Katie Rodriguez
Principal HR Business Partner
Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Why did you initially apply to work at CU?

I initially applied to work at CU because I had previous experience working in a higher education setting, and I had heard great things about the CU system. I had just graduated college and CU offered many positions where I would be able to utilize my education and previous work experience.

What makes CU a great place to work?

I feel like I have truly found a place to build a career, and that is what makes CU a great place to work. CU offers great leadership and direction. I have learned so much in my first year here, and I love being able to say that I still enjoy coming to work each morning. I don’t feel that I am just here to work; I am here to learn and make a difference and CU has definitely provided me with those opportunities.

What is/are your favorite aspect(s) of working at CU?

I really enjoy the diversity that CU offers. I have had the chance to meet many new people, including faculty, staff and students. Each person offers such a unique opportunity to learn about and get to know not only the person but the community as a whole. 

What is a typical working day like for you?

What I like most about my job, is that I don’t really have a typical day. I have duties and tasks that are recurring, but my days are never monotonous. My supervisor has given me the opportunity to take on many responsibilities and projects. Some are just small projects that won’t even last a day, but I really enjoy the trust and confidence she has in me. It makes me strive to be better at my job each day, and it also makes me feel appreciated.

What is the best part of your workday?

The best part of my workday is getting to the office in the morning. Seeing everyone’s smiling faces and warm greetings really sets the stage for a great day.

What is your favorite perk or benefit at CU?

My favorite perk or benefit at CU is the Employee Tuition Waiver. This benefit provides employees and their dependents tuition assistance for up to 9 credit hours each aid year. I think it’s great that CU is giving employees a chance to expand their knowledge and education.

What activities are available for staff members to enjoy together outside of academics?

Here on the AMC campus, I have found there are many activities to bring staff members together. There are activities to get people outside and moving, such as a walking group that meets a few times a week or a bicycle group. There are also free cooking classes offered by the Health and Wellness Center. The annual block party and Staff Council events also help bring staff members together from all across the campus without focusing on any one particular interest to the exclusion of others.

What do you enjoy most about living in Colorado?

The breathtaking scenery is what I enjoy most about living in Colorado. I am from Texas, so I have really enjoyed spending time in the mountains and seeing so many trees and wildlife. State parks are abundant here and very well maintained, and I love how easy it is to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with my family.

What is your favorite campus/neighborhood location?

My favorite neighborhood location is General’s Park by the University Hospital. My daughter loves the playground there, and also getting to watch the geese swim around in the little pond. It has covered picnic areas, and also plenty of grass and big shade trees. It’s a nice park and in a safe neighborhood, so that makes it very family friendly.

What is your favorite area restaurant?

My favorite area restaurant is Lupita’s, which is down the road on Colfax. It’s small and quaint, and the people that work there will make you feel like family. Mexican food is a staple in Texas, but it's just not the same here in Colorado. Lupita’s reminds us of the places we used to eat at back home, so I think that’s the biggest reason we like it so much.

What do you enjoy doing on your spare time?

In my spare time, I really enjoy getting outside and exploring with my family. Our favorite place to go is Rocky Mountain National Park. There are plenty of family friendly trails, and the views the Park offers are just amazing.

What would be your one piece of advice for someone interested in working at CU?

My one piece of advice for others interested in working at CU would be to just take the leap. CU offers many employment opportunities and the CU Careers website makes it easy to sort and filter positions based on campus location, position type, keywords, and many other factors. CU is a great place to work, and with so many positions across the campuses, a person is sure to find something that interests them.