UNI professor provides students “Next Step” into the real world
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. Assistant Professor of Instruction Nikki Harken, ’99, ’03, ’23, 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. Seeing its impact, the university is exploring expanding the program beyond the department.
Although Harken says there are pockets of education on these topics, she has yet to come across a similar coordinated effort at another institution. 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.
Paige Beck, who graduated in spring 2024, is grateful for the Next Step class and the way it increased her confidence about entering the workforce.
When thinking about life after college, Beck was the most nervous about making friends. She said that most of the guest speakers in Harken’s program touched on this topic and encouraged the students to get involved within their communities to combat loneliness and make new friends.
The Next Step Program has helped me succeed after graduation in many ways. I learned about budgeting and involvement and have applied those principles in my day-to-day life.
Perhaps one of the most critical sessions in the program is about navigating a job offer. Many Next Step alumni can boast successfully negotiating for better offers thanks to Harken’s tips.
In the last three years, the program has become a formal part of the internship program for hundreds of communication and media students. Whenever Harken is approached with a new opportunity, she said she always asks herself, “Is this good for students?” With the Next Step Program, the answer is obvious.
