Ethan Zaborowski graduates May 17 from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a finance degree and a full-time job waiting for him at USAA Capital Markets in Charlotte, North Carolina. He credits his network, built through internships and his involvement on campus, as one of the most powerful forces guiding his future.

“I was able to leverage connections made in high school to make the transition from high school to college easier and less stressful,” said Zaborowski, a Lincoln North Star High School graduate. “I knew getting involved at the university would impact my future career.”

He joined the Big Red Investment Club (BRIC) at the College of Business to learn more about investing and the basics of how to manage a portfolio. He also participated in Greek life with the Phi Delta Theta fraternity to meet others across campus.

Zaborowski gained real-world experience through internships at FP Wealth Management and Nelnet.

“I also decided to pursue many internships to gain a better understanding of what I wanted to specialize in after graduation,” he said. “These opportunities allowed me to apply what I learned in class and develop industry-specific skills that prepared me for my career.”

As a sophomore, he was selected for the Clifton Builders Program, a competitive cohort of students ready to change the world by building businesses, teams and communities. The program connected him with Lydia Hoffman, '24, who later played a pivotal role in his career path.

“Ethan and I took finance classes together, worked on group projects and knew mutual friends,” said Hoffman, who is also a Clifton Builder. "We also sat together in classes and often navigated internship interviews and recruitment challenges together."

After growing up with her family using USAA for banking and insurance, Hoffman interned with USAA Capital Markets in Charlotte and returned to campus enthusiastic about the company. She encouraged Zaborowski to apply and helped him prepare for the interview process.

“Lydia had a great experience at USAA. She was challenged, learned a lot and spent time with top executives. I was ready to try something new, and she encouraged me to apply for the internship for the following summer and helped me prepare for the interview,” Zaborowski explained.

Selected for the internship, Zaborowski worked on the company's senior financial office team. He attended top-level meetings and collaborated with colleagues throughout the organization.

“Working in Capital Markets at USAA combined the Excel-heavy side of finance I enjoy with the opportunity to interact with national bank executives. I helped raise $1.75 billion in capital with a five-person team," Zaborowski said. "It was impactful work, and the culture was collaborative. Everyone cared about the work, performing at a high level and about me.”

He credits the Clifton Builders Program with preparing him for the fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

“The program taught me to present confidently and think outside the box when solving problems," Zaborowski said. "The ability to present your work to your manager and the executives they serve is a skill that helped me stand out from other interns.”

Entrepreneurship courses and competitions further prepared him for his future career. He called the university's New Venture Competition, which is one of the oldest competitions in the nation, a daunting but formative experience.

“You get up in front of experienced professionals serving as judges with an idea you've been thinking about for a month or two and compete against others who’ve been working on their idea for years. Then the judges start asking difficult questions,” he said, “It's scary but you push through and provide answers.”

Zaborowski said Samuel Nelson, Bauermeister Family Presidential Chair in Entrepreneurship, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and associate professor of practice in management, helped him along the way.

“Sam Nelson was extremely impactful throughout my time at Nebraska. His entrepreneurship courses are engaging, fun and contain information that is essential to starting a business or something new within an existing business," Zaborowski said. "He goes out of his way to help his students and is extremely understanding and supportive.”

Nelson, who taught Zaborowski in Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTR 121) and Business Plan Development and Decision Making (ENTR 423), praised his energy and discipline.

"Ethan brings a rare combination of curiosity, drive and humility that elevates the classroom. Whether it's through his work with the Clifton Builders Program, his involvement in Center for Entrepreneurship activities or his presence in class, he shows up with energy and a commitment to excellence," Nelson said. "His goal of completing a 100-mile ultramarathon isn't surprising as Ethan approaches life with the same endurance and discipline that make him stand out as a student and as a future leader in the finance industry."

As he closes his chapter at Nebraska, Zaborowski's USAA internship led to a full-time finance position at the company. He moves to Charlotte in mid-July and offered the following advice to Huskers.

“Be as involved as possible in college," he advised. "The people you meet and the organizations you join will have a huge impact down the road. With a big network, you'll find opportunities and utilize them to grow."