The Next Step: Leaping to Adulthood

The third of a four part series with University of Northern Iowa Career Services professionals Sarah and Matt, explaining how academic advising and career services collaborate to help students choose majors and connect them to realistic job opportunities. They emphasize that careers are often non-linear, students should focus on transferable skills. 94% of UNI students complete at least one intern...

On the Next Step podcast, the host continues a conversation with Matt and Sarah from the University of Northern Iowa Career Services Office about post-graduation support, cover letters, and interviewing. They explain that UNI typically provides services for one year after graduation, but their expertise is mainly for internships and first entry-level jobs. On cover letters, they note conflicting r...

On the Next Step podcast, the host welcomes University of Northern Iowa Career Services staff Sarah Goblirsch and Matt Nuese to discuss how career services offices are named and structured across campuses, including centralized, decentralized, and hybrid models. They emphasize that career services are generally free for students and outline key resume support, from helping students build a first r...

In Episode 13 of the Next Step podcast, the host encourages soon-to-be graduates to initiate “breaking up with your parents” conversations to align expectations after graduation, especially around finances, taxes, insurance, vehicles, cell phones, legal documents, and medical needs.  A printable cheat sheet is provided, and the next episode features career services professionals.   Conversation Gu...

In Episode 12 of the Next Step podcast, Nikki finishes a conversation with Tim Bakula, a university director of financial aid, about preparing to repay student loans after graduation. They emphasize that loan repayment and financial systems can be confusing even for educated adults, so graduates should take time to learn, ask questions, and use trusted sources such as their bank and loan servicer....

In Episode 11 of the Next Step podcast, the host continues a conversation with Tim Bakula, Director of Financial Aid, about what graduating seniors should do regarding student loans. Tim advises students to identify their loan servicer, review how much they have borrowed, and develop a realistic repayment plan and budget based on expected job, earnings, and living costs. He explains that financial...

Episode 10 of the Next Step podcast is an extended bonus conversation with four UNI May 2026 graduates—Mae, Alli, Estelle, and Grant—who discuss career goals and the stress of job searching. After introducing their majors and childhood dream jobs, they describe what they’ve learned: tailoring resumes and cover letters with job-description keywords, focusing on job duties over titles, and using net...

On episode nine of the Next Step podcast, host Nikki interviews Tim Bakula, a financial aid director at a Midwestern comprehensive university, about preparing for adulthood and managing student loans after college. Using the idea “find out before freaking out” (FOBFO) they define key terms: loan servicers, forbearance, grace period, and consolidation/payment structure. This is the first in a three...

Episode eight concludes the conversation with recruiter David Leto of the Palmer Group, focusing on negotiating after receiving an offer, navigating a tough new-grad job market, and how to succeed in the first six months of a new job. He invites candidates to contact Palmer Group via thepalmergroup.com, email DLETO@thepalmergroup.com, or phone 515-225-7000. The next episode will feature soon-to-gr...

This bonus episode of the Next Step podcast continues a conversation with David Leto of the Palmer Group about social media and LinkedIn, application materials, and interviewing. Leto explains that employers often search candidates online and warns students that private settings are not truly private; he recommends avoiding questionable posts and maintaining a professional LinkedIn presence throug...

Episode six of the Next Step podcast features host and guest David Leto of the Palmer Group discussing career paths and what employers seek in new hires, especially recent graduates. Leto shares his journey from an organizational communication major to become the CEO of the Palmer Group. The conversation emphasizes the value of being teachable, adaptable, and willing to learn as industries and job...

In Episode five of the Next Step podcast, the host provides detailed guidance on navigating job interviews, starting from the pre-screening stage to post-interview follow-up.  The host advises on the dos and don'ts of interview behavior, provides tips for virtual interviews, and discusses the significance of a handwritten thank you note post-interview. The episode ends with a teaser for the next e...

In episode four of the Next Step podcast, the host guide listeners on creating impactful cover letters, securing references, and building professional portfolios. The episode emphasizes the importance of tailoring cover letters to job descriptions and organizational values. It also advises on how to choose references and using a reference form . Finally, the host guides the listener in creation of...

In this episode of the Next Step podcast, the host offers an in-depth guide on creating effective resumes. Emphasizing the importance of tailored resumes for different industries, the host suggests consulting career centers, advisors, and professors. Key sections to include are education, work experience, technology proficiencies, and any leadership or extracurricular activities. Specific formatti...

In this episode we discuss managing multiple job applications emphasizing the importance of staying organized by using a dedicated folder in the cloud and  detailed application tracker. The host also discusses the role of Applicant Tracking Systems and AI, advising job seekers to adapt their materials and remain authentic. Application Tracker

Episode one focuses addressing recent college graduate mixed emotions and decision fatigue as they transition from academia to the workforce. It emphasizes the importance of networking, leveraging connections, and identifying personal priorities—whether focusing on preferred job roles or geographic locations. 

In 1999, after graduating with a bachelor's degree, the speaker recounts an experience that made her realize just how unprepared for adulting she was. This led to struggles throughout their twenties and thirties before gaining clarity in their forties. The experience inspired the creation of the 'Adulting for Real' podcast, aimed at teaching essential life skills, from health insurance to job offe...