Graduating seniors, masters and doctoral students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln received their diplomas Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at commencement exercises at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Before they begin their next chapter in new careers or furthering their education, some College of Business Administration graduates took time to share advice with current students looking to Start Something.
Margo Berends, an economics and political science major from Aurora, Colorado, pushed the envelope to make the most of her college experience. She won the prestigious 2013 Outstanding Leadership Award because of her involvement in several student organizations and two study abroad experiences. After graduation, she will teach English in Toulouse, France, for a year before moving to Washington D.C. to pursue a career and master’s degree in international development policy.
“From day one, go outside of your comfort zone. The absolute best experiences I had in college that have also helped me the most for my future were studying abroad through CBA’s Nebraska at Oxford program and having an internship at the Institute of International Education in Washington, D.C.,” Berends said. “These experiences were some of the most influential and enlightening of my college experience and they were all things that I was initially very nervous, uncertain and scared to do.”
Lincoln, Nebraska, native Chris Spanel received his bachelor’s degree in finance on Saturday. He accepted a position to work for Credit Suisse in Chicago where he will be an investment banking analyst for one of the world’s leading banks for corporate, institutional and government clients. Spanel stressed the importance of getting involved and having a plan.
“I would encourage freshman to be more active and get involved in a club or event in their first two semesters of college. It will help determine what they are really interested in or not interested in early and will help build their resume. Also do less cramming for tests. Set up a study plan for each test and start studying four or more days in advance,” he said.
Ali Abramson, a marketing major from Gothenburg, Nebraska, plans to travel in Africa after graduation to do ministry work and relocate to Texas to pursue a career in human resources management. She advises students to take a class that challenges them to grow and be confident in their skills.
“My advice for incoming students is to go outside your comfort zone and try things you never thought you would. Be confident in your skills and abilities and don't be afraid to own up to your mistakes and ask for help. Have fun and enjoy your time spent at UNL-- it goes way too fast,” she said.
Nate Dederman, who is graduating with degrees in business administration and pre-optometry, realized having a business background would be uniquely beneficial to him once he opens his private practice. The Albuquerque, New Mexico, native will attend Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.
“I think CBA has given me a great breadth of knowledge in terms of business,” he said. “Students should take care of school work first, but then make sure to get out and enjoy your time here at UNL.”
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/m6b4