Courtney Van Hoosen is a sophomore with a plan when it comes to her career path. That’s why she jumped at the opportunity to join eight University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration students on the first career expedition to Washington, D.C., over spring break.
“This trip exceeded my expectations and enabled me to build my career network as I start to search for internships,” Van Hoosen said. “I felt like I was able to make connections with so many of our alumni which puts me ahead of the game when it comes to working towards career goals.”
The double major in international business and French from Omaha, Nebraska, has aspirations to work in the foreign service in D.C. or a major government hub. In a perfect world, the CBA Honors Academy student would also like to experience life overseas outside of study abroad experiences.
Van Hoosen at Washington Monument
“This was a productive and beneficial spring break. It has me ready to jump off the diving board and start planning my career,” said Van Hoosen.
The career expedition was planned by Career Services at CBA with help from the University of Nebraska Foundation. The four-day trip included visits with alumni at the Carlyle Group, Gallup, Orchard Global Asset Management and Scripps Howard as well as some free-time for sightseeing in the nation’s capital. Students were also required to attend two preparatory sessions to go over logistics and discuss expectations.
“This type of event is beneficial in so many ways,” said Jeannine Berg, associate director of employer experience and outreach at Career Services at CBA. “It gives students a chance to expand their horizons and build connections with employers they may not see regularly on campus. It also keeps our alumni connected with UNL and the college.”
A standout volleyball player in high school, Van Hoosen was heavily recruited in high school to play at the collegiate level. Leaning towards a scholarship at Central College in Pella, Iowa, her mom convinced her to apply to the CBA Honors Academy before making her final decision. She interviewed for the first cohort in 2013 and found that UNL and the CBA Honors Academy were the perfect fit for her.
“I was torn between volleyball or having a diverse college experience. I liked the small atmosphere at Central College but I have been able to create a network around the academy, being a member of the UNL club volleyball team and through my sorority. This is exactly the experience I wanted when I was looking for a college,” Van Hoosen explained.
Published: April 21, 2015