Professional Experiences

Buff Works projects are learning in action and provide students with hands-on experiential learning projects. Students apply their education and put their skills and knowledge to work in real-world projects. Career Services creates teams of students from across campus and pairs them with companies to complete projects.

Want to get paid for entry-level projects? UPSKLS offers short-term projects usually ranging from 10 to 40 hours with companies across the country, including many in Colorado. These projects range in focus and UPSKLS will interview you to pair you with the projects that match your skills and interests the most. Each project is paid upon completion. Whether you are looking for a little bit of professional experience to get your feet wet, to apply your skills, to earn some extra income, or to make connections UPSKLS may be a great option for you.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to work in a specific job role or at a specific company, job simulations offer that opportunity. The Forage is a platform that offers 6-7 hour virtual roles where you can explore what it’s like to work at some of the largest companies in the world. You can practice doing the actual work of a company and submit your results to their staff to review. If they like what they see, you may just hear back from them about an internship or job opportunity.

​CU Boulder has a rich culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and there are some amazing programs on campus that support students in pursuing their dreams. If you’re interested in starting your own business or exploring an innovative idea, check out the following opportunities:

• New Venture Challenge
• Catalyze CU
• Idea Forge
• Startup Summer
• Hack CU

Handshake is the best tool for finding off-campus professional jobs and internships. However, we do have a great Office of Student Employment that helps students find positions on campus, work-study opportunities and part-time jobs in the Boulder community. If that appeals to you, check out their resources.

Connect with CU Boulder alumni and other students on the Forever Buffs Network. You can create an account and network or set up informational interviews with alumni to learn more about jobs or industries you’re interested in. Many alumni are open to mentoring CU Boulder students so keep an eye out for Buffs who are a good fit for you and are open to giving back.

One of the best ways to sharpen your application for a job or internship is to add a strong skills section to your resume. Listing practical skills that set you apart can put you at the front of the line for hiring consideration. LinkedIn Learning can help you develop all kinds of transferable skills that are sure to impress employers. Linkedin Learning is available to all CU students at no additional cost. Courses range in length, and you can choose from options that will teach you

• how to use Microsoft Excel, Adobe and other programs.
• job-specific skills like coding, social media for business or building a website.
• soft skills like public speaking, project management, leadership and more.

When it comes to research, CU Boulder is one of the world’s leading institutions. Research is useful in the classroom and on campus, but it can also be incredibly helpful in your future endeavors. If you’re interested in research, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides hands-on experience in a research or creative project. There are also opportunities to connect with faculty mentors.

One of the best ways to learn about yourself, develop skills and give back to others is through volunteering. Volunteer roles can vary – you may find yourself doing anything from working with animals to writing grants to collecting data for organizations. There are plenty of opportunities to match your interests and fit your schedule. Connect with the Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) to learn more about finding service opportunities.