For Demitri Kritsepis, professional growth started by saying yes to opportunities that pushed him beyond the classroom. Now a Master of Science in Management student at the Lundquist College of Business, he credits much of that growth to his time in the Professional Edge program, which gives students the opportunity to build real-world skills employers want through hands-on learning experiences.
He first got involved with the program as an undergraduate student at UO, beginning with trainings like Power BI and later joining industry-partnered immersions with companies such as Lithia & Driveway. As he explored internship postings, the same tools and skills kept appearing. Power BI, in particular, showed up again and again. Professional Edge gave him a place to learn and apply those skills at the same time. Encouragement from a former supervisor—who later moved into a role at the university—helped reinforce that this kind of experience mattered and wouldn’t be just another commitment on his already-full schedule.
Demitri brought experience from several disciplines into his business studies. He has taken on roles ranging from audio design for campus theater productions to administrative and writing internships. Professional Edge helped him bring those pieces together, especially through work in data analysis. One of the most challenging parts was presenting as part of a cohort to industry partners.
The first few times were uncomfortable. Then they became routine. “It really rips the Band-Aid off,” he said. “You realize you’re going to have to present all the time in the real world.”
These experiences also taught him how to function well on a team. Demitri navigated shared deadlines, different communication styles, and varying approaches to responsibility, which closely resemble the environments he will encounter in internships and future roles. Working through real problems alongside classmates has sharpened how he manages time, communicates professionally, and adapts when things don’t go as planned.
Looking ahead, Demitri hopes to work at the intersection of business and technology, with an interest in project management and roles that support public institutions. When he talks with students considering Professional Edge, his advice is direct. “Immerse yourself. Take on a full course load, work, try new things. It can only help,” he said. “If I could do it again, I’d do it with even more confidence.”