Someone meeting Jake Daberkow of Manchester, England, today would never guess this confident, international traveler had a completely different view of the world when he came to CBA. Growing up in Madison, Nebraska, he assumed he would end up in a small town working at a business, but a study abroad experience in the prestigious Nebraska at Oxford Program transformed his life and altered his career compass.
“When I decided to come to CBA, I was a small town kid with goals that never ventured outside Nebraska or my comfort zone,” Daberkow said. “I thought I would fly under the radar through my college career and work any job I could get in Nebraska.”
A talk with one of his friends opened the business administration major's eyes to other opportunities.
“My friend Charlie Lainson was working as a study abroad ambassador for the Italy CIMBA program,” he said. “He told me how the study abroad experience opened his eyes to a new world of international opportunities.”
Daberkow started looking into study abroad options prior to graduation knowing there were challenges standing in his way.
Rocky and Deb Daberkow, Dr. Martin Holmes and Jake Daberkow
“Studying abroad meant I would be delaying my graduation, as well as taking on an additional expense,” he said. “Before applying, I spoke to my parents to make sure they understood I would take on all the costs associated with my study abroad decision. I also explained how the prestige of the Nebraska at Oxford Program would be worth it.”
Though his parents were nervous about his decision, they allowed him to go on this once in a lifetime adventure.
His summer at Oxford opened his eyes both academically and culturally. He
wrote a blog capturing his experiences, which included attending the 2012 summer Olympics in London.
Daberkow returned to Nebraska with a new world view and a better understanding of future careers. This led him to an internship with Sandhills Publishing in Lincoln.
“I wanted an internship to give me experience in many areas of business while also forcing me outside my comfort zone,” Daberkow said. “Sandhills offered opportunities to work in different areas of the company and travel both domestically and internationally.”
After graduation, Daberkow was hired full-time at Sandhills. He made it known that his experience with the Nebraska at Oxford Program would benefit the company and they created a position for him in Manchester. After a year in England, he has spent over 140 days traveling the world.
Daberkow and Charlie Lainson at 2012 Olympics “I get to work at tradeshows in Denmark, Dubai, France, Ireland, Italy and the UK. Every audience requires a different style of communication, and I love learning how to best communicate with them effectively,” Daberkow said.
This summer, his parents traveled to England to visit him and the university which ultimately changed his life. It was with great pride he showed them Oxford and introduced them to Professors Martin Holmes and Nick Horsewood.
“After saying farewell to my professors at Oxford, my mother pulled me aside and said, ‘I’m sorry I ever doubted your decision to come to Oxford. After seeing this with my own eyes I have never been more proud of you.’”
Daberkow, who has over 100 stamps in his passport from his travels, said, “The sky is the limit when you are a part of CBA. If you make the most of your time there, you will benefit from it for the rest of your life.”
Published: November 6, 2015