Scholars Academy graduates reflect on their time at UNO

Caleb Moyer—originally from Cambridge, Nebraska and a graduate of Cambridge High School—came to UNO as a freshman in fall 2015 and was part of the very first Scholars Academy cohort. He is one of three Scholars, the program’s very first alumni, graduating on December 14, 2018.

Caleb has accepted a job at Union Pacific in the accounting department. He also plans to take the first of three Chartered Financial Analyst positions in the summer.

What impact has the Scholars Academy had on your career goals?

This program has helped me tremendously in getting a start towards my career goals. The connections I have made both inside and outside of school have opened several doors into jobs, mentorships, etc. I know that much of the experience gained both in school and at work wouldn't have been the same without the Scholars Academy.

What experiences have been most valuable to you in the Scholars Academy?

Several things have really made being in the Scholars Academy valuable to me—from the classes we took together where we were held to a higher standard than in other classes, to the mentorships with local business people that allowed me to gain connections while also learning about how different companies work, to company visits that let me see places I may be interested in working. Many of these experiences the Scholars Academy provided gave me a head start in both college and the working world.

Steph Freund—originally from Lewis, Iowa and a graduate of Atlantic High School—came to UNO as a freshman in fall 2015 and was part of the very first Scholars Academy cohort. She is one of three Scholars, the program’s very first alumni, graduating on December 14, 2018.

Beginning in January, Steph will be a tax accountant at BKD CPAs & Advisor’s Omaha office.

What impact has the Scholars Academy had on your career goals?

Coming into college, I did not know near as much about the accounting profession, and business community in general, as I will have leaving college. Through this program at UNO, I connected with many mentors in the accounting profession who helped me discover what career opportunities existed in and outside the industry. These mentorships also helped me connect what I was learning in school to real-life situations, making it easier to learn. My mentorships also brought about an internship that gave me an insight as to the specific area and firm size of the public accounting industry that would best fit me. I know I will be leaving college with a network of professors, peers and mentors whom I can rely on in future years.

What are the two or three most important things you learned throughout Scholars Academy?

Your network of peers will be the most valuable asset in and outside of college. You have to have peers whom you can bounce ideas and get advice from. Whether it be getting advice on what class to take, or if a company is good to work for or not, they will be your best asset in the business community.

Spencer Marxsen—originally from Omaha and a graduate of Millard West High School—came to UNO as a freshman in fall 2015 and was part of the very first Scholars Academy cohort. He is one of three Scholars, the program’s very first alumni, who graduated on December 14, 2018.

Spencer has accepted a job in Denver, Colorado—a place he has always wanted to live—as a purchasing agent for Kiewit. He begins in January.

What impact has the Scholars Academy had on your career goals?

The Scholars Academy helped me build the connections and the confidence that I needed to pursue my career goals. I met so many amazing people through the Academy and each one of them had an impact on me. Whether it be through mentors, other Scholars, or professors, there was always another valuable lesson to learn.

What experiences have been most valuable to you in the Scholars Academy?

My time in the Scholars Academy was filled with countless amazing experiences, but the most valuable for me was our trip to Germany last summer. The Scholars Academy gave me an opportunity that I never would have received without the program. Traveling abroad can have such a massive impact on you as a person, and I think it is really important that everyone does it at least once. The Scholars Academy also recognizes the impact it can have, and that’s why they provide this opportunity to every Scholar.