More Than a Job: How DU’s Student Workers Are Building Career Readiness
With guidance, reflection, and hands-on learning, DU’s Student Employees Achieve Badge program helps students learn real-world skills, earn digital credentials, and make connections that prepare them for life after college.
When students think about working during college, they might picture folding clothes in a store or serving food at a restaurant. At the 鶹, on-campus jobs are designed to be something more— a place where students earn, learn, and build skills that carry them beyond graduation.
Elise Goss-Alexander, director of student employment, sees student employment is a powerful tool for career preparation. “We know that experiential education has a really big impact on people’s career readiness after graduation,” she says.
To strengthen the connection between work and long-term success, DU launched the in 2022. In partnership with the online certification platform Credly, the program allows students to earn digital badges that demonstrate career competencies identified by the .
All student employees are eligible to participate. The program runs in the fall and winter quarters, with four sessions held via Zoom. From workplace norms and writing styles to conflict resolution and management, the fall 2025 sessions will be led by experts and leaders across campus. After each session, participants are asked to reflect by writing about the what they’ve learned and discussing it with fellow cohort members.
The SEA Badge program helps students think about their work experience in a meaningful way. Through mentorship, practical exercises, and guided reflection, they learn how to turn their everyday tasks into resume-ready achievements.
For SEA badge awardee and alumna Lindsey Baker (BA ’25), the program gave her time to think more deeply about her work experience.
“I knew I was developing intrapersonal skills. But I had to talk about it like I was in an interview. It was helpful to think about it that way,” says Baker. She adds that she learned the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for answering interview questions, which was helpful.
Students who complete either the fall or winter cohort receive a professional development badge, while. completing both cohorts earns them a stackable badge that demonstrates advanced expertise. Since the program is accredited through Credly, participants can add the badges to their LinkedIn profile.
But it doesn’t stop there. Students who earn either badge are eligible to participate in a mock interview program in the spring with Denver employers, where they apply the knowledge and tools gained in the program.
“The students spend all this time thinking about their skills, and they get to apply it with actual employers,” Goss-Alexander says. “We know from our employer connection team that what we’re doing is working.”
By bridging the gap between education and real-world experience, the program not only builds confidence but also strengthens career readiness. It’s more than a badge––it’s a steppingstone to meaningful opportunities and a brighter future.