Seizing Opportunity

Each year, approximately 100 student-athletes graduate from Nebraska and begin the next chapter in their lives. With Nebraska’s newly-established Post-Eligibility Opportunities (PEO) Program, this next chapter more frequently includes utilizing the PEO scholarship, valued up to $7,500, to participate in an internship, study abroad experience, or graduate school.

While those choosing to use funds for domestic or international internships typically find those opportunities through formal internship postings, Nebraska women’s gymnast Hollie Blanske utilized her marketing and management degree to initiate a unique opportunity and create an internship with Frontier Harley-Davidson in Lincoln, Neb.

“Harley-Davidson is a brand that has been in my family since I can remember,” said Blanske. “Knowing I wanted to use PEO funds for a meaningful experience related to my marketing and management degree, I approached Frontier Harley-Davidson. It was truly a perfect fit due to the love my family, fiancé and I share for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company as well as the rich culture and 100+ year history they have.”

As a marketing intern, Blanske has been given great autonomy in managing and developing content for Frontier Harley-Davidson’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, strategically adding to the strong reputation the company has built with constituents. Blanske also works directly with the Harley-Davidson Dealer Marketing Engine, where she creates and customizes advertisements, promotions and customer events unique to Frontier Harley-Davidson.

“My education at Nebraska provided me the knowledge I needed to succeed in this position, specifically with how people think and how and when to market or promote ideas,” said Blanske. “This experience has been crucial in gaining hands-on experience, writing and creating professional communications and campaigns, and being able to grow in my personal and professional development. I have absolutely loved everything I have received and learned from this experience.”

Like many other participants, PEO was instrumental in helping Blanske transition from being a full-time student-athlete to a professional businesswoman.

“Graduating this past December, PEO has helped me slowly transition into my next phase of life and has helped me gained meaningful work experience, while helping me stay financially stable,” said Blanske. “I am so thankful to be a part of a program that takes such good care of their student-athletes during and after life at Nebraska.”

Upon conclusion of her internship this May, Blanske would like to continue working for Frontier Harley-Davidson if offered the opportunity or gain additional experience within the marketing field.