Buffs Take Part In Downtown Boulder Shadow Day

BOULDER — Being a Division I student-athlete entails more than participation in practices, lifts, conditioning, film, and games. As a student-athlete at the highest level in collegiate athletics, a commitment to excellence in both academics and sport is expected and encouraged.

The University of Colorado recognizes the importance of not only preparing student-athletes to compete at the highest level, but also to succeed in life after sport. To help prepare student-athletes for the work world post-graduation, the Scripps Leadership & Career Development Program utilizes their strong partnership with the Downtown Boulder Partnership and various companies Downtown to expose student-athletes to professionals in different industries. The participating companies include:

Ascent Engineering
Atomic Physical Therapy
Parallel Path

Sterling Rice Group
TDA Boulder
Unico Real Estate
Wells Fargo

In June, approximately 25 Colorado football players, all going into their junior year, attended the fourth annual Downtown Boulder Shadow Day. The goal of the event is to give Buff student-athletes the opportunity to learn about different industries, build their professional network, and develop relationships with individuals in Downtown Boulder. To optimize every individual's experience, student-athletes were paired with a company in their area of interest to learn about different roles and opportunities in the future.

The participating Buffs and companies met at Pasta Jay's on Pearl Street to network and mingle before beginning the official job shadow. Student-athletes then walked with their paired company representatives back to their respective offices to tour the company's workplace. During the tour, they had the chance to meet other colleagues and ask questions.

"Participating in the Downtown Boulder Shadow Day gave me the opportunity to learn about the finance industry and different roles for the future," said Trevor Woods, a member of the Buffs football team.

Not only did student-athletes gain from this experience, but the participating company representatives had a great time as well.

Vanessa Gonzalez, an HR business partner from Sterling Rice Group, said, "It was an honor to host some of CU's newest athletes. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know them and share a sliver of what their future could look like within the advertising and marketing space. There's no better feeling than seeing a group of individuals walk away from our office feeling inspired. We had so much fun and we look forward to cheering them on."

Undoubtedly, there is something special about connecting young minds with leaders in the industry. Another representative from Sterling Rice Group said, "What a wonderful few hours with our amazing CU Buffs! It was great to introduce them to our world and see them light up."

The event has become a valuable annual tradition for the Scripps Leadership and Career Development Program and was the first in-person shadow event since the Covid pandemic.

Lauren Unrein, Associate Athletic Director for CU's Scripps Leadership and Career Development Program, said, "The Downtown Boulder Shadow Day is a unique and interactive opportunity for student-athletes to learn about different roles and industries while building their professional network! We are grateful for our partnership with Downtown Boulder and look forward to growing this event in the future."

Related Videos