The Next Step: Adulting 101

In Episode 11 of the Next Step podcast, the host continues a conversation with Tim Bakula, Director of Financial Aid, about what graduating seniors should do regarding student loans. Tim advises students to identify their loan servicer, review how much they have borrowed, and develop a realistic repayment plan and budget based on expected job, earnings, and living costs. He explains that financial aid offices can still help graduates after the six-month grace period and recommends StudentAid.gov to find servicer and loan details. Tim discusses education debt as “good debt” when it results in a completed degree, notes federal loan interest rates around 6%, and describes how on-time payments affect credit. He outlines standard 10-year repayment, income-based options, the ability to change plans, and loan forgiveness programs like PSLF.

Episode 10 of the Next Step podcast is an extended bonus conversation with four UNI May 2026 graduates—Mae, Alli, Estelle, and Grant—who discuss career goals and the stress of job searching. After introducing their majors and childhood dream jobs, they describe what they’ve learned: tailoring resumes and cover letters with job-description keywords, focusing on job duties over titles, and using networks. They share frustrations about rejections, ghosting, automated responses, and the lack of true entry-level roles despite significant internships and campus involvement, and they discuss reframing rejection as a sign of poor fit. Each gives job-application tallies and interview experiences, and they talk about anxiety around graduating, moving, finances, benefits, and pressure to have life figured out. 

On episode nine of the Next Step podcast, host Nikki interviews Tim Bakula, a financial aid director at the University of Northern Iowa, about preparing for adulthood and managing student loans after college. Using the idea “find out before freaking out” (FOBFO) they define key terms: loan servicers, forbearance, grace period, and consolidation/payment structure. This is the first in a three-part series.

In episode eight Nikki concludes the conversation with recruiter David Leto of the Palmer Group. They focus on negotiating after receiving an offer, navigating a tough new-grad job market, and how to succeed in the first six months of a new job. He invites candidates to contact Palmer Group via thepalmergroup.com, email DLETO@thepalmergroup.com, or (515) 225-7000. 
 

In episode seven, Nikki continues her conversation with David Leto of the Palmer Group about social media and LinkedIn, application materials, and interviewing. Leto explains that employers often search candidates online and warns students that private settings are not truly private; he recommends avoiding questionable posts and maintaining a professional LinkedIn presence through positive, professional content and networking. The conversation finishes with interview tips.
 

In episode six of the Next Step podcast Nikki welcomes guest David Leto of the Palmer Group. Together, they discuss career paths and what employers seek in new hires, especially recent graduates. Leto shares his journey from an organizational communication major to become the CEO of the Palmer Group. The conversation emphasizes the value of being teachable, adaptable, and willing to learn as industries and job roles evolve.  

In episode five of the Next Step podcast, Nikki provides detailed guidance on navigating job interviews, starting from the pre-screening stage to post-interview follow-up.  She advises on the dos and don'ts of interview behavior, provides tips for virtual interviews, and discusses the significance of a handwritten thank you note post-interview. 

In episode four of the Next Step podcast, Nikki guides listeners on creating impactful cover letters, securing references, and building professional portfolios. The episode emphasizes the importance of tailoring cover letters to job descriptions and organizational values. It also advises on how to choose references and using a reference form .Finally, Nikki guides the listener in creation of online portfolios that showcase professional skills. 
 

In this episode of the Next Step podcast, Nikki offers an in-depth guide on creating effective resumes. Emphasizing the importance of tailored resumes for different industries, she suggests consulting career centers, advisors, and professors. Key sections to include are education, work experience, technology proficiencies, and any leadership or extracurricular activities. Specific formatting guidelines and best practices for each section are provided. 

In this episode we discuss managing multiple job applications emphasizing the importance of staying organized by using a dedicated folder in the cloud and  detailed application tracker. Nikki also discusses the role of Applicant Tracking Systems and AI, advising job seekers to adapt their materials and remain authentic. Application Tracker