Cover: HM Next Step, 1st Edition by Nichole Harken

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HM Next Step

First  Edition©2026  Nichole Harken

About

Next Step is designed for senior capstone and professional development courses, supporting students as they prepare for the transition beyond college. The text focuses on portfolio development, career readiness, and professional skill-building to help students reflect on their academic experiences and articulate them in professional contexts.

Table of Contents

  • Prologue
  • Career Well-Being
    • Navigating the Search
    • Finding Purpose and Passion
    • Communicative Professionalism
    • Discrimination and Harassment
    • The First Six Months
    • Time Management and Goal Setting
    • Exploring Entrepreneurship
    • Interviewing
    • International Work and Travel
    • Leading Virtual Meetings
    • Working Remotely
  • Social Well-Being
    • Online Presence
    • Personal Branding
    • Becoming and Connecting as an Alumni
  • Financial Well-Being
    • Retirement
    • Investing
    • Personal Finance and Budgeting
    • Tax Basics
    • Insurance
    • Navigating Offers
    • Negotiating Offers
  • Physical Well-Being
    • Employee Benefits
  • Community Well-Being
    • Independence and Relocation
    • Working and Engaging in Nonprofit Work
    • Engaging in Philanthropy
    • Civics
  • Recommended Reading
    • Communication
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice
    • Finance/Budgeting
    • Leadership
    • Personal Growth
    • Work Ethics/Behaviors
    • Nonprofit/Philanthropy Work
  • Acknowledgments

Nichole Harken

Nichole Zumbach Harken  is an Instructor in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Northern Iowa. She also serves as the Internship Director for the program and has won various teaching awards. Her goal is to help students find their purpose and passion, to nurture those things, and help them realize "its not how smart you are, but how you are smart."