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Career Expedition Brings New Perspectives

Career Expedition Brings New Perspectives
While at Accenture, students gained an inside look at how the digital hub of Accenture operates.
A trip to the Windy City proved worthwhile for 19 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students who embarked on a career expedition hosted by the Business Career Center, October 14-16. The students visited different industries and took in sights of Chicago.

Staff sponsors included Dr. Chris Timm, associate director of employer experience and outreach, and Micah Lindblad, career coach. Timm explained how the growing number of Nebraska Business students from the Chicago area, as well as a growing interest by students in the Chicago job market, necessitated the trip to build and strengthen relationships with employers in the area.

“Students learned how important the work environment is and are more prepared to assess them as they apply for jobs and internships. The contrast of the large employers compared to the smaller ones was helpful to them in thinking about their career paths,” said Timm. “Alumni offered valuable advice about apartment and transportation costs, as well as staying close to their Nebraska roots. They were told employers like the Midwest work ethic and value the humble, smart and friendly traits of Nebraskans, but also they will have to be intentional as to why they want to work in Chicago.”

Starting with a welcome dinner with alumni and young professionals talking about living in the city and their careers, the trip also allowed students to visit numerous employers. They included Accenture, Aon, Jellyvision, Mizuho Americas and SMS Assist and students learned about different careers and networking with potential employers.

Ariel Zach, a junior marketing major from Stanton, Nebraska, said, “This trip was great for me to not only represent the college, but also learn more about an area I could see myself working in after graduation. I had the opportunity to expand my network and apply the skills I’ve learned at the college, all while exploring a city I could potentially call home one day.”
The 19 Nebraska Business students who went on the expedition took a moment to admire Cloud Gate at Millennium Park.
The 19 Nebraska Business students who went on the expedition took a moment to admire Cloud Gate at Millennium Park.
In their free time, students also explored the city, going to key attractions such as Cloud Gate at Millennium Park and the Willis Tower Skydeck.

As a graduate student at the college, Kenneth Chong, noticed the distinct culture at each site. They created unique environments for their employees through dress codes or stress-relieving areas, such as nap rooms.

“I learned the qualities all the companies look for in their current and future employees are more or less the same. The common qualities are curiosity, passion, kindness, positivity and attention to detail,” he said. “The career expedition is indeed a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. It helped me grow as a student and person by allowing me to have a taste of the real world.”

The following students participated:
  • Katherine Belitz, senior accounting and management major from Downers Grove, Illinois
  • Kathryn Buckley, junior finance major from Omaha, Nebraska
  • Melina Buechler, senior international business major from Omaha, Nebraska
  • Kenneth Chong, graduate student from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Jack Felser, senior actuarial science major from Pewaukee, Wisconsin
  • Taylor Gannon, junior economics and finance major from Grand Island, Nebraska
  • Jose Enrique Miceli Garcia, senior business administration major from Tapachula, Mexico
  • TJ Kessler, senior accounting major from Highlands Ranch, Colorado
  • Abby Krage, senior economics and supply chain management and analytics major from Pueblo, Colorado
  • Grant LaFurney, junior economics and finance major from Papillion, Nebraska
  • Jake Morgan, senior finance major from Omaha, Nebraska
  • Kyra Myrick, senior marketing major from Oak Brook, Illinois
  • Kennedy Nguyen, sophomore marketing major from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Brianna Oehm, sophomore business administration major from Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Jewel Rodgers, senior management major from Omaha, Nebraska
  • John Valencia, senior marketing major from Manizales, Colombia
  • Weiya Wang, MPA graduate student from Hangzhou, China
  • Brooklyn Westenburg, senior accounting and supply chain management and analytics major from Auburn, Nebraska
  • Ariel Zach, junior marketing major from Stanton, Nebraska
 
The spring career expedition will take students to San Francisco March 17-20. To apply, visit: https://business.unl.edu/careerexpedition.
Published: November 5, 2018