University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Empowering Students to Navigate Global Changes with Resilience and Purpose

From the classroom to campus events, recent conversations at the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies have centered on the shifting currents of US policy, the challenges facing global development agencies, and what these changes mean for the future of careers in international affairs and public policy.

To stay ahead of the latest developments, the school hosts an array of events — from high-profile gatherings, like the Denver Democracy Summit and the Denver Dialogues, to timely discussions driven by current events — that offer students an opportunity to engage with thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts who illuminate today’s evolving international landscape. “We’re discussing how emerging global challenges are creating new opportunities,” says Naazneen Barma, Korbel professor and associate dean. “While we don’t have all the answers, we’re staying as proactive as possible to support our students.”

The school’s curriculum combines rigorous, research-based knowledge with practical skills for successful, purpose-driven careers in international affairs. “Students will inevitably move between sectors and fields,” Barma says. “We emphasize adaptability and nimbleness while ensuring a solid core knowledge base and a strong commitment to their field. While the jobs students initially expected to pursue in government may not be available, that work still needs to be done.”

To ensure students are equipped to navigate changing landscapes, Korbel offers a range of experiential learning opportunities, including practicum courses, funded internships, research assistant roles, and study-abroad programs, such as those offered through partnerships with The Hertie School in Berlin, Germany, and the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland. These experiences expand students’ professional networks and prepare them for the real-world challenges of their chosen field.

Korbel’s tight-knit community further enhances this preparation by fostering meaningful connections between students and faculty. Small seminars and curated, hands-on learning provide opportunities for mentorship and direct engagement with renowned professors who bring real-world experience, research expertise, and valuable professional networks.

Korbel leverages its Denver location as a unique advantage. “Having distance from DC helps cultivate a fresh perspective on global issues,” explains Barma. “Our location attracts those interested in nontraditional international affairs careers. We call our students ‘pragmatic idealists.’”

Whether graduates contribute to international work in the Mountain West, such as Denver’s subnational diplomacy program, or find career success across sectors outside the region, a Korbel degree equips students with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving political landscape.

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Personalized Support for Careers of Purpose

Korbel graduates enter the workforce with a competitive edge, with 93 percent securing employment or pursuing further education within a year. They join a global network of 7,000+ alumni driving change across sectors.

At Korbel, career support isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s personal. The Office of Career and Professional Development is an exclusive resource for graduate students, offering individualized coaching, career education, and networking opportunities. The team knows students’ names, understands their goals, and gives them the confidence to build their careers after graduation.

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University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
https://korbel.du.edu
[email protected]