Majors: Sociology, Ethnic Studies (Native American)
Graduation year: 2021
What is your job title, and what kind of work does it involve?
Reemployment Coordinator with the Nebraska Department of Labor. My role within the Department of Labor includes the Work Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which allows us to assist individuals with costs of furthering their education and helping them meet their goals. I am currently working with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska on a collaboration to extend these services to Native Americans. I am also part of our Reentry Program, which helps justice-involved individuals receive education and job placement assistance. Sociology plays a role in each of these programs that I am involved in.
What sparked your interest in your majors?
I have felt a desire to help people for many years, specifically working with the Native American population due to the past injustices perpetrated upon that population. My degrees in Sociology and Ethnic Studies (Native American) has provided me the skillset and knowledge I need to work with those populations and reach my goals.
Please provide a quote on the value of your major(s):
Sociology has allowed me to have the skills and tools needed so that I can help make changes in people's lives and help them obtain their goals and live the life they want for themselves.
Tell us about the path you took to get to where you are today in your career and how you applied your education in your majors to get here.
I worked for 20 years in IT before returning to school in 2017. I was fortunate to have many outstanding professors during my time at UNL and their wisdom helps me to this day. I often find myself thinking of lessons that I learned at UNL and how I am able to apply those to my work with the public. Sociology and Ethnic Studies have allowed me to find a career that I enjoy and can be proud of.
Check out Krueger's spotlight story from 2019 to see how his educational journey has flourished since then.
