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Oct. 17, 2024 • By Jane Majkiewicz

Michigan native Braden Stirrett is open to inspiration whenever—and however—it strikes.

For example, his decision to major in strategic communication and minor in cinema studies sprang from an unlikely source. During the pandemic, Stirrett and his family (including his identical twin brother) loved watching the comedy series “Schitt’s Creek.” He was particularly moved by a documentary he saw about the show.

“It was very touching. It went over how they made the show, but also the impact that it had on the world,” he recalled. “Watching that, I was like, I want to be a part of something that can create that kind of impact, or actually can change people’s lives and give people something to relate to.”

That sparked his aspirations to work on the corporate side of the entertainment industry, perhaps in an advertising agency or a major media company. His dream job? Working for NBC Universal. “I love storytelling in general,” he said. “I love talking with people.”

Coming to CU was also serendipitous. A high school trip to the Galapagos during his freshman year was disappointingly canceled multiple times due to COVID. Undeterred, it prompted Stirrett and his friends to plan a trip to Colorado instead. Since they were high school juniors by that point, they decided to tour the CU Boulder campus.

“We all loved it and ended up going here.” Now in his junior year, he can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by. “It’s crazy. I feel like I just got here.”

Building a business foundation

Listening to various guest speakers who emphasized the importance of understanding business in his Strategic Thinking in Advertising and Public Relations class fueled the idea to pursue a business minor.

“You’re always working with businesses. Whether you’re at an agency or in a corporate setting, you need to know the basics of how a business operates. If you have to learn that on the job, you’re already behind.”

Stirrett enjoyed taking Principles of Marketing and Principles of Management classes, which he says were fast paced but extensive. He is currently taking Principles of Accounting, followed by Principles of Finance the second half of this semester. He believes the exposure to a wide range of business fundamentals provides a valuable “foundation of knowledge.”

Finding rewards in consulting 

A chance conversation with a family friend, a consultant at Accenture, offered an “aha” moment. “She described consulting as being like a teacher—helping companies reach their goals.”

That aligned well with Stirrett’s friend’s experience with the  (LCG), which inspired him to become involved. The LCG is a student organization offering workshops, info sessions, professional development, and casework training on projects with a wide range of clients, from start-ups and nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies.

“It’s not just a place where you can work on your business and career goals; it’s also a place where you can find a community,” he said.

“You’re always working with businesses. Whether you’re at an agency or in a corporate setting, you need to know the basics of how a business operates.”

Braden Stirrett (Comm’26)

“Aside from knowing that I could acquire skills in working with real clients and solving business problems, I knew I would also have an opportunity for personal growth.”

LCG selects qualified candidates through an application and interview process. Those selected must complete a semester of training as a junior analyst, culminating in the Impact Project Competition. Analysts are divided into teams assigned to a client engagement, with the client choosing the winning project at the end of the semester.

Stirrett was excited to serve as the project manager for his team on an engagement involving space optimization. “I organized meetings and handled all the communication with the client to get the necessary information for our research and analysis,” he said. “That was an incredible experience.”

This past summer, he tackled an even bigger challenge as a senior consultant: a three-month engagement with , a startup founded by Leeds alumnus Eddy Connors and CU alumnus Luke Siegert. It offers a marketplace for surplus food, allowing people to buy unsold items from local shops and restaurants at discounted prices for pickup.

The LCG team created a rollout plan for a new feature aimed at CU Boulder students to provide “affordable access to quality food while fostering a stronger connection between the campus community and Boulder’s local businesses,” Stirrett said. The team’s research ultimately led to adjusting the timing of the launch, which was a valuable lesson in strategic decision-making.

“What the Leeds Consulting Group really emphasizes is making a positive impact on the community,” said Stirrett. One of his favorite parts of the engagements has been giving presentations and hearing clients express their gratitude.

“That’s what has made me feel like I was making a difference. It’s what I really love about consulting.” He’s now actively applying for consulting internships to expand his experience and skill set.

Next adventures

One reason Stirrett chose CU was its study abroad opportunities. He sees both travel and entertainment playing pivotal roles in how his career and future unfold. He hopes to live on a coast in a vibrant city, and one of his goals is to travel the world.

He’s on course for launching that dream. At the end of December, he’s flying to Bangkok, Thailand, where he’ll join 500 students embarking on a  voyage. He doesn’t know any of the other students in the program, which he sees as a chance for doing what he loves—talking to people and being open to stories and new ideas.

In addition to living and studying aboard the ship, the group will set sail around the horn of Africa and into Europe, visiting 11 cities in 10 countries across three continents.

“I don’t want to sound dramatic, but I’ve never been so excited for something in my entire life,” he laughed.

Nope, it doesn’t sound dramatic. Just inspiring.