The job market is a special challenge right now—but advertising students at CMDI said they have an edge.

“Many of my professors still work in the industry,” said Michael Robinson (StComm’26). “And they’re willing to help find connections for you in their networks in Denver and Boulder—and beyond.” 

Robinson, who completed an internship with Ad Council over the summer, was among more than a dozen students who spent a Saturday at the Boulder offices of creative services agency 11 Dollar Bill, where they had the chance to be mentored by industry pros who’ve done work for Nike, Verizon, Pepsi, LinkedIn and more.

Members of the Boulder creative community—such as Nancy Perales, left, a senior director at Comcast—visited creative services agency 11 Dollar Bill to help students build local professional connections. Photo by Hannah Howell. 

Jolene Fisher, associate chair of the advertising, public relations and media department, as well as an associate professor, said it’s just one way students are encouraged to connect with professionals. 

“You’re not building a network so someone will give you a job,” she said. “You’re building a network because through that network, you learn what you can do and what you want to do.”

One mentor said he most appreciates CMDI students’ curiosity and courage.

“One of the most important things you can do as a young professional is to say ‘I don’t know,’” said Christopher Chapman, co-founder of Denver-based Imaginology. “Do they come to a conversation prepared? Do they ask questions? I love to see that enthusiasm.” 

A meeting with Chapman helped Ansley Edelbrock, a senior majoring in strategic communication, give her resume a refresh. 

“It’s so meaningful to meet with people who remember what it’s like being a student, looking for connections who can help you,” she said. “It gives me confidence and demonstrates how CMDI is supporting me as I build that network of professionals.”

Those connections have never been more important, said John Polk, 11 Dollar Bill founder and CEO; twice each year, he invites CMDI students to his agency, which works with Netflix, CVS, Manchester United and other global brands.

“The industry is dramatically changing, especially due to A.I.,” Polk said. “What I’m looking to do through this event is find mentors at companies where these students could potentially apply, to give them a leg up.”

Mona Hasan, creative director of Boulder-based Fortnight Collective, said the students she met “had a swagger about them, and personality in their work.” 

“The Boulder creative community is a unique place—partly because of the professionals here, but also because of CU students, who help nurture that creativity,” she said.

The students’ creativity also impressed Mickey Citarella, partner and head of account services at Sterling-Rice Group. 

“Oftentimes, I see their work and wish we had made something like that,” said Citarella (Bus, Span’11). “It’s provocative, fun, exciting—it’s creativity in the best way possible.”