Alumni Profile: Emily Corson

Emily Corson graduated with an MA in Media & Public Communication in 2019. 

What is your current position and what do you love about it?

My current position is Senior Membership Recruitment Specialist at the Girl Scouts of Colorado. A major part of my role is going out into the community and igniting interest among girls to join the Girl Scout program. I love being able to talk with families who are both new and familiar with the history of Girl Scouts. It feels really impactful to know that I help open the door to unique and empowering opportunities for the next generation of change makers.

How did your Master's degree and the networks you developed as a student prepare you for what you are doing now?

I started my master's program knowing I wanted to work in nonprofits, and was initially attracted to how practical the course work was. I have been able to directly apply what I learned in class to what I'm doing now. Because of the skills I developed, I was able to excel very quickly into a manager role. The MFJS program helped me create a toolkit of skills that I could carry with me after graduation, like organization, time management, and critical thinking. Communication is such a crucial part of any job, but the empathy, perspectives, and lessons provided by DU gave me a level up. My professors were supportive of my specific interests and were always willing to connect me to an opportunity, person, or organization that was in-line with my career goals. 

What was your favorite thing about your graduate experience at the University of Denver?

I LOVED my cohort! I don't think I would have thrived like I did without the friends and colleagues I met during my program. It's very powerful to be surrounded by so many passionate, thoughtful, and hardworking people - it was definitely a highlight of my time in the program. 

What advice do you have for prospective students who are thinking about getting a Master's degree in Media & Public Communication at DU?

I got my master's in Media and Public Communication, and I don't regret it at all. My advice is, don’t be afraid to make the program your own. If you’re unsure if it’s the right fit, shadow a class and talk to students currently in the program. My cohort had people from all different backgrounds, industries, and educational paths, so don’t feel like you have to come from a certain field to start in this program. I came from a background in Sociology and felt the program complimented it extremely well!