Individualized Support
Each Life Skills staff member is assigned specific teams to support and counsel. Meetings focus on personal and career development while promoting opportunities for campus involvement, community service and leadership. Through individual meetings, each student-athlete receives dedicated attention focused on their personal goals. Student-athletes will be expected to attend a minimum of one meeting per academic year to ensure their development plan best suits their individual needs. Click here for more information.
Life Skills staff assignments per team as follows:
Keith Zimmer - Football, Rifle, Softball, Swim & Dive, Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis, Volleyball
Stacey Burling - Football, Men's Basketball, Bowling, Men's Golf, Women's Golf, Soccer
Kate Frazier - Football, Women's Basketball, Cross Country, Track & Field
Tom Lemke - Football, Baseball, Men's Gymnastics, Women's Gymnastics, Wrestling
Husker Student-Athlete Career Fair
Held annually during the spring semester and in conjunction with UNL Career Week, the Husker Student-Athlete Career Fair connects Huskers with professionals in a variety of career fields. Attendees gain valuable career fair experience, put professional development techniques learned at previous Life Skills events into practice, and make valuable contacts for internships and full-time employment.
If you are an employer interested in representing your company at a future career fair, please email Assistant Director of Life Skills/PEO Director, Tom Lemke.
Networking Night
An annual event held in the fall semester, local professionals excelling in their chosen careers are invited to Memorial Stadium to help educate current second-year student-athletes in the art of networking and the importance of this practice. Several Husker letterwinner alumni representing diverse career fields are invited back as professional guests to share their valuable career insights and advice on a level in which the student-athletes can relate.
Individual Career Shadowing and Career Tours
Recognizing the importance of gaining valuable career experience prior to graduation, several student-athletes seek out shadowing opportunities in their professions of interest throughout the year. The Life Skills staff assist these motivated individuals by facilitating professional contacts and providing education on how to make the most of their experience. Taking advantage of such opportunities is highly encouraged to help prepare student-athletes for their professional careers after graduation.
Additionally, student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in Career Tours, which are group based shadowing experiences featuring a wide range of interactive activities to learn more about companies in the community. Activities include but a are not limited to company facility tours, Q&A sessions with company executives, former student-athlete panel discussions, networking receptions, mock interviews, and experiential learning exercises.
Interview Preparation
Student-athletes have the opportunity to meet with a Life Skills Counselor to best prepare for upcoming employment interviews. Information will be provided on how to best research a company, anticipate questions, highlight strengths and ask meaningful questions. Strategies for interview follow-up will also be provided. Interview preparation meetings are strongly encouraged prior to any form of a job interview including part-time or full-time employment, as well as internships.
Graduate/Professional School Application
Recognizing that student-athletes often aspire to attend graduate or other professional programs, Nebraska Life Skills has resources in place to best position the Huskers for admission into the program of their choice. Graduate and professional school career nights are held periodically connecting student-athletes with admissions staff and current graduate students who highlight admission requirements, application procedures, personal statement tips, timelines and opportunities for financial aid.
Candid Career
With nearly 8,000 videos on an easy to use platform, Candid Career is the premier provider of informational videos for professional development and makes career exploration an enjoyable experience. Nebraska student-athletes can get the inside scoop on careers by hearing straight from various industry professionals on what they do, their likes and challenges on the job, and how to prepare now to obtain a job in that field. There are also training videos which provide practical advice and highlight skills that are critical in the job searching process. Click Here to access the personalized page for University of Nebraska students.
Gallup CliftonStrengths
Understanding the wide variety of opportunities available, the Gallup CliftonStrengths program is designed to help students achieve success in academics, career and life. The program allows participants to learn more about themselves, including their strengths, and gain insight on how to utilize their talents for success. Husker student-athletes can complete a Gallup StrengthsFinder Assessment and meet with a Life Skills counselor to review their results and discuss how their top attributes apply to their future goals.
Handshake (Job & Internship Database)
Nebraska Life Skills continues to foster a good standing relationship with the UNL Career Service Center. Student-athletes are encouraged to utilize Handshake, a free resource for all UNL students and alumni that connects them with employers worldwide. Each student-athlete will become familiar with the valuable resource in individual life coaching sessions throughout their time at Nebraska.
Additional Career Resources
- Athletes to Careers - Connecting athletes with their next professional career
- Play Overseas - Extend your sporting career beyond your senior year of college
- XPG Recruit - A recruiting and staffing firm with a desire to help student-athletes land jobs