Career Success Seminar Teaches Athletes Dining Etiquette and Life Lessons

Thirteen highly motivated, goal-oriented and successful student-athletes have been accepted into the first-ever Career Success Seminar facilitated by the Life Skills Department.   The initial meeting for the seminar took place on Monday, January 24th in the Memorial Stadium Skyline Club and featured dining etiquette training throughout a catered meal followed by inspirational career advice and success tips from Kim Robak and Scot Blehm.

Christina Fielder, Assistant Director of UNL Career Services and resident expert on dining etiquette and business manners, instructed the athletes how to socialize while holding a napkin, plate and drink all in one hand.  Fielder addressed place setting protocol, silverware usage, distribution of food, communication with wait staff and much more.  Advice was also provided regarding job interviews during a meal with the ideal situation being to avoid such arrangements if given the option.  Above all, Fielder advised the students to be observant during dinner, say please and thank-you, and be selective with what you order.

Prominent Lincoln Attorney and former Nebraska Lt. Governor Kim Robak addressed the student-athlete leaders after dinner congratulating them for their successes thus far and challenging them to move forward with supreme confidence knowing they can compete with anyone, anywhere.  Robak added, "at times, you have to step out of your comfort zone and take risks in order to advance your career."  Continued Robak, "don't be afraid to ask for special or challenging projects which ultimately will keep you engaged in your job and possibly lead to eventual advancement."  Robak was a Theatre major at UNL , has also worked as middle school teacher in Lincoln, and served as the Vice President of External Affairs for the University of Nebraska system.

Former college basketball student-athlete Scot Blehm who hails from Mitchell, Nebraska (population 1,800) reinforced some fundamental success tips that have provided him unique and exciting career opportunities.  Blehm, who studied anatomy in college with sights on medical school, became a scientist, Congressional Aide under then congressman Dr. Tom Osborne, and worked in the White House during the most recent Bush administration.  Currently a Financial Advisor with Principal Financial, Blehm stressed to the athletes the importance of hard work, relationship building, and being the best you can possibly be.

Student-athletes and staff alike enjoyed the special event to kickoff the inaugural Career Success Seminar.  Both groups are excited to draw upon the information and insights provided resulting in the attainment of diverse career goals ranging from securing internships, full-time employment and admission into elite graduate programs.