Three students came to NDSU for academics, but have found that practical experience gained at the NDSU Research & Technology Park has bolstered their fledgling careers. The three students -- Lindsey Friez, Craig Kilber and Rob Lindberg -- have participated in important daily business operations, while learning about economic development, entrepreneurship and personal career goals.

Lindsey Friez and Craig Kilber have worked at the NDSU Research & Technology Park throughout the last year; Rob Lindberg joined the team in December 2006. Each student brings valuable skills to their jobs in the Park.

Friez, an undergraduate management information systems senior, has helped update contact databases, researched and ordered new computers for the new technology incubator opening this spring. Friez graduates spring 2007 and has already accepted a position at Cargill in Minnetonka, Minn. She was hired for their Information Technology leadership program, which will train her for a management position.

Kilber, a master's in business administration senior at NDSU, has worked jointly with Friez on promoting and coordinating the 5:01 Entrepreneurial Society meetings. He has also helped coordinate, with the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, an entrepreneur task force that developed a manual for promoting entrepreneurship in the region. Kilber said his work involving the task force and the EDC was most instrumental for him. "It [the manual] can be used for different things in the community to expand entrepreneurial thinking and entrepreneurial businesses," said Kilber. Economic development and entrepreneurial activities are career areas Kilber now plans to pursue.

Friez said one of the most valuable experiences during her work at the Research & Technology Park was learning about entrepreneurship. "If I ever wanted to start a company or be involved in a start up company I would know how," said Friez.

Kilber echoes Friez's comments. He even said his learning experience has redirected his career path. "When I graduated undergrad I thought I'd be another [typical] business professional," said Kilber. "Now I want to work for an organization that works with entrepreneurs or be an entrepreneur myself. It's made me think about what businesses I could start."

Rob Lindberg, an undergraduate economics senior, helps Business Development Specialist Terri Zimmerman with administrative tasks for the RAIN investment fund, and he works on the due diligence process for investments. Since Lindberg wants to become an investment banker, he said his work at the Research & Technology Park is very useful. "The due diligence process on investments is a valuable experience," said Lindberg. "It's something I'll use as I go forward [in my career]."

"All three students will graduate and move on this spring, but their involvement and achievements at the Research & Technology Park will be greatly missed," said Jan Sobolik, Research & Technology Park executive assistant.

The Research & Technology Park soon will be conducting a search for new student workers. If you're interested in participating in the daily business operations of the Research & Technology Park, and want to learn about economic development, research and entrepreneurship, contact Jan Sobolik at jan@ndsuresearchpark.com.