Global Recruitment Hub

Key Statistics

• 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF 2023)
• 3.5 billion lack safely managed sanitation
• Climate change intensifying water stress in 80+ countries
• $114 billion annual investment needed in WASH infrastructure

Talking Points

• Frame global engineering as a career with purpose AND strong earnings
• Emphasize growing demand for engineers with cross-cultural competency
• Position the Mortenson Center as uniquely combining technical rigor with field experience

Key Messages

• Founded to bridge the gap between engineering education and real-world development
• Housed within CU Boulder's Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering
• Faculty with decades of combined field experience across 30+ countries
• Strong partnerships with NGOs, governments, and development organizations

Talking Points

• Share the Mortenson Center's mission and founding story
• Highlight the center's unique position within a top R1 research university
• Mention notable partnerships and research impact

Content

• Degree: MS in Environmental Engineering with Global Engineering focus
• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), 30 credit hours
• Core coursework: water/wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, sustainable design
• Electives in global health, policy, climate adaptation
• Required practicum experience (see Slide 6)

Talking Points

• Walk through the typical course sequence
• Emphasize flexibility to tailor coursework to career goals
• Mention thesis vs. non-thesis options

Content

• Highlight 3-4 faculty members and their research areas
• Active research labs in water quality, sanitation technology, and community health
• Funded research projects and publications
• Opportunities for graduate research assistantships

Talking Points

• Introduce key faculty members by name and specialization
• Share recent research breakthroughs or publications
• Explain how students can get involved in research from semester one

Content

• 8-12 week field placement with a partner organization
• Community-partnered engineering projects in developing-world contexts
• Past locations: Kenya, Rwanda, Nepal, Peru, India, Ghana, and more
• Students design, build, and evaluate real infrastructure
• Faculty mentorship throughout the practicum

Talking Points

• This is what sets the Mortenson Center apart -- no other program offers this
• Share 1-2 specific practicum project examples with photos
• Explain how practicum connects to thesis research and career placement

Content

• Boulder: world-class outdoor recreation, vibrant tech/startup scene
• Ranked among the happiest cities in the US
• Strong international student community and support services
• Campus resources: International Student & Scholar Services, career center, counseling
• Graduate student housing and cost-of-living information

Talking Points

• Show campus and Boulder photos
• Mention specific cultural organizations relevant to the target region
• Address common concerns: weather, safety, transportation

Key Data Points (Selling Points)

• Median starting salary: $104,000 - $122,000
• 90%+ placement rate within 6 months of graduation
• Alumni at: Water For People, Asian Development Bank, Save the Children, UNICEF, World Bank
• Career paths: international development, environmental consulting, government, academia
• STEM OPT: up to 3 years of US work authorization post-graduation

Talking Points

• Lead with salary data -- this is a strong differentiator
• Share 2-3 specific alumni career trajectories
• Emphasize that this degree pays for itself quickly
• Explain STEM OPT pathway for international students

CU Boulder Internal Funding

• Graduate School fellowships (merit-based)
• Research assistantships with stipend + tuition
• Teaching assistantships
• Need-based fee waivers

Region-Specific External Scholarships

• East Africa: Mastercard Foundation (CU is a partner!), IsDB, Equity Bank ELP, JJ/WBGSP
• India: Tata Trusts, Narotam Sekhsaria, Inlaks, Fulbright
• UAE: MoHESR, Qatar Foundation, Saudi SACM
• Latin America: ICETEX, CAPES, PRONABEC, Fulbright
• Nepal: Fulbright, ADB-JSP, Open Society Foundations

Talking Points

• Many students receive partial or full funding -- encourage applications
• Walk through the financial aid application timeline
• Mention application fee waivers if available

Selling Points by Region

• 1.1M+ international students in US -- growing demand for global engineers
• Sub-Saharan African students: 65,385 (+15% growth)
• Indian students: 363,019 (#1 source, targeting 500 GW clean energy)
• Nepali students: 24,890 (+49%, jumped to #6 nationally)
• Colombia +13% (record high), Peru +19.3%, Ghana +157% since 2021
• STEM OPT authorizations up 54% -- expanding career pathways

Talking Points

• Frame the data: growing pipelines mean growing communities at CU
• Position CU Boulder as ahead of the curve in recruiting from these markets
• Emphasize that early applicants from these regions benefit from less competition

Content

• Feature 2-3 alumni from the target region
• Include: photo, name, degree year, current role, brief quote
• Show career trajectory: undergrad institution → Mortenson Center → current position
• If possible, include a short pre-recorded video testimonial

Talking Points

• Let alumni stories do the selling -- "people like you have succeeded here"
• Mention that alumni are available for 1-on-1 conversations with prospective students
• Share alumni LinkedIn profiles or contact info if appropriate

Content

• Application deadline: [insert deadline -- typically December/January for Fall]
• Required materials: transcripts, GRE (if required), TOEFL/IELTS, statement of purpose, 3 letters of recommendation, resume/CV
• Application fee and fee waiver information
• Step-by-step walkthrough of the online application
• Timeline: Apply → Review → Decision → I-20 → Visa → Arrival

Talking Points

• Demystify the process -- many prospective students are overwhelmed by US applications
• Offer to review draft statements of purpose if capacity allows
• Mention any GRE waivers or flexible requirements

Content

• F-1 student visa process overview
• CU Boulder ISSS (International Student & Scholar Services) support
• I-20 issuance timeline
• Pre-departure orientation and airport pickup
• STEM OPT: 12 months standard + 24 months extension = 36 months total

Talking Points

• Address visa concerns proactively -- this is a top worry for international students
• Mention CU Boulder's visa success rates
• Explain STEM OPT advantage in detail

Content

• CTA 1: Visit the Mortenson Center website
• CTA 2: Email [contact] to schedule a 1-on-1 conversation
• CTA 3: Connect with a current student or alumni ambassador
• CTA 4: Start your application at apply.cu.edu
• Social media handles and newsletter signup

Talking Points

• Make the next step as easy as possible
• Offer to follow up individually with anyone who shares their email
• Share QR code for instant sign-up

Common Questions to Prepare For

• "What is the total cost of attendance?"
• "Can I work while studying?" (20 hrs/week on F-1)
• "What GRE/TOEFL score do I need?"
• "How competitive is admission?"
• "Can I do the practicum in my home country?"
• "What is the job placement rate?"
• "Is there a PhD pathway?"

Talking Points

• Have prepared answers for all common questions
• Collect email addresses for follow-up
• Send recording of the session to all attendees within 48 hours
• Schedule follow-up 1-on-1s with interested candidates