goals in packaging and production.

“Leeds is seen as a leader in sustainability,” Ryujin said. “Having a sustainable supply chain is part of the opportunity we have in guiding students.”

“There will be consistent demand for people with this skillset.”—Kristi Ryujin, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs

Expanding career opportunities

As supply chains grow more complex, so does the demand for skilled professionals. The new master’s program is tailored to both full-time students and working professionals, offering flexible formats to accommodate busy schedules.

“One of the things we pride ourselves in is that we develop talent,” Ryujin said. “If someone was an undergraduate psychology major, for example, and really likes numbers and data, we will prepare that student for success in the program.”

High-demand roles in supply chain analytics include:

→ Demand Planner
→ Logistics Analyst
→ Operations Analyst
→ Procurement Agent
→ Quality Control Analyst

“We learned so much during COVID. And now we must think about the complexities and volatility of supply chain markets based on government changes, leadership changes, climate change and more,” Ryujin said. “Our ability to address these challenges is what makes our supply chain analytics degree so interesting and exciting,” she said. “There will be consistent demand for people with this skillset.”

The growing role of marketing analytics

Leeds’ new Marketing Analytics master’s program builds on Leeds’ foundation of excellence in marketing research and teaching. The program is designed to prepare students for roles that require translating data into actionable insights, understanding customer behavior and optimizing marketing effectiveness.

The new program will expand upon Leeds’ breadth of marketing courses with the added technical skills to address evolving and emerging roles. These roles are becoming vital in helping companies understand their audiences, drive revenue growth and solidify their reputation as purpose-driven, sustainable organizations.

High-demand roles in marketing analytics include:

→ Marketing Analytics Manager
→ Marketing Analytics Senior Lead
→ Senior Manager, Marketing Insights and Analytics
→ Senior Manager, Digital Marketing
→ Senior Digital Engagement Administrator

Flexible learning options and the Leeds difference

Both new master’s programs offer full-time, in-person formats as well as an “Online Plus” option, which combines high-quality, customized videos, synchronous remote sessions and in-person faculty office hours. This flexibility makes it possible for working professionals to reskill, upskill or pivot their careers.

“For recent graduates or career changers, these programs offer a pathway to advanced opportunities,” Ryujin explained. Many of Leeds’ undergraduate students take advantage of accelerated pathways, earning both undergraduate and master’s degrees through 3+1 or 4+1 programs. “The important thing for students is to come in with curiosity, interest and a willingness to learn.”

By solving critical business challenges and identifying opportunities to improve business processes and mitigate risks, these programs shape students into strategic thinkers in their industries. Leeds’ graduates not only leave prepared to adapt to ever-evolving business demands, but they’re also equipped with a competitive edge in anticipating future challenges and driving innovation—skills that set them apart as leaders.

At a Glance

	Master’s in Supply Chain Analytics	Master’s in Marketing Analytics
Program Options	Full-time: 10 months in person Online Plus: 2 years, paced for working professionals Starts in July 2025	Full-time: 10 months in person Online Plus: 2 years, paced for working professionals Starts in July 2025
Curriculum	Data-driven operational strategy and tactics with big data analytics.	Data-driven marketing strategies including specialized market intelligence, digital advertising and customer analytics courses.
Selected Courses	Fundamentals of Data Analytics Structured Data Modeling & Analysis Supply Chain & Operations Analytics Procurement & Contracting Modern Artificial Intelligence Experiential Projects	Survey of Business Analytics Machine Learning Advanced Data Analytics Market Intelligence Customer Analytics Digital Advertising Modern Artificial Intelligence Experiential Projects
Career Success	Graduates find roles in leading companies including Arrow Electronics, Boeing, Danone, Lockheed Martin, Walmart and more.	Graduates find roles in top companies like AB InBev, Alteryx, KPMG, Merckle, OptTek Systems, P2 Energy Solutions and Panasonic North America.

Leeds is at the forefront of data analytics with two new innovative master’s programs—supply chain analytics and marketing analytics.

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From Boardrooms to Classrooms: Visionary Leaders Share Secrets to Their Success

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:07:38 +0000

From Boardrooms to Classrooms: Visionary Leaders Share Secrets to Their Success Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 01/13/2025 - 12:07

Anna Bedell (Mktg’25)

Hundreds of industry leaders and alumni visited Leeds last fall to coach, teach and get to know students.

Every semester, business leaders come to Koelbel to share their expertise and stories with students. This fall was no different—Leeds saw hundreds of executives, trailblazers and influencers visit classrooms, events, case competitions and more.

“We’re so lucky to have countless accomplished professionals come to speak at Leeds,” said Katherine Ratledge, a program manager for the Center of Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR). “It is enormously valuable to our students who use the opportunity to network and ask questions, hear new perspectives and—most importantly—see an example of what they could be in the future.”

Guest speakers are often alumni, board members and Leeds‘ corporate partners—the best and brightest minds from the Leeds community. From sustainability to sports or banking, these speakers share their knowledge of modern business and provide students with inspiration and resources for their future careers.

"A great speaker can change a career trajectory, and that’s exactly what happens when leaders come to Leeds to share their expertise,” noted Amanda Hansen, director of the Career Development Office.

Organic advice

CESR, in partnership with the Burridge Center for Finance, hosted Geneviève Piché (pictured above left), the head of sustainable finance at Wells Fargo. At a pivotal moment in her career, Piché launched Wells Fargo's sustainable finance division, focused on creating positive impact through finance. She stressed the need for businesses to use inclusive language when communicating about climate and sustainability and emphasized the need for investments across ecosystems.

Supported by the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, Techstars co-founder David Brown—one of the most influential figures in the entrepreneurial world—visited Leeds for a fireside chat. A lifelong entrepreneur and investor, he talked about his 40-year career of starting and building sustainable companies, including Pinpoint Technologies, Techstars and Zintinus. He stressed the importance of learning from failure, balancing risk and rewards, and advocating for DEI at small companies.

Organized by Leeds Student Government and in partnership with the CU Freeride club, CEOs and founders of POWDR advised students on ways to break into the outdoor industry. This leader-packed event featured John Cumming (founder and chairman), Justin Sibley (CEO), Raj Basi (vice president of sustainability), Maria Guarnieri (chief of staff) and Megan Fearnow (vice president of marketing). They discussed how everyone’s path to success is different, and even if you don’t start in the outdoor industry, it doesn’t mean you can’t end up there. They also advised students on networking with the right people and surrounding themselves with those who have similar interests.

Other influential leaders who visited this fall included:

Matt Pozzi, BAE Systems

Jeff Brown, BlackRock

James Calano, Boulder Investment Group

Angela Schwartz, Danone North America

Ben Lerman, Danone North America

Regan Ebert, Danone North America

Samantha Cotlov, Danone North America

Arden Gehl, Deloitte Consulting

Carson Smail, Deloitte Consulting

June Yuan, Deloitte Consulting

Lindsay Determan, Deloitte Consulting

Shreya Naik, Deloitte Consulting

Zachary East, Deloitte Consulting

David Williams, Fisher Investments

Erica Brown, Fisher Investments

Karson Jones, Fisher Investments

Chris Fogler, FTI Consulting

Claire Schaffer, FTI Consulting

Francheska Pokora, FTI Consulting

Leanne Sigman, FTI Consulting

Ryan Rule, FTI Consulting

Siobhan Cleary, FTI Consulting

Jamie Gardner, Google

Brandon Wilcox, KPMG

Colin Ellis, KPMG

Hope Cahoon, KPMG

Jordan Akiyoshi, KPMG

Jorge Velasquez, KPMG

Mat Groh, KPMG

Malcom Craig, McCaffery Interests

Michael Hovey, Morgan Stanley

John Cumming, POWDR

Jane Miller, Rudi’s Organic Bakery

Amy Halvorson, Starbucks Coffee

Get connected with opportunities to influence and inspire students.

Developing tomorrow’s business leaders requires today’s mentors. Last fall, more than 300 executives from companies such as WellsFargo, Google and Techstars shared their expertise at Leeds.

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Building Professional Skills with the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate

Erik William Jeffries — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:59:47 +0000

Building Professional Skills with the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate Erik William J… Wed, 01/08/2025 - 11:59

The nonprofit industry is always evolving, and for professionals like Sarah Mudd, gaining additional skills is helpful for moving ahead in the industry.

Mudd joined the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate program in 2024 with the goal of building skills that were transferable across public policy, community engagement, corporate social responsibility and social impact. As a director of family and community engagement for early childhood education, Mudd hoped to bring specialized skills in areas such as regulatory compliance and networking to her career.

Experience in the Certificate Program

The course in sustainability offered a comprehensive review of critical issues in the world of social impact. From corporate philanthropy, sustainability reporting, DEI, policy advocacy and more, students receive the most up-to-date education to support them in a changing landscape.

“The course had lots of different dimensions of traditional corporate responsibility,” said Mudd. “The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) module was very meaningful because I work with marginalized communities and nonprofits. The other modules on environment and sustainability were fascinating. Everything was meaningful and critical.”
The certificate program also brings in expert guest speakers from across industries to share best practices. Mudd appreciated that the course wasn’t just about reading. “It was about applying what we learned and supplementing it with guest speakers.” She recalled the DEIB module’s guest speaker Dwinita Mosby Taylor from the Equity Project as an impactful speaker who amplified the content they were learning in class. Another prominent guest speaker, Kavell Brown with LinkedIn, shared the company’s initiatives in corporate giving and employee engagement to build partnerships and solve global challenges. Those real-world experiences were invaluable.

Mudd also valued the opportunity to network with industry professionals. The certificate connects students to a community of more than 500 professional alumni who stay active on LinkedIn and who regularly attend in-person networking events. Being in Colorado and having access to the local network of professionals was a major factor in Mudd’s interest in the program, she said.

Benefits to Nonprofits

“Historically, the only places where you could do good and make an impact on social issues was in nonprofits, education, social services and government roles,” said Mudd. “As more corporations have begun to understand the need to address concerns from a regulatory standpoint, there has been a shift.”

Whether students work for corporations or nonprofits, the 91��ý sustainability programs, including the certificate, prepare a variety of professionals to make an impact. Sustainability and social impact fundamentals can be implemented across industries and at any career stage because they are shaping how businesses operate.

For nonprofits, these skills support a well-rounded understanding of the value an organization brings as well as the ability to tell the story of the nonprofit, increase funding and identify donors. For corporate employees, purpose-driven businesses will continue to grow.

Joining the Certificate Program

Mudd found the certificate program online and quickly saw that it met her needs. “As a Colorado resident, I was familiar with the university and what it’s known for,” she said. The certificate program draws upon 91��ý’s long legacy of sustainability.

“The program feels warm and inclusive,” said Mudd. “Everything was made easy to understand. I felt like students are valued. You can contribute to the conversations no matter your background.”

“Just do it if you’re interested and passionate about the issues,” encouraged Mudd. “For anyone on the fence, there is always something you can get out of this program that will resonate with you and be important to your work.”

Mudd also encourages students who are weighing their options to connect with the certificate instructor. “Talking with the instructor ahead of time not only made me feel welcomed, but it also clarified that the program would be a good fit for my interests and goals.”

Explore more details about the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate, with cohorts offered every spring and fall semester.

The nonprofit industry is always evolving, and for professionals like Sarah Mudd, gaining additional skills is helpful for moving ahead in the industry.

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Business Acumen & Career Outcomes

Career Paths: How Matt Schottland Turned a Love of Numbers into a Dual Degree and a Startup

The benefits of real-world experience

Entrepreneurial momentum

Learning by doing

A cycle of support

Related Articles

The Leeds Sustainability Case Competition: Business Students Tackle AI’s Energy Challenge

A legacy of sustainability at Leeds

A unique opportunity for future business leaders

Related Articles

Career Paths: How Luke St. John Became a Natural Networker

Turning dreams into milestones

Follow your passions

Network with peers

Stick with it

Explore options through internships

Looking ahead

Related Articles

Harnessing Data Power: A Game-Changer for Supply Chain and Marketing Careers

Transforming supply chain operations

Expanding career opportunities

The growing role of marketing analytics

Flexible learning options and the Leeds difference

At a Glance

Related Articles

From Boardrooms to Classrooms: Visionary Leaders Share Secrets to Their Success

Organic advice

Other influential leaders who visited this fall included:

Get connected with opportunities to influence and inspire students.

Related Articles

Building Professional Skills with the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate

Experience in the Certificate Program

Benefits to Nonprofits

Joining the Certificate Program

Related Articles