Welcome to our College of Engineering Industry Connections Program, where academia and industry seamlessly intertwine to foster innovation and growth. Our program serves as a dynamic bridge between the vibrant minds of our students and the evolving needs of the industry. Through strategic partnerships, collaborative projects, and experiential learning opportunities, we empower industry partners to actively engage with our academic community, driving real-world impact and mutually beneficial outcomes.
With a focus on cultivating long-term relationships, our program offers tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our industry partners. Whether it's through sponsored research initiatives, internships and co-ops, senior design projects, mentorship programs, or on campus events, we provide a platform for industry leaders to connect with top-tier talent, access cutting-edge research, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Join us in shaping the future of engineering, computer science and construciton management by becoming a part of our vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives and partnerships flourish.
To learn more about creating connections with the College of Engineering contact Nancy Rossland, Director of Advancement.
Connections with our Departments
Furthering your engagement with campus beyond attending career fairs and employer events can have a great impact.
Students often look to their professors and academic departments for resources and advice on choosing their career. While building relationships within each department will vary, below are some ideas on how you can create connections in our college:
- Visit a classroom
- Sponsor a senior design project
- Be a guest lecturer
- Partner with faculty on research
- Meet with faculty to share about your organization
- Facilitate a hands-on activity for a class
- Invite faculty to take a tour of your facility
Sponsor a Senior Design Project
As part of our mission to make sure our graduates are field-ready, every major in the College of Engineering concludes with a capstone experience. The course draws upon our students’ entire education and immerses them in hands-on projects, typically for actual business and industry clients.
These projects provide important real-world experience and help them develop critical skills they will use throughout their careers.
Connect with Student Organizations
There are more than 300 student clubs and organizations at NDSU, including more than 30 connected to the College of Engineering. Many organizations meet regularly throughout the academic year, so it’s a great way to connect with a group of students. Here are a few ways you can engage with these groups:
- Present at a club meeting
- Network with students
- Sponsor a project
- Host a joint event
- Invite clubs to take a tour of your facility
Facetime on Campus
If you are looking for something beyond attending our career fairs to connect with students on campus, explore additional avenues by requesting the following opportunities through the NDSU Career and Advising Center. Opportunities include:
- Company Spotlight Days: A tabling opportunity for employers to promote their organization and opportunities to NDSU students.
- Employer Presentations: A chance for employers to connect and engage with students by hosting a presentation about their organization and opportunities within.
- On-campus Interviews: These interviews can be set up with the expectation that students apply for a position prior to the interview or as walk-in interviews.
Internships and Co-ops
Nearly every student in the College of Engineering will participate in internships and co-ops during their time at NDSU. Internships and cooperative education experiences (or co-ops) are forms of experiential learning. They integrate knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skill development in a professional workplace setting.
Both opportunities allow students to explore career fields, gain valuable skills and make professional connections while providing valuable benefits to our industry partners.
- Build a talent pipeline
- Experience fresh talent and new perspectives
- Evaluate future professionals over a longer period of time
- Increase brand awareness on campus
- Diversify workforce
- Provide supervision and mentorship opportunities for current staff members
- Meet short term and special project needs
- Increase staff retention rate with intern to full-time conversions
Industry Connections Mentoring Program
The Industry Connections Mentoring Program is designed to help students expand upon their classroom knowledge and benefit from the exchange of ideas with established professionals.
By providing students with valuable professional development, meaningful interactions and real-world experiences, we help them create strong connections with industry leaders, enhancing their ability to compete successfully in the workforce after graduation.
The next registration period will be open in early fall of 2025. If you have any questions before then, feel free to drop us an email at: ndsu.coe.mentoring@ndsu.edu or check out our Industry Connections Mentoring Program website.