December 2, 2025 · Season 2 · Episode 18
College to Career: Charting Your Course
By Trina Cress & Gage
Turning a major, random electives, and campus jobs into an actual career plan? Gage teams up with UNL career coach Trina Cress to talk internships vs. job shadows, low-pressure ways to network, the soft skills employers really care about, and why your path doesn’t have to be perfectly linear to work out.
Planning for life after college is an opportunity to dream big and discover what’s next! On a recent episode of the Countdown2College podcast, we talked with Trina Cress, a career coach at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, about how students can explore their options, build confidence, and take practical steps toward a meaningful career. Here’s a summary of her most helpful tips to guide you from college to career.
Make Your Degree Your Own
Students often worry about whether their major will lead directly to a job. Trina reminds us that most degrees, especially in the liberal arts, are flexible. Your electives, minors, and extracurricular experiences enable you to tailor your education to your interests. If you’re unsure where to begin, talking with an academic advisor or career coach can help you connect your interests to real paths forward.
Experience Comes in Many Forms
Internships are valuable, but they aren’t the only way to build your résumé. Campus jobs, leadership roles, volunteering, and part-time work all develop transferable skills employers look for. Trying different experiences helps you figure out what feels like the right fit — and what doesn’t. Career coaches can help you identify opportunities and platforms that align with your goals.
Explore Before You Commit
Job shadowing and informational interviews are low-pressure ways to gain insight into what a job really entails. Spending an hour or a day with a professional or even asking them a few thoughtful questions can help you imagine yourself in that field. Sometimes a short conversation gives you more clarity than weeks of online research.
Connections Start Small
Networking doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating. You’re already doing it when you talk with your professors, ask questions after class, or go to campus events. Attending events like career fairs, employer panels, or workshops can lead to valuable connections and insights. These small interactions build your confidence and prepare you for future opportunities.
Build the Skills Employers Want
Employers consistently value skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and initiative. You build these through your classes and campus involvement. The key is recognizing them and being able to explain them. Reflecting on your experiences makes it easier to write a strong résumé and speak confidently in interviews.
Interviews Are Conversations
Interviews are simply conversations designed to learn whether you and the employer are a good fit. Mock interviews or practice with a career coach can help you feel prepared. You don’t need perfect answers; you need to communicate your experiences, ask questions, and be yourself.
Show Your Strengths Clearly
When you’re applying for jobs, your goal isn’t to stand out by competing with others. It’s to clearly show who you are — your skills, your experiences, and the value you bring. A focused résumé, a personalized application, and a few strong examples can set you apart more than you think.
Use Resources Earlier
Career coaches, alumni networks, and mentoring programs are incredibly helpful and free while you’re a student. Most seniors say they wish they’d used these resources sooner. Whether you want help choosing a major, finding experiences, or preparing for a job search, these supports are designed to guide you at every stage.
Final Advice: Stay Curious
Trina’s biggest message is simple: stay open to possibilities. Career paths are rarely straight lines. By following your curiosity, exploring new experiences, and talking with people who inspire you, you’ll find opportunities that match who you are and who you want to become.