For many, a job is the reason for attending college, whether it be finding a job later or to be able to live and become a functioning adult with health insurance, a car and a house. But there are many  questions that can seem big and threatening that go along with finding a job and becoming a functioning adult in society: What exactly is a 401k? A W-2? How do they work? How does one conduct oneself during an interview? Is salary the only important thing to look for in a job?

University of Northern Iowa heard these concerns loud and clear and held a brief presentation called, “Salary, Compensation and Benefits: What to Know About Your First Job,” on Tuesday, April 22 from noon to 1p.m. in the Oak Room in Maucker Union.

There, students listened to a presentation from the Human Resources Department, covering topics like background checks, confidentiality agreements and even retirement plans.

The idea that salary is not the only important thing for students to look for when they reach the job market was emphasized.

Timothy Bakula, associate director of customer service and outreach and financial aid, commented on the event.

“One of the primary things I hope students took away was just some of the considerations to look at beyond the salary, beyond what the initial offer is: What do I need to know about the other benefits? Whether it’s medical, retirement, any of those types of things that aren’t at the top of students’ minds during their first job,” Bakula said.

Even benefits such as being able to wear jeans on Fridays were covered as a point to look at during a job search. Students were advised to prioritize what they felt would be important for their happiness in a job, in addition to salary.

Students were also encouraged to ask their own questions, many of which turned towards concerns on salary and interviews.

Bo Buzynski, freshman mathematics major, said that he found the presentation helpful. He is  one of many UNI students who attended this presentation, now hopefully feeling a little more secure in their search for a job after college.