Meet Your Advisor: Katelyn Phillips

In this series, we talk to our amazing advising team, to get to know them better and learn about how they can help students! Today, we meet Katelyn Phillips, academic advisor.

Let us know a little about yourself:

I am a Colorado native born and raised. I played competitive soccer as a goal keeper from 5 to 18 years old, and then continued to play all 5 years in college (one being during my MBA). I attended Columbine High School and enjoyed every single second of it!

I attended Long Island University – Post (also the pioneers!) located in Brookville, New York for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, as well as my MBA. Going to school on Long Island was the best thing I have ever done. About half of my team were international students, with a lot being from Scandinavia. Having such a diverse student body and soccer team really opened my eyes to so many cultures, experiences, and so many people I am lucky to now call family. It allowed me to explore so much of the Northeast, as well as visit my roommate from Sweden in London/Paris!

I have always wanted to work in higher education, but I had quite the past getting here! I worked throughout college as an assistant manager for our performing arts center. During my last year of undergrad, I got an amazing opportunity to work for Artistic Affairs doing event and design management. We specialized in Indian weddings, charitable galas, and NY Fashion Week, as well as smaller events such a luncheons and baby showers. My former boss is a female entrepreneur and still mentors me to this day. If you have a chance, check out Artistic Affairs on social media to see some of what it does, as well as some event/style inspiration.

I simultaneously worked at a fresh seafood importer/distributer called Great Oceans LLC. It imports from countries all over the world and provides some of the best seafood in the country. I started as an intern in marketing and then moved full-time into a logistics coordinator role. My last year with them, I also took on the role of national sales account manager part-time while still doing logistics. The fresh seafood industry is so fast paced and interesting, I am so thankful for my time with them and what I learned both in and outside of the industry. If you ever have questions about fresh seafood, I’m your gal!

This past year my ultimate dream came true, getting to work at the University of Denver with University College. Although leaving the home I had built and people so close to my heart in New York was very tough, I knew I was coming home to an amazing family, work team, and great students. I am so honored to be here and work with so many amazing individuals every single day.

What programs do you advise for?

I advise for the Communication Management program for students whose last names start with M-Z. I am also the Enrollment Manager for the Organizational Leadership program.

What can a student gain from meeting with you?

Students can gain a lot more clarity when meeting with me. Any questions, problems, etc., can all be answered/worked through when we touch base.

How often do you suggest a student meet with you?

This all depends on the student. If you feel comfortable only checking in every now and again that is fine, or if you want to check in every week, that is fin,e as well. No matter what, I am here and ready to help.

I would suggest it is always a good idea to check in as registration is approaching so we can make sure you are all set for the quarter. I also suggest meeting before the capstone, as well.

Best advice for students on how to navigate the education/work-life balance?

Patience, motivation, and organization are key!

You must have patience with yourself. Going to graduate school and handling all of life’s responsibilities simultaneously is not easy, by any means. It is important not to be too hard on yourself; you are already accomplishing so much! Some days will be tougher than others, but you have an awesome support team to help get you through!

Staying motivated is easy when things are going well. When school/life gets overwhelming, you must keep that motivating factor in the front of your mind. You are capable of more than you think, but you must always remember why you started.

It is not easy to balance life in general, then adding school in can make it even harder to juggle. Stay as organized as possible and it will help tremendously! I religiously use a planner and make to-do lists. Knowing what you need to accomplish then crossing it off is one of the best feelings!

What else should your advisees know? 

I am always here to help you! You can count on me to be here and support you however you need. Never be afraid to come to me with good news, bad news, and everything in between. I want to see you succeed and achieve your dreams, and if there is any way I can help to make that happen, I will do it!

You can contact Katelyn at katelyn.phillips@du.edu 303-871-3014.