CBA Student Intern Spotlight: Derrick Broekemier

OMAHA – A native of Central City, Nebraska, Derrick Broekemier is working this summer at Gordmans corporate headquarters — an open-concept, energetic space stationed in Aksarben Village and a mere 0.2 miles from Mammel Hall.

This marketing and human resource management major in the UNO College of Business Administration is getting his foot in the door as an HR associate.

“I owe Dr. Meglich [CBA management professor] a huge thank you for helping me get this job,” he said. “She was the first person who told me about the opportunity and encouraged me to apply. She was there to help whenever I had questions about what to expect, and I am very thankful for the help she has given me.”

Planning to graduate in May 2017, Broekemier shares more about his position, which he’s held since April, and his career goals below.

What are your job duties?

My current duties vary day to day, but generally my week will consist of the following:

• Coordinating monthly recurring report distribution to the stores division
• Helping with new associate orientation
• Completing administrative paperwork, such as candidate expense reimbursements and invoice processing
• Conducting reference checks
• Liaising with external counsel on VISA sponsorship processes

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy many things about Gordmans. First, I love the atmosphere that hits you as soon as you walk into the building. Second, this sounds a little cliché, but I love everyone I work with. The Human Resources team at Gordmans has really made me feel at home during my time here so far. Finally, Pat, my boss, is somebody I look up to for everything he has accomplished at Gordmans since he first started. I am happy to call him not only my boss but also a mentor.

How does your job relate to your coursework in CBA?

The coursework I have done at UNO has helped me get an early start to what my career could look like. The professors in Management do a great job at preparing us for success.

What are your career goals? And how is CBA helping you achieve them?

Professionally, my goal is to start as a generalist within HR. Eventually, I plan on moving my career forward and moving into an HR manager role. My ultimate goal is to be Vice President of Human Resources at some point in my career. CBA has done a lot to help me pursue my personal and professional goals. Dr. Meglich and Professor Bojanski have done a great job of sharing their knowledge and skills, all of which I plan on using in my career.

What are you doing for fun this summer?

I really enjoy working with children, so this summer I also plan on working as a summer counselor for Mav Kids here at UNO. I have a trip planned to Chicago at some point this summer, as well.

For more information about internships and career services, visit the Career Center at CBA website at cba.unomaha.edu/careercenter.