Questions on staining/sealing wood?

When we moved into our home last year, the guy we bought it from had put up some beautiful oak trim in the kitchen, around the windows & doors. It is not finished, by that I mean that its not shiny or stained, becuase I will try to use pledge on it but it kind of stains it in spots & doesn't rub smoothly. I know that wood has no finish on it. I would like to keep it the same color, but just put a nice shiny finish/protector on it. What do I use? I don't want stain, just something to let the natural look show through. I am painting my kitchen soon, so I wanted to do this first. What product do I need to use that would be easiest for someone who has no idea what they are doing?

Thanks!