The Next Step: Leaping to Adulthood

It's Adulting 101. This podcast is focused on everything you *should* learn in school - but likely didn't. What EXACTLY is a deducible? How does insurance ACTUALLY work? What is the difference between a defined-benefit and defined-contribution plan? What does a good job offer look like? How do I negotiate a job? We'll cover these topics AND more. We'll break down complicated concepts with industry professionals - you know, like what are the differences between a HMO, PPO, and HSA? Discover more about the Next Step Program here. Get the book here !

The Next Step: Leaping to Adulthood is a business podcast hosted by Nichole Harken, with 40 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Nichole Harken hosts The Next Step: Leaping to Adulthood, a business show with 40 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #41

  Episode 40: Demystifying the Recruitment Process with HR Pro Brooke Kraft

  Sep 24, 202631 min

  On this episode, Nikki interviews Brooke Kraft, Vice President of Talent Management at VGM Group, Inc., where she explains the job search and hiring process from an HR perspective. Kraft outlines VGM’s recruiting lifecycle: identifying the need through preparation/job analysis, creating legally sound job descriptions and candidate-attracting job posts, choosing where to advertise, reviewing applicants, conducting screenings, interview stages, and making offers. Finally, Brooke advises new grads to search frequently, stay open-minded about titles, prepare authentic interview examples, and research the company.

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  Episode #40

  Episode 39: Entrepreneurial is Hard to Say, But Not as Hard to Do

  Sep 17, 202629 min

  On this episode, Nikki interviews Patrick Luensman, director of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Northern Iowa and co-owner of the Grid Lounge in Cedar Falls, about entrepreneurship. They discuss why entrepreneurship is easier when young and the bountiful number of supports available to those wishing to start their own business. Patrick provides three pieces of advice to anyone wanting to start a startup: choose a group to help, learn their needs and feelings, and talk to them.

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  Episode #39

  Episode 38: Career Fair Cheat Codes

  Sep 10, 202633 min

  On this episode, Nikki interviews Tori Labernik, a 2017 UNI alum, with a communications major and psychology minor. Tori begins by describing her career path from Target as an executive team lead, to admissions recruiting at Cornell College and later Central College. Most recently, she joined Pella the talent acquisition team at Pella Windows and Doors and now focuses on campus recruiting. Tori explains what stands out at career fairs: leadership and involvement, strong communication, curiosity, company research, and unique questions. She advises students to research 5–7 employers, use career services for resumes and mock interviews, dress professionally, bring paper and digital resumes, deliver a clear elevator pitch, follow up via LinkedIn or email, and communicate honestly about interest their interest.

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  Episode #38

  Episode 37: Decoding Benefit Packages

  Sep 3, 202634 min

  On this episode, Nikki interviews Wartburg College alumni and Senior Area Vice President at Gallagher, Aaron Loan. First, Aaron details his career journey from political science/PR major, to a Washington DC Senate internship, radio sales, to financial services as an advisor where he moved from Cedar Rapids to Milwaukee and finally Philadelphia. He returned to Iowa before the historic 2008 floods and ended up helping to rebuild the family sod farm. Later, he joined Acumen before the team joined Gallagher, where he now advises employers on benefits. Nikki and Aaron discuss why benefits vary by industry, workforce health, claims experience, and competition, and why total compensation matters beyond salary. Aaron describes the client process involving data review, employee feedback, network analysis, and multiple meetings leading to renewal and open enrollment. Aaron highlights key choices for new grads: networks, co-pay vs high-deductible plans with HSAs, employer education tools, and annual ability to change selections. Next Step Book

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  Episode #37

  Episode 36: Got a goal? Go for it!

  Aug 27, 202632 min

  On this episode, Nikki interviews University of Northern Iowa Communication and Media alumni, Shelby Reicks ,about charting her own path from a rural Iowa dairy farm to becoming a full-time travel content creator. Shelby describes landing a sports marketing job at Paragon Marketing Group in Chicago working on ESPN’s high school sports account where she discovered her love of travel. She explains how she started on TikTok with a “travel deals” series, posted consistently for months, went viral, and proactively called a company she promoted to secure a major multi-video brand deal. She continued creating and pitching and eventually was able to quit corporate work. The bottom line? If you have big dreams and are willing to work, just GO FOR IT!

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