Metropolitan State University of Denver is forming its newest employee affinity group to support professional staff members who are 35 or younger.
To welcome potential members, the group is hosting a snack break Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. in Jordan Student Success Building Room 400. Attendees can enjoy free food, network with other early-career professionals and learn more about the group’s goals.
Like all of MSU Denver’s employee affinity groups, the Young Professionals Group is supported by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion with the mission of promoting a sense of belonging and providing a sense of community for our employees.
Young professionals (under age 35) make up 24.4% of MSU Denver’s employee population and often need additional support in integrating into full-time work. Things such as workplace attire, time management and advocating for themselves are new, and YPG aims to make the world of work easier to navigate.
“I joined the workforce in 2023 after college, and during the first year I spent a lot of time trying to pretend I was older than I was,” said YPG founder Sophia DeCubellis, Student Services Office coordinator for the School of Education. “Eventually, I realized that your early career is a very exciting point in life, and I wanted to create a group that celebrates folks who are just starting out.”
DeCubellis initially had the idea after speaking with friends who had similar groups at their workplaces.
“I really appreciate that MSU Denver is a place where people can create the communities that they need,” DeCubellis said, “and I felt very empowered to start YPG.”
The group will meet every other month, rotating between virtual professional-development conversations or in-person campus social activities. Members will receive support transitioning into the world of work, resources for career growth and a network of peers.
Employees interested in attending the event or joining YPG should fill out this brief membership survey.
