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UNO CBA Grad Student Explores What Employers Really Think About Study Abroad

Kaleb Heckens’ research, presented at the Student Research and Creative Activity Fair, challenges assumptions about how global experiences impact hiring.

  • published: 2025/04/16
  • contact: Melissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBA
  • email: melissalindell@unomaha.edu
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Kaleb Heckens presents his research at the Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

UNO CBA graduate student Kaleb Heckens recently presented his research on employer perceptions of education abroad during the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Fair (RCAF). His project sheds light on a little-studied area of global learning: how international experiences are viewed in the job market.

As more students engage in education-abroad programs, understanding how those experiences impact career opportunities is vital. Heckens’ research suggests that while a study abroad stint may not stand out on paper, it can become a game-changer during interviews—especially if the hiring professional has studied abroad themselves.

Heckens and Management Professor Dr. Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles conducted surveys and interviews with professionals to explore the role education abroad plays in hiring decisions. Key findings include:

  • The length of a study abroad trip doesn't significantly affect résumé reviews.
  • International experiences can be a differentiator—but often only during interviews.
  • Hiring professionals with their own global learning experience are more likely to value it in others.

“Most employers don’t consider the duration of study abroad experiences when reviewing résumés. But in interviews, these experiences can set a candidate apart—especially when the interviewer has studied abroad themselves,” said Kaleb Heckens, UNO CBA Graduate Student.

Heckens encourages fellow Mavericks to apply for UNO’s Graduate Research and Creative Activity (GRACA) grants, which offer up to $5,000 in funding for faculty-mentored projects. Applications open annually for enrolled graduate students pursuing original research or creative work.

Learn more about GRACA funding opportunities at https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-research-and-creative-activity/students/graca.php, and to learn more about presenting your research at RCAF, click here: https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-research-and-creative-activity/students/student-research-and-creative-activity-fair.php