Academic Success

Experiential Learning

One of the best ways students can set themselves up for post-graduation success is to engage in experiences outside the classroom that build their résumé and introduce them to future career options.

Your student's time as a Husker holds infinite possibilities for how they can engage in hands-on learning to explore their passions and pursue their goals. Outlined below are "experiential learning" opportunities, which is a fancy way of saying "out-of-classroom experiences that can develop your student's knowledge, skills, and résumé."

"After talking with my advisor, I made a plan to shadow specialists in many fields that interested me to help narrow down my interests and decide on the major that was right for me"
Elle S. | Columbia, Missouri

Career Services

From part-time jobs on and off campus, to leadership positions, research, internships, and more, your student's career development begins during their first term at Nebraska! Career Coaches across UNL Colleges are here to help:

Explore and evaluate career options
Identify and apply for opportunities locally, nationally, and globally
Build relationships with professionals in your student's field
Gain skills needed in your student's career path
Learn career management strategies for after graduation

Career Coaches are available by appointment or drop-in. Resources, activities, and events are available, too. Learn more at careers.unl.edu,Links to an external site,. review this recorded info session, or attend our live webinar.

Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

Wingert, Malayna (2).JPG “Doing research helped me better understand my values. I realized that I value interactions with others, which made me reconsider my priorities and my career path.” Malayna W. | Sterling, Nebraska

Hear from Malayna about her research experience

Research Experience

UNL is a research institution, which means we emphasize the pursuit of new knowledge and innovation as a central part of our mission. Your student can be part of research, which offers the opportunity to go in-depth in a topic, establish relationships with faculty members at UNL, and gain important skills and experience transferable to a career or graduate/professional school.

One of the most popular research programs for undergraduate students is UCARE, which offers paid research experiences in a variety of subject areas (not just science!). One program that is specifically designed for first-year students is the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE). There are also a variety of other programs that offer research experience.

Nebraska promotes a variety of nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships (like Fulbright, Rhodes, and Marshall) that provide financial support for pursuits such as graduate school, language study, or overseas research. Though these aren’t for first-year students, early preparation is essential.

Education Abroad

Your student can enhance their experience at Nebraska by participating in a study, internship, research, or service-learning program abroad! With many unique programs in over 70 countries, each student can find the perfect fit for their academic, personal, and professional goals, as well as their budget. Watch this recorded info session and visit Education Abroad website for more information.

My student is interested in on-campus research, employment, or studying abroad. When should they start planning?

It's never too early to seek out various out-of-classroom experiences! By thinking ahead, your student can maximize their time and resources on campus to pursue as many opportunities as they desire. Your student can discuss these opportunities with their academic advisor.