A ROAD TO SUCCESS

VICTORIA NOVAK

BACHELOR OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

BMS Alumna

Why did you choose UNO and the BMS program? Were there any specific events that transpired in your life to lead you the BMS program? 
I selected the University of Nebraska at Omaha because I knew that not only would I receive a high-quality education and the BMS program allowed me to feel like I was in control of what I wanted to learn.

The attention I received from the advising staff was nothing short of caring, personable and they really had my best interests when helping me plan my degree path. To this day I am still friends with many from the BMS program including some amazing faculty. There are two faculty in particular that have mentored and guided me throughout my professional career. 

There were a couple of events that transpired in my life that led me to this degree. I had three children in middle and high school, a spouse, household and mother living with me along with working a full-time job in leadership. There were a great amount of responsibilities and the money wasn’t bad but I knew in my gut that there was more. I knew that by earning my degree from UNO, it would open many doors and opportunities. It was one of the best decisions I have made and continuing on to my masters degree created an even wider net of opportunities and continues to make me more marketable to pivot in my career anytime I want to.
 
Explain the support you received while finishing your degree? Did it contribute to your success?
There was always a faculty member and advisor available when I ran into any snags to ensure that I would stay on track. They also provided a variety of resources and opportunities which gave me so much pride in the academic work I was doing. This includes being the student marshal for CPACS, earning a certificate in Gerontology, being selected as Alumni of the Year and simply, the staff and faculty availability to help me continue with my success. Without the team at UNO supporting me every step of the way, I would not have been able to completely transform my life!
 
What was the most difficult part about going back and how did you overcome it?
I know I should say that something was very difficult but it truly was only as difficult as I made it. Of course you have heavy workloads, learning things you have never learned before and figuring out how to apply it to real life but that also made me more determined to succeed and provided me transferable skills that I continue to use today, many years later. When I did run into difficulties I reached out to my instructors who always found a way to communicate with me to overcome challenges.
 

Where are you now and how did the BMS program help you achieve your goals?
Because of my success at UNO with the BMS program then eventually the masters program, I have been able to grow my network tremendously as well as my confidence. I moved out of the state to warmer weather because I knew that my skill set from UNO and additional work experience would put me in a position to find great employment anywhere. When I graduated with my BMS degree, I landed a Vice President of Fundraising position at a local nonprofit. Shortly thereafter I started my masters in Public Administration and then moved into the higher education sector for a few years leading a team to develop Corporate training. Now I live in South Carolina and have a dual role at a private liberal arts college where I have staff and faculty status. I oversee all professional development courses for our online bachelor’s program, lead our adjuncts for those courses, create certificate programming and teach our seniors in applied technology. UNO absolutely set me up for success! The sky's the limit. 

What would you tell someone who is considering finishing their degree but hasn’t taken the next step?
One day at a time. Trust in the advisors, find a mentor, and learn as much as you can about the program and the courses. You cannot control what happened yesterday and you can only plan for what you want to happen tomorrow, but today is yours to make mountains move. Be intentional, make a plan, follow your plan and be ready to pivot when necessary. Visualize walking across that stage with your family and friends cheering you on because it will happen faster than you believe and the feeling is unforgettable! Your life will change for the better, it already is!