Staff Career Advisors

Our professional career advisors are full time CPD staff members who serve to help you with all of your career needs. Staff career advisors have invaluable industry experience, and are best for helping you explore the specific needs for your individual career journey. Each advisor specializes in serving specific schools on campus, industry clusters, and undergrad and graduate students. Every student on campus has a designated staff advisor just for them, which you can learn about while visiting PCO. Get to know our advisors, the students they serve, and the industries they specialize in below!

Make an appointment with an advisor by visiting PCO

Mackenzie Burford

Career Advisor and Resume Review Specialist

Mackenzie Burford, MA, NCC, CPRW

Career Advisor & Resume Review Specialist

I am a Career Advisor and Resume Review Specialist at the University of Denver (DU). The student populations I serve varies based on department needs, which gives me the unique opportunity to work with students in a wide variety of degree programs and majors. My work in the Office of Career & Professional Development started long ago when I worked as a work study student at the front desk while earning my undergraduate degree. This experience introduced me to the power of career advising and its impact influenced me to eventually pursue a degree in career counseling. Before coming back to DU, I served as the Associate Director of Career and Alumni Services at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Prior to my career transition into Career Advising, I worked in non-profit development for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America where I managed fundraising activities across a four-state territory. I hold an MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Career Counseling from the University of Colorado, Denver and a BA in Mass Communications from DU. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer. When not career advising students and reviewing resumes, I am a soccer mom to two sons. I was born and raised in Colorado and when not driving kids to soccer practice and attending soccer games, I like to enjoy all the outdoor activities the state has to offer.

Contact

Email: mackenzie.burford@du.edu

Megan Chambers

Associate Director, Graduate Career and Professional Development

Megan Chambers is the Assistant Director of Graduate Career Development for current students and first year alumni in University College (UCOL), the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP), and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS). She received her Master of Science degree in Career Counseling from California State University, Sacramento (stingers up!) and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Scripps College.

“What do you do for students at your job?”

I support graduate students in all aspects of their career development, regardless of if they’re just starting their professional journey or are already leaders in their industry. I can support students with the practical aspects of their career development, including editing resumes and cover letters, developing LinkedIn profiles, networking, negotiating, and finding jobs and internships. I also support students with career decision making and setting professional goals.

“Who are you? What do you want everyone to know about you? What do you enjoy?”

Learning is a core part of who I am, so I’m always reading a new book or listening to a podcast. When not at the office, I enjoy art museums, trying new restaurants, and anything outdoors (hiking, running, hanging out at my local park).

“Why are Career Center services meaningful?”

We spend so much time during our lives at work, so I think it’s worth taking time to think through how we spend those hours. There is a lot of pain in the world around vocation and work, and I want to be a part of replacing that frustration with more purpose and meaning.

“In a quote, what do you say to yourself and students?”

Instead of focusing on a big career “decision”, think about one small action step that you can take today – it could create an unplanned opportunity.

Contact

Phone Number: 303-871-3927
Email: Megan.Pritchett@du.edu
LinkedIn: @megan-pritchett

Mary Michael Hawkins

Senior Director, Student Career Development

For over 28 years, I have been a part of Career & Professional Development assisting students and alumni find the courage to discover their strengths, interests and directions in their career path. Each person has a unique story to tell and it is my goal to help guide them in discovering what that story is trying to tell them about themselves. Ultimately, we are here to help them take their education to the next step or steps in their career path. I am compassionate and want students to know that I am listening to their story and their hopes. Excellence drives me and I focus on what I can do to make a difference in a person’s life. Career & Professional Development gives students the support and guidance to translate their education into a career. It is my privilege to help and support students in taking these sometimes difficult, but always exciting next steps.

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”— John Bingham

Specialties and Interests

M.A. Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education — University of Colorado Denver B.A. Psychology— Creighton University

Contact

Phone Number: 303-871-4758
Email: mhawkins@du.edu
LinkedIn: @marymichaelhawkins

Madelyn Monk

Career Advisor

I was born and raised in Iowa, and my career path has been anything but linear, which is a big part of why I love the work I do today. I started out in the culinary world, earning a degree in Culinary Arts from the Iowa Culinary Institute and working as a chef. From there, I went on to complete my undergraduate degree in Finance at the University of Iowa before moving into commercial property management.

Over time, I realized my passion was working more directly with people and helping them reach their goals, which led me into higher education. I earned my Master’s in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies from the University of Iowa and have since held roles in study abroad, academic support and retention, and career advising.

Because I’ve explored multiple paths myself, I understand what it feels like to not have everything figured out and have found that those in-between paths are where the best lessons are learned. I’m passionate about helping students navigate that uncertainty, discover what excites them, and move toward meaningful careers, all while enjoying the journey along the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, reading, crafting, traveling, and spending time with my husband and two cats, Honey and Clover.

Contact

Email: Madelyn.Monk@du.edu
LinkedIn: @madelyn-monk

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Isabel Salvatore

Assistant Director, Serves Korbel Undergraduates

I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Career Development Programming on the Career & Professional Development (CPD) team at DU! I support undergraduate students with majors in International Studies and Public Policy as well as serve as the institutions LSAC-designated Pre-Law Advisor. In my role, I help students navigate career opportunities and connect their education to all the incredible things they will go on to do after their time at DU.

Originally from North Central Massachusetts, I attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where I earned my degree in psychology and worked as a Peer Career Advisor for the College of Natural Sciences. I made the move to Denver to earn my Master of Arts in Higher Education from the Morgridge College of Education right here at DU! As a lifelong learner, I am currently working on my Master’s in Business Administration through the Daniels College of Business.

In my free time, I enjoy taking Pilates and spin classes, spending time with friends, walking in Wash Park, reading thriller books, volunteering in the community, and eating ice cream! I am looking forward to working with you or your student!

Contact

Email: Isabel.Salvatore@du.edu

Carolyn Sommers

Associate Director, Serves Undergraduate CAHSS & Exploring Students

I hold space for students to tell their stories and answer the questions: “Who am I,” “what am I here to do” and “how do I get there”. My end objective is to empower individuals through self-awareness and resource-awareness to move towards their goals. Personally, I am driven to play a part in helping people achieve a meaningful life. I love being in nature and I am especially motivated by activities devoted to personal development including yoga, meditation, and hiking. Our careers define only one part of our identity; and, considering we spend an average of 2,000 hours yearly in our jobs, it is critical to help students and alumni in their pursuit of purposeful lives by teaching them how to plan their careers and leverage their talents and interests.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which, kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no person could have dreamed would have come their way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” — Goethe

Specialties and Interests

B.A. Anthropology and Journalism— University of Iowa M.A. Counseling— Governors State University

Contact

Phone Number: 303-871-3927
Email: Carolyn.Sommers@du.edu

Dr. Sarabeth Wolbrom

Associate Director, Serves Undergraduate STEM Students & Student-Athletes

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, which makes me a huge bagel and pizza snob. But, being a New Yorker also taught me how to appreciate and work with people from all walks of life, which is why I love working with DU students!

I serve undergraduate STEM students as a liaison to the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science and Natural Sciences & Mathematics as well as our Student-Athletes at DU. I support student development and help students translate their experiences to the professional world.

I have been a higher education professional and faculty member for over 13 years. I’ve worked for other higher education institutions such as Ohio University, George Mason University, and George Washington University in disciplines such as Admissions, Advising, Marketing, and Recruiting. As a STEM student myself, I earned my BS in Hearing, Speech & Language Sciences from Ohio University and my MA in Strategic Public Relations from the George Washington University. I also graduated with my Doctorate in the Higher Education Administration program at DU! Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, cooking, and working with my photography business. Fun fact: In undergrad I was in an underground break dancing group! I am also ambidextrous and allergic to bananas.

“We are all just trying to turn hard work into chicken nuggets.” – Matt Bellasai

Education:

Doctor of Education, Higher Education, University of Denver
Master of Arts, Strategic Public Relations – The George Washington University
Bachelor of Science in Hearing, Speech & Language Science – Ohio University

Contact

Email: sarabeth.wolbrom@du.edu
LinkedIn: @sarabethwolbrom

Mark Nussbaum

Assistant Director & Career Coach

Hello! My name is Mark Nussbaum (he/him), and I work in the Daniels College of Business as an Assistant Director & Career Coach. Originally from the Midwest, I earned my bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Wheaton College and my masters in ethics and public leadership from Johnson University. In my free time, you can find me reading a good book, watching football, or enjoying a freshly-brewed cup of coffee! I am excited to help students achieve their career goals! You can meet with me to work on your resume, write cover letters, build your LinkedIn profile, conduct a job/internship search, practice interviewing, or anything else career related. You can find my meeting availability on Pioneer Careers Online (PCO) or by emailing me at Mark.Nussbaum@du.edu!