Experiential Learning
Experience that shapes future leaders.
Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, where students don’t just study concepts—they apply them. Through hands-on opportunities such as our industry-focused symposiums, community-engaged projects, internships, and collaborative case experiences, students gain real-world insight that strengthens their skills and deepens their understanding. By learning through doing, Nistler students connect classroom knowledge with practical application, preparing them to lead, innovate, and make an immediate impact in their professions and communities..
Speaker Series and Symposiums
The Nistler College’s speaker series and symposiums bring industry leaders, innovators, and experts directly to our students, creating dynamic opportunities to learn from real-world perspectives. These events explore emerging trends, share professional insights, and connect academic learning with current industry practices. Through engaging discussions, interactive panels, and thought-provoking presentations, students gain valuable exposure to diverse viewpoints while expanding their networks and strengthening their career readiness.
The NCoBPA Women's Leadership Summit will host a dynamic group of UND alumnae & leaders for a Hultberg Panel Discussion on networking and leadership. Followed by a keynote presentation.
2026 Be Bold Event
April 9
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Small Ballroom/MU
*By invitation only
The purpose of the Olafson Ethics Symposium is to provide a platform for students and the business community to explore the importance of both personal and professional ethics.
This annual event is funded through the support of Robert Olafson and his dedication to ethical business practices and the University of North Dakota, and SEI.
2025 Olafson Ethics Symposium
Wednesday, November 5 at 7 p.m. in the Barry Auditorium in Nistler Hall.
Keynote presentation from Melissa Fors Shackelford, Author, Marketing Strategist & Startup Advisor.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OLAFSON ETHICS SYMPOSIUMThe Morrison Leadership Summit has been established by a gift from McCain Foods, in honor of the company's former CEO, Dale Morrison. Morrison, a North Dakota native, is a distinguished alumnus of the Nistler CoBPA.
He has more than three decades of experience within the international food industry. Morrison worked at General Foods, PepsiCo, and Campbell Soup Company until 2004 when he became the President and CEO of McCain Foods. Notable alumni and friends of the Nistler CoBPA who currently hold (or have previously held) leadership positions will be in attendance for the event.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MORRISON LEADERSHIP SUMMITNistlerEdge
Communicate the value of experiential learning with NistlerEdge.
Through the NistlerEdge platform, Nistler College students can build their experiential learning transcript by tracking these activities. Students create their own digital portfolios, share achievements on LinkedIn, and compete for the top spot on the leaderboard.
NistlerEdge provides employers with a more comprehensive view of a candidate's abilities and real-word experiences.
App
Download the suitable app to launch NistlerEdge.
Real World Educational Opportunities
At the Nistler College, students have a wealth of opportunities to bring classroom concepts to life through real-world experiences. Programs like the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) allow students to manage and administer an investment portfolio of over $1 million on the New York Stock Exchange, providing hands-on experience in financial decision-making. Similarly, the Dakota Venture Group gives students the chance to evaluate and fund entrepreneurial ventures, while also engaging in planning speaker series and visiting alumni at their career sites to gain deeper professional insight.
Internships are another cornerstone of experiential learning at Nistler, offering students the chance to apply their knowledge in professional settings, develop essential skills, and gain valuable career insights. Our Pancratz Career Development Center supports students in finding opportunities that align with their goals and aspirations.
Students also engage in interactive classroom projects that connect them with local businesses and real-world scenarios, giving them firsthand experience in solving professional challenges. In addition, many collaborate with faculty on research projects, gaining practical experience in inquiry, discovery, and the creation of new knowledge.
Beyond campus, Nistler students can expand their horizons through study abroad programs, immersing themselves in new cultures, perspectives, and academic experiences that broaden their global understanding and prepare them for careers in an interconnected world.
Contact
- laura.arneson@UND.edu
- 701.777.6937
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Nistler Hall Room 230D
Grand Forks ND 58202-8098