Cover letter

Updated April 2019

APPLICATION GUIDE Information valid for those applying in

Fall 2019 quarter.

FALL 2019 DEADLINES

Online Application Opens: Friday, Aug 23, 2019

MOS & DPDP Completion: Monday, Sept 16, 2019

Online Application Deadline: Thursday, Sept 19, 2019, NOON

Notification of Decision: Wednesday, Oct 9, 2019

Refer to page 6 of this guide for important deadline details.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: OVERVIEW 2

The Daniels Mission, Vision & Core Values 2

Daniels Secondary Admission Process 2

Academic Integrity Policy 3

Plagiarism Screening 3

Daniels Student Characteristics 4

PART 2: HOW TO APPLY 5

Application Requirements 5

Application Deadlines 6

Submitting Your Application 7

Frequently Asked Questions 8

PART 3: MICROSOFT OFFICE CERTIFICATION 10

Overview 10

Frequently Asked Questions 10

PART 4: RESUME & COVER LETTER 12

Sample Cover Letter 13

Sample Resume 14

Frequently Asked Questions 15

Additional Career Resources 15

CONTACT INFORMATION 15

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OVERVIEW

THE DANIELS MISSION To benefit the public good by developing business pioneers through impactful

scholarship, challenge-driven education and lifelong learning.

THE DANIELS VISION Pioneering business for the public good.

THE DANIELS CORE VALUES Culture of innovation and engagement:

❖ Learn through doing

❖ Interact with integrity

❖ Diversity and inclusion as a source of strength

❖ Global action and influence

The mission, vision and values are the foundation that links the Daniels, DU and global

communities together as a cohesive unit with a shared past, present and future. We will

hold ourselves and each other responsible for leading professional lives that uphold these

tenets.

Learn more at http://daniels.du.edu/about/vision-mission-values

Daniels Secondary Admission Process Demand for business degrees is on the rise nationwide and at the University of Denver. It

is necessary to have a secondary admission process to support academic quality, small

and engaged classes, and strong student-faculty interaction.

Daniels requires a secondary admission process for undergraduate students not directly

admitted to the business school upon entry to the university. Undergraduate students

interested in pursuing a business major will be eligible to apply upon successful

completion of pre-requisite coursework and professional development requirements.

Application cycles are offered in fall, winter, and spring quarters. Students are

encouraged to work with a Daniels advisor to ensure appropriate timing of their

application.

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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS SECONDARY ADMISSION

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY:

Students in the Daniels College of Business are expected to uphold the values of Integrity,

Respect, and Responsibility as expressed in the University of Denver Honor Code.

Engaging in plagiarism and other types of academic misconduct is a violation of the

University of Denver Honor Code. As defined in the Honor Code, plagiarism includes

“any representation of another’s work or ideas as one’s own in academic and

educational submissions.” Other forms of academic misconduct may include, but are not

limited to, false representation of facts or an actual or attempted effort to assist another

student in carrying out academic misconduct.

The University of Denver Honor Code can be found at:

http://www.du.edu/studentlife/studentconduct/honorcode.html

PLAGIARISM SCREENING As a means of ensuring that students uphold the values of Integrity, Respect, and

Responsibility, secondary admission application materials will be submitted to Turnitin©.

Turnitin© is a web crawler which compares students’ submissions to a database, that

includes millions of published materials and billions of web pages as well as other student

materials previously submitted for secondary admission. Turnitin© screens for plagiarism

and provides a report which notes what percentage of the submission is not original work

based on its match to the materials in the database. Students also acknowledge and

consent that their papers will be included in a secure repository strictly for comparison to

papers submitted in the future, in order to protect their own intellectual property and to

deter plagiarism by others.

To learn more about Turnitin©, visit: www.Turnitin.com

PENALTY In the event that a Turnitin© report indicates that a student has not submitted his/her own

work or if a student is suspected of engaging in another form of academic misconduct,

the case will be submitted to the University of Denver Office of Student Conduct. Through

a conduct review, the Office of Student Conduct will determine whether the accused

student is responsible for a violation of the University of Denver Honor Code. The Office

of Student Conduct is responsible for maintaining all official University records related to

student conduct. A student’s record will include copies of all cases in which a student is

charged with academic misconduct. More information regarding these records can be

found at: http://www.du.edu/studentlife/studentconduct/records/html

In addition, students found responsible for engaging in academic misconduct will be

denied admission to the Daniels College of Business.

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DANIELS STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS: What are we looking for?

Daniels looks for well-rounded students who are energized, highly motivated and

committed scholars who are interested in adding to the Daniels community in ways that

will leave the college a better place for those who follow. A holistic set of criteria will be

used to evaluate each applicant in the following categories:

Academic Performance

An evaluation of a student’s cumulative DU GPA and the subset GPA of the prerequisite

courses required for admission. Previously admitted students had an average GPA of 3.2.

Academic Drive

Student demonstrates academic potential, a passion for learning and an appreciation of

academic challenge.

Adaptability & Resiliency

Student demonstrates the ability to adjust readily to ever changing, adverse conditions.

Community Engagement

Student demonstrates meaningful involvement in campus or community organizations.

Inclusiveness

Student demonstrates his/her values, engages and acknowledges the rich diversity of

people and all the valuable social dimensions that they bring to campus, including but not

limited to race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion,

nationality, age and disability.

Integrity & Ethics

Student portrays strength and firmness of character.

Interest in Business

Student can articulate his/her interest in business and future career goals.

Leadership

Student demonstrates experience with leadership positions and involvement.

Professionalism

Student displays professionalism in his/her work and interactions with others and submits

high quality work with attention to detail.

Work Experience

Student demonstrates work experience through jobs or internships relating to business or

future career goals.

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required to apply. Students on academic warning or

probation are not eligible to apply. The application is located on the Student tab in MyWeb.

Completing the requirements below does not guarantee admission to Daniels. It is important

to consider other majors in case you are not admitted.

The following prerequisite courses must be completed in order to apply*

BUS 1000: Gateway to Business**

ECON 1020: Introduction to Micro- and Macroeconomics I**

FSEM 1111: First-Year Seminar (transfer students exempt)

INFO 1010: Analytics I: Data Management and Analysis**

INFO 1020: Analytics II: Business Statistics and Analysis**

MATH 1200/MATH 1951: Business Calculus/Calculus I**

WRIT 1122: Academic Writing

WRIT 1133: Writing and Research

*For students transferring prerequisite courses from other institutions, transcripts/grades

must be received, processed and reflected on your degree audit prior to the application

deadline.

**Must earn a C- or better.

Microsoft Office Certification

✓ Excel 2016 ✓ Word 2016 ✓ PowerPoint 2016

DPDP Checkpoint 1/BUS 1099

✓ Attend a Major-Specific workshop ✓ Attend 2 Career Services workshops ✓ Daniels Career Services approved

professional cover letter & resume

Other ✓ Obtain sophomore standing (45 credits) ✓ Attend a Secondary Admission information session before applying

o Refer to Daniels Undergraduate Programs Canvas page for dates and times.

✓ Prepare a Secondary Admission cover letter and resume o Schedule a meeting with a Daniels career advisor via Student tab on

PioneerWeb to review materials. ✓ Submit online application – see page 7.

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SECONDARY ADMISSION APPLICATION DEADLINES

Daniels requires a secondary admission process for undergraduate students not directly

admitted to the business school upon entry to the University. Most students will be eligible

to apply in the fall quarter of their sophomore year. Application cycles are offered in fall,

winter, and spring quarters. Students should work with a Daniels advisor to ensure

appropriate timing of their application.

FALL 2019

• Online Application Opens: Friday August 23, 2019

• Microsoft & DPDP Completion*: Monday, September 16, 2019

• Online Application Deadline**: Thursday, September 19, 2019, NOON

• Notification of Decision: Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Important:

For those transferring prerequisite courses from other institutions, transcripts/grades must

be received and processed by the DU Registrar’s Office PRIOR to the application

deadline.

*If you have taken an MOS exam at an outside Certiport Authorized Testing Center,

exam scores must be received and processed by Daniels Undergraduate Programs PRIOR

to the Microsoft Certification Deadline.

**Applications will not be accepted after these deadlines. If you fail to meet the

application deadline, you must wait until the following quarter to apply. You are

encouraged to work closely with your Daniels advisor to determine the best cycle for you

to apply.

Dates are subject to change. Students will be notified of any changes via email and Canvas in a timely manner.

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SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

The application, available via PioneerWeb, needs to be completed without exiting the

online system. If you exit, your work will not be saved and you will need to start a new

application. Therefore, it is essential that applicants have all materials ready to upload at

the time of application. Once an application has been submitted, no changes will be able

to be made.

Online Application

1. Log into PioneerWeb account with your student ID number and password.

2. Select MyWeb > Student > Daniels Undergraduate Secondary Admission

3. Follow the on-screen directions to choose major, confirm the honor code statement,

upload Secondary Admission cover letter and resume, and submit the application.

• If asked to pay for the application or asked for additional testing scores, this is

the wrong application. Reference step 2 & 3. There is no application fee for

this process.

• If a message stating you are not eligible to apply appears, contact

[email protected] or 303.871.6910.

• Applicant transcripts will be pulled directly into the system. Submission of

transcripts are not needed with the Daniels application.

Microsoft Certification (MOS requirement)

By completing Microsoft Office Certification at the University of Denver, exam scores will

automatically be recorded. Exams taken outside of DU, must have scores submitted and

processed prior to the required deadline. Contact the Microsoft Certification Program at

[email protected] for instructions.

DPDP Checkpoint 1 Requirement

Attendance at DPDP eligible workshops will be automatically recorded and processed. It

is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they check-in with staff at DPDP workshops to

receive attendance credit.

Resume and Cover Letter

Resume and Secondary Admission cover letter are uploaded during the admission

process. These documents must be in PDF format. *Note: your required DPDP cover letter

may NOT be used as your Secondary Admission cover letter. See the Resume and Cover

Letter section for more information about the Daniels Career Center and advice on

building a resume and Secondary Admission cover letter.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who do I contact for special accommodations?

Students needing special accommodations should contact University Disability Services at

[email protected] , 303.871.3939 or visit: du.edu/studentlife/disability-services/index.html

Why does Daniels have a separate application process?

Demand for business degrees is on the rise nationwide and at the University of Denver. It

is necessary to have a secondary admission process to support academic quality, small

and engaged classes, and strong student-faculty interaction.

When can I apply to Daniels?

Upon successful completion of the application requirements, students can apply at the

beginning of fall, winter, or spring quarter. Most students become eligible to apply in fall

of their second year. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required to apply.

When is the latest in my undergraduate career that I can apply to Daniels?

The majority of applicants apply during their sophomore year. Graduation may be

delayed for those applying late in their undergraduate career. A Daniels advisor can

assist with mapping academic plans.

Do I need to declare my major when I apply to Daniels?

There is a section of the application where students can indicate his/her choice of major

when filling out your application. Upon acceptance, the application will serve as the

major declaration form. For a list of majors and minors, visit

daniels.du.edu/undergraduate-programs/majors-minors/

If I switch away from a business major, but then decide to return to Daniels as a business

major, do I have to go through secondary admission?

Yes. If a student changes to a major outside of Daniels, and then decides at a later date

to return to a business major, the student will need to work through the secondary

admission application process or become eligible via Fast Track criteria.

How and when will I be notified of my admission status?

Admission decisions will be made in a timely manner after all applications have been

reviewed. Applicants will be notified via email at their DU email address.

Can I still apply if I am unable to meet all of the requirements during my first year?

Successful completion of all requirements listed on the checklist on page 5 is required

prior to applying. Meet with a Daniels advisor to determine when best to apply.

Is it possible to apply to Daniels while I am abroad?

Yes. All prerequisites and requirements must be completed before leaving the country.

Work with your Daniels advisor to determine eligibility and notify Janeen Todd

([email protected]) of your intent to apply.

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What grade-point average (GPA) do I need to be admitted?

The ideal secondary admission candidate will be applying with a cumulative GPA of 3.0

or higher. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required to apply. Students on academic

warning or probation are not eligible to apply.

What is Fast Track admission?

Students who meet the following fixed criteria will not be required to undergo the

secondary admission process and will, due to their demonstrated academic success, be

eligible for direct admission to Daniels. To be eligible, students must:

• Have completed at least two quarters at DU with full-time status

(minimum12 credits/quarter) with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

• Successful completion of MATH 1200/1951 with a C- or higher.

Students who are eligible for Fast Track admission will be notified via email by a Daniels

Undergraduate Programs advisor.

Fast Track Fine Print GPA will NOT be rounded. Must be 3.5 or higher for Fast Track admission.

This policy is contingent upon available undergraduate capacity within Daniels.

Students who were previously denied and are re-applying to Daniels are not eligible for Fast

Track admission and must participate in the secondary admission process.

Review of student eligibility will occur on a quarterly basis by Undergraduate Programs Staff.

What happens if I’m not admitted to Daniels?

If a student is denied admission to Daniels for not meeting the expected academic

standards or if found responsible for academic misconduct by the DU Conduct Review

Board, the student may reapply one time.

• Students denied for not meeting academic standards may reapply only when there

have been significant improvements in their credentials and academic achievement.

Daniels advisors will work continually with students who are not admitted to provide

guidance on improving their academic profile and to ascertain when a significant

improvement has been made.

• Students denied for academic misconduct reasons may reapply during the next

secondary admission cycle. Students should work with their Daniels advisor

throughout the process.

For assistance with selecting majors outside of business, contact the Center for Academic

and Career Development at [email protected] or 303.871.2455.

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MICROSOFT OFFICE CERTIFICATION

Overview

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) requirement is designed to help students take

advantage of the full features and functionality of Microsoft’s Excel, Word, and

PowerPoint applications. This industry-standard certification program includes online

learning to support classroom instruction, practice tests, and software designed to teach

you the concepts necessary to master each program. For each program you are required

to complete a project-based certification exam that reflects real world application and

comprehension, not just memorization of individual skills.

Academic Benefits

Knowing the tools of business is important to your academic success. Mastery of the

various Microsoft Office applications allows you to work more efficiently and produce

professional and compelling deliverables. Developing validated Excel, Word, and

PowerPoint skills early in an academic career helps students prepare for upper-level

business courses where lack of proficiency can impede learning. By investing in this

knowledge, these are skills that will carry throughout Daniels and beyond.

Career Benefits

Microsoft certification serves as a tangible differentiator for Daniels students, allowing

them to gain a competitive hiring advantage over other internship or job applicants, no

matter the industry. With this certification on a resume, students will graduate from

Daniels demonstrating they have attained a universal and extensive level of skill in Excel,

Word, and PowerPoint, which naturally improves marketability.

Aside from these advantages, MOS is required for the application for secondary

admission and graduation. Failure to complete this requirement will delay the ability to

apply to Daniels, enroll in most business courses, and graduate.

MOS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I complete my MOS requirement?

MOS certification is completed in labs associated with INFO 1010 (Excel) and INFO

1020 (Word and PowerPoint) coursework. If the INFO courses requirement have been

met through AP/IB/Transfer credits, register for INFO 1011 and INFO 1021 zero-credit

labs. If INFO 1010 and 1020 courses have not been completed, do NOT register for the

1011 or 1021 labs without speaking to an academic advisor in Daniels.

What if I have previously taken a Microsoft Office training course?

While many may have taken courses in high school or elsewhere that centered around

the Office applications, all students are required to complete the Microsoft Office

Specialist licensed exams through Certiport. Other courses may give extra preparation for

the certification exams, they do not fulfill the MOS requirement.

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Why is there a lab fee and what does this lab fee cover?

There is a $325 lab fee associated with both the INFO 1010/1011 and 1020/1021

courses. This fee covers the cost of testing, customized learning materials, practice

software, Teaching Assistant availability and proctoring exams.

What if I do not pass my certification exam?

The course fee provides two attempts at each exam. Additional attempts can be

purchased for $50 per attempt.

Will the exam schedule fit within my class schedule?

The certification exams are offered on multiple days/times (including weekends)

throughout the week. Exam dates will be announced at the beginning of each quarter.

Testing must be done during the scheduled times, otherwise this will result in forfeiture of

an exam attempt. Make-up exams are only for students with university approved conflicts.

Is there a deadline to complete my certification exam?

Students should make every effort to pass the exam when enrolled in the course. Students

will not be allowed to submit an application for secondary admission until passing scores

for all three exams have been received and processed.

Can I complete the certification exam outside of DU?

Completing a certification exam outside of DU is possible by locating a Certiport

Authorized Testing Center (CATC) that offers Microsoft Office Specialist exams in English.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact the testing site regarding scheduling exams, pay

any testing fees and submit scores to Daniels before the deadline. Once the exam is

complete, contact us at [email protected] for instructions on submitting scores.

How should I prepare for my exams?

Students who attend lab are more than twice as likely to pass their exam as students who

do not attend. These labs will provide hands-on practice with various features of each

program. Students will also have access to online video tutorials, homework and practice

software to study outside of lab. TAs hold weekly office hours for individualize support.

How do I prepare if I have a Mac?

Per the specific technology requirements for Daniels, all students intending to pursue a

business major must be able to run Windows and Office 2016 for their business

coursework. While we strongly encourage PCs, there are options available to run

Windows on Macs. Technology setup is held for students in Microsoft labs at the

beginning of each quarter. Practicing on Office 2008 or 2011 for Mac will not prepare

you for your MOS exams as you will be tested on the Office 2016 version.

Who do I contact if I have other questions? Direct questions to [email protected]

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RESUME & COVER LETTER

RESUME & COVER LETTER

A resume is a concise document that highlights your most relevant credentials for

admission to college, consideration for a scholarship, fellowship, employment or other

professional purposes. An effective resume:

• Is ONE page in length.

• Persuades your readers that you are the best candidate and deserve an interview.

• Constructs your professional image and establishes your credibility.

• Provides a sample of your written communication skills and specific examples of

your proven experiences.

A cover letter supplements your resume and goes into specific detail about what you hope

to get out of the experience and also what skills you have to offer. An effective Secondary

Admission cover letter:

• Specifically addresses the Daniels College of Business, what you hope to major in

and why, as well as your career goals.

• Provides specific examples of how your skills, experience and personal attributes

will contribute to your eventual success as a Daniels student.

Identify & Describe Your Accomplishments

For an effective resume and cover letter, it is important to know your abilities, what skills

you have developed and what you can offer a potential employer or school.

Refer to Daniels Student Characteristics on page 4, then compile a list of your skills and

accomplishments. Ask yourself these kinds of questions:

• What skills have I developed through my involvement?

• What strengths have I acquired or enhanced?

• What have I accomplished?

• Why should someone hire me?

Resumes must be submitted to VMock at Vmock.com/Daniels for content and layout

assessment. A minimum VMock score of 70 is recommended.

For more information on VMock, visit Daniels Professional Development in Canvas.

Students are encouraged to meet with Daniels Career Services for assistance in fine-

tuning their resume and/or for a cover letter review. For additional resources, visit the

Daniels Career Services website at: www.danielscareers.com

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SAMPLE SECONDARY ADMISSION COVER LETTER FORMAT

YOUR NAME

City, ST • xxx-xxx-xxxx • [email protected] • www.linkedin.com/in/yourname

Date (Ex.: January 1, 2016) (double space)

Secondary Admission Selection Committee Daniels College of Business 2101 S. University Blvd. Denver, CO, 80210 Dear Secondary Admission Selection Committee: (double space)

Introductory Paragraph: This is the attention grabber that should arouse the reader’s interest. Compliment the school. This paragraph may include your knowledge of the school and specific program you’re interested in, why you want to be a Daniels student and what you intend to major in. Most introductory paragraphs are short, so be brief and clear. Middle Paragraph(s): This is your sales pitch. It is the longest of your paragraphs (may be split into two paragraphs) where you attempt to persuade the committee that you have the necessary qualifications to be a Daniels student. Present specific abilities, skills, leadership roles, academic achievements, and work experience that make you an attractive candidate. Reveal a long-term goal that shows your interest in business. Prove that your skills and abilities match the Admission Criteria. Final Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in attending Daniels. Mention how you will fit in with the school’s culture (values, mission, vision, etc.). Thank them for their time and consideration. (double space)

Sincerely,

Your Name

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SAMPLE RESUME

JOE DANIELS

Denver, CO • 720-555-1234 • [email protected] • www.linkedin.com/in/JoeDaniels

EDUCATION

University of Denver Denver, CO

Candidate for the Daniels College of Business Expected Graduation: June 2021

Bachelor of Science Business Administration – Finance

• GPA: 3.75

Roseville Area High School, Roseville, MN Graduated: June 2017

• GPA: 3.9

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Hockey Camps LLC Denver, CO

Coach March 2018 – Present

• Coach children ages 5 - 10 on technical skills needed to be successful in the sport of hockey

• Create lesson plans and administer them to 10 fellow coaches on a daily basis

• Communicate consistently with parents, students, and colleagues to ensure student safety

and satisfaction

Daniels College of Business, University of Denver Denver, CO

Research Assistant January 2018 – June 2018

• Compiled data and assisted in mathematical analyses on macro-economic study of wage

compensation

• Published results in Quarterly Journal of Economics

• Recruited, hired, and trained 5 new lab assistants on duties and specific responsibilities

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Delta Sigma Pi University of Denver

Member January 2018 – Present

Rebuilding Together Metro Denver Denver, CO

Team Captain Beta September 2017 – Present

Yearbook Staff Roseville Area High

School Editor September 2016 – June 2017

Varsity Hockey Roseville Area High School

Captain September 2016 – June 2017

SKILLS

Language: Proficient in German

Computer: Certified in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint

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COVER LETTER & RESUME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is VMock?

VMock is an online instant resume feedback application. It quickly analyzes your resume

and provides feedback regarding content and layout. VMock is designed to work with

resumes from different industries, majors and fields and ensures that your resume meets

Daniels resume guidelines. www.vmock.com/daniels.

Where can I get help with my resume and cover letter?

The best way to prepare is to schedule an appointment with Daniels Undergraduate

Career Services. Career advisors are available to assist with the development of resumes

and cover letters. Visit the Student Tab on Pioneer Web or call 303.871.6910 to

schedule a career advising appointment.

How can I build a resume if I have no work experience?

Not all experience gained is on the job. Highlight your volunteer work including bullets

detailing your responsibilities. Include details on academic awards or recognition. Extra-

curricular and leadership activities and skills should also be included. A job is

recommended between your first and second year to enhance your application.

What is the rule of thumb on resume length?

Keep your resume to one page. After you’ve acquired five to 10 years of post-graduation

work experience, you can extend it to two pages.

Should I include my GPA on my resume if it’s below 3.0?

Generally, you should not include your GPA on your resume unless it is 3.5 or higher.

Do I need to include my high school involvement?

Generally, no; however, there are exceptions for relevant experiences. Your resume

needs to highlight your college experiences and accomplishments.

ADDITIONAL CAREER RESOURCES The Daniels Career Center offers numerous resources. They are available on the Daniels

Career Center webpage: www.danielscareers.com Visit the Student Tab on Pioneer Web

or call 303.871.6910 to schedule a career advising appointment with Toni Phelan,

Angie Jimenez, or Beth Wade.

Questions? Undergraduate Programs

Daniels College of Business

Margery Reed Hall, 107

303.871.6910 • [email protected]