UNI professor provides students “Next Step” into the real world
The transition to life after college can be intimidating for new graduates, filled with new experiences like job hunting, salary negotiations, insurance and saving for retirement, all while navigating a newfound level of independence. Most graduates entering the “real world” are left to figure out these things on their own… until now.
Assistant Professor of Instruction Nikki Harken is changing that for students at UNI through the Next Step Program.
“I just want students to know that we care about them as much on the way out, as we cared about them on the way in,” said Harken. “I want them to leave here feeling like we did all we could do to make the transition to that next step go as smoothly as possible.”
Toward the end of their time at UNI, communication and media students who are completing an internship meet once a week to hear from Harken and guest speakers on topics that will prepare them for life after college. Students learn about everything from the logistics of relocating for a job to filing their own taxes for the first time. Seeing its impact, the university is exploring expanding the program beyond the department.
Harken has looked for similar programs at other colleges and universities. Although she says there are pockets of education on these topics, she has yet to come across a similar coordinated effort. UNI is ahead of the game in this area. Other efforts include a successful Professional Readiness Program in the Wilson College of Business, which equips business students with soft skills before they graduate.
“The thing that I think is really important about this program is we don't go too in-depth, but we sort of do a cursory review of all of these things,” said Harken. “So, what are the five to seven most important things about retirement that someone should know when they're graduated from college?”
The program began as a few workshops being offered here and there. Gradually, staff from across campus became involved. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Career Services and Human Resource Services all helped for the good of students.
In the last two years, the program has become a formal part of the internship program for hundreds of communication and media students.