Growing up, Sofie Maliyevsky ’25 wanted to be a fashion designer. She loved drawing, painting, and creating, even making custom styles for her dolls. Through her formative years, Maliyevsky attended a hands-on, expeditionary-style program where teamwork, outdoor education, and other “non-traditional” subjects superseded standardized testing.
Surprisingly, Maliyevsky’s transition into “normal” learning post high-school felt natural. While she admits test-taking may never be her favorite thing, the lessons in collaboration she learned early on created a far greater advantage, both in class projects and in the working world, than any test ever could.
Initially, Maliyevsky thought she would pursue a career in real estate after high school, pairing her creative instinct with the sales know-how she acquired from her father. However, world circumstances offered her a pivotal detour.
During her senior year of high school, when students typically pursue career-exploration internships, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The company canceled Maliyevsky’s planned real estate internship. Although the opportunity loss stung, she was now free to explore a multitude of future careers and degrees. Enter CU Denver Business School’s Marketing 4+1 program.
Starting her undergrad, Maliyevsky already knew she wanted to pursue a Master’s degree for the competitive edge it would afford her in the job market, so the 4+1 program felt like a natural fit. Maliyevsky paired her degree with a Minor in Digital Design, a fresh creative outlet and a new set of skills to add to her repertoire.
During her first year, which took place during the wild-west period of online learning, Maliyevsky remembers ad hoc science labs and awkward Zoom meetings. Embracing the weirdness and seeking connection, she joined the then-online Marketing Club and remained with the organization until graduation.
The transition from three floating heads on Zoom to a flourishing in-person club was a herculean task for the Marketing Club, and Maliyevsky’s leadership brought the ship to shore. Her tireless work as both a member and, later, as the president of the club created new opportunities for students to explore their interests and connect across the campus community.
CU Denver’s Maymester study abroad trip, London Calling, was a highlight of Maliyevsky’s undergraduate career; visiting Wimbledon, touring theaters, and speaking with the National Football League in England gave her a whole new perspective on the city and a glimpse of a side of London she had not seen before.
During her time in the Master’s program, Maliyevsky once again found her collaborative background coming in clutch, but now had a venue to practice translating education into experience.
“The best part of the program is meeting people at so many different levels of their careers, seeing their experiences, and getting to know their perspectives.”
To any incoming or current students, Maliyevsky has one piece of advice: “Join something.”
Whether in a club, a class, or a new job, connections are the key to thriving in college. Maliyevsky currently works as an Advertising and Merchandising Coordinator with Hardlines Distribution Alliance. She still maintains work-life balance, going to concerts, traveling, and taking any opportunity to share a good meal with friends and family.
From staying strong during the nascent age of online academia to juggling multiple jobs, full-time classes, and club responsibilities, the CU Denver Business School is proud to host Maliyevsky’s legacy of resilience, collaboration, and tenacity.
