Regional business leaders share their perspectives – Grand Forks Herald

Each month, Prairie Business speaks with regional leaders to learn more about a specific topic. This month we asked: How does your company partner with colleges and universities to encourage students to explore career opportunities with your organization?

Kim Heidt
Vice President of People & Culture
Steffes
Dickinson, N.D.

At Steffes, we believe in investing in the next generation of talent by providing hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and industry. As a steel manufacturer with deep roots headquartered in our rural community and multiple locations across the country, we recognize the importance of building strong partnerships with colleges and universities to attract top talent while showcasing our company’s unique culture, commitment to innovation, and core values.

Our approach goes beyond traditional recruitment. We actively collaborate with faculty, participate in career fairs, facility tours, and offer guest lectures to give students insight into the dynamic world of advanced manufacturing. Our robust internship and co-op programs provide students with meaningful, project-based work in engineering, supply chain, CI, HR, IT, Marketing, and other key functions. These experiences allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while gaining exposure to cutting-edge technology and continuous improvement initiatives.

What sets Steffes apart is our high success rate in converting interns into full-time employees. Many of our former interns have accepted permanent full-time positions within Steffes, a testament to the strength of our internship and co-op programs and our commitment to fostering long-term career growth. We prioritize mentorship, professional development, and cross-functional exposure to ensure students and employees see a clear pathway for their future with us.

By integrating students into our culture and empowering them with real-world experience, Steffes is not just filling jobs — we’re building the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers in manufacturing.
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Anita Bahr
Chief People Officer
Moore Holding Company
West Fargo, N.D. and Plymouth, Minn.

Moore Holding Company and its subsidiaries, Moore Engineering and Communications Network Engineering, have a history rooted in the West Fargo-Fargo-Moorhead region. The economic stability of this area has provided opportunities to partner with local institutions like North Dakota State University (NDSU), M State – Moorhead, and Concordia College. As our organization has expanded geographically, we have formed new partnerships with the University of Mary, University of North Dakota (UND), Minnesota State & Community Colleges, University of Minnesota, and Colorado School of Mines. We will continue to foster, develop, and create new relationships with additional institutions.

The company has found success in activities including career shadowing, showcasing career pathways in classrooms, participating in career fairs, and its internship program. The internship program offers real-world experience, shares technical knowledge, reinforces classroom learning, and assists students in transitioning into their chosen fields of study.

Career development is reciprocal, with professionals in the industry seeking to further their knowledge. The company supports these professionals through both in-person and virtual learning opportunities, facilitated by a tuition reimbursement program. We believe growth is essential for creating meaningful career opportunities, and we are supported by strong partnerships with colleges and universities.
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Eric Wingenbach
Talent Partner
First International Bank & Trust
Bismarck, N.D.

At First International Bank & Trust (FIBT), relationships and community are at the heart of our success. We partner with colleges and universities by actively participating in career fairs, mock interviews, resume reviews and other student focused events such as mentorship programs. It’s amazing how much you can learn by interacting with students and connecting with them in this way. We might be at a different stage in our career, but the hopes, dreams, and aspirations remain the same. Students appreciate opportunities to connect with us, and our focus on relationships and community keep us motivated to connect with them.

We also provide meaningful internships and part-time employment opportunities to students. This is a great way for students to connect what they have learned in the classroom to real life situations in our bank. This benefits us by providing team members with opportunities to mentor students in their internships and we have successfully hired numerous interns into full-time roles post-graduation.

Additionally, we have benefited from connecting with faculty and staff at various colleges and universities. These folks are committed to providing students with the training and development opportunities to prepare them for their chosen professions.

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