
Communication Management student jump-starts his career
Jeremiah Tjossem was always a communicator. His love of the spoken and written word led him to a dual bachelor’s degree in English and History.
But at age 25, he found himself without the professional credentials and experience to put those degrees to use. He was bartending in Durango, CO, and struggling to figure out what to do with his life.
When the pandemic hit, Tjossem resolved to do whatever it took to build a career with greater stability and satisfaction.
“I didn’t want to bartend the rest of my life,” he said. “I really wanted to try to do something I could use my education with, something more in line with my goals.”
Tjossam chose DU’s University College because of its high-quality programs and career-relevant online degrees. He decided to pursue a master’s degree in Communication Management, with a concentration in Marketing Communications.
Putting New Marketing Knowledge to Work
Once in Denver, he landed a job as a venue sales associate at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and was quickly able to put his graduate studies into practice. He had learned how to draft content calendars and communications plans, and was able to use those at his job.
“I showed the marketing director what I had created, and the director was shocked that someone at my level was able to do that,” he said.
His instructor in Social Media Strategy, Victoria O’Malley, says that’s the whole idea: courses designed to equip anyone—from current marketing professionals to those just breaking into the field—with concrete skills and useful insights.
“The value of University College is that students can actually apply what they’re learning and make a direct impact right away,” O’Malley said. “You see the ROI on your education immediately.”
“It’s just so practical,” agreed Tjossem. He’s now fielding job offers and has been successfully working with the marketing team at the Botanic Gardens to meet sales goals. He credits University College with helping him find a path that applies his communicator’s mind to a fulfilling career.
“That’s what University College can do.”
-
July 19, 2023
Learning Never Stops for These Enrichment Enthusiasts
A whole new world of learning has opened up to Rudy and Lori Melena through DU's Enrichment Program classes.
-
June 16, 2023
Frontline Manager Leadership Program: Busting Through Barriers
When Marcus Romer was born with cerebral palsy, a brain disorder affecting the muscles, doctors […]
-
April 17, 2023
First-Generation College Grad Finds Career Success in UI/UX
Yany Avelar, a first-generation college grad, had ambitions to build websites. At the University of Denver, she got the master’s degree in UI/UX Strategy and Software Development and the support that enabled her to succeed.
-
July 27, 2022
ElevatED (S2:Ep4) Words of Wisdom: How to Leverage Your Courses for Professional Wins
What inspires an IT professional with over 30 years of industry experience to take on […]