Mitchell Erickson admits he attended a networking event last spring mostly for the free dinner. But after sharing his desire to work in northern Minnesota after graduation with another guest, one conversation led to another. "And just like that, I'm a customer service intern at Marvin," he said.

Erickson, a management and finance major from International Falls, spent his summer at Marvin, a window and door manufacturer headquartered in Warroad. He and two fellow interns were tasked with developing an AI-driven solution to improve system efficiency within the company’s customer service department. Erickson’s team interviewed more than 40 employees across roles, identified pain points, and built the tool in just over four weeks. Their project, MODL AI Search Guide, helps employees navigate Marvin’s online documents more quickly and intuitively. After presenting it to senior leadership, they received immediate approval and launched a pilot with 14 employees.

“I actually helped identify a problem, created a solution for that problem, ... implemented that solution and helped people to utilize it,” Erickson said. “It's been pretty cool.”

Erickson is enrolled in UMD’s 4+1 Integrated MBA Program, which allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration in five years. Driven by his resourcefulness and problem-solving skills, he’s set to complete his undergraduate degree a year early, and he’s on track to shave the typical timeline from five years, down to four. Learning alongside other MBA students, some of whom are already working in their industries and looking to advance their careers, is something Erickson looks forward to. “You’re able to gain their perspective … on how they interact with their jobs,” he said.

Erickson received the UMD LSBE Internship and Rural Opportunities Network (IRON) Program Fund, which connects students with businesses and organizations in rural Minnesota. "Having the opportunity to not worry about summer credit or travel cost, lifted a significant burden off of my shoulders and allowed me to focus on my internship, summer classes, and experience what living in Warroad MN was like," he said.

Beyond the classroom, he works as a tour guide coordinator for the Office of Admissions and is active in the Sales Club, Newman Center, and College Republicans. Networking opportunities within each of these roles, he said, supported his academic growth and led to his summer internship opportunity.

“If you're applying for a job and you have no experience, odds are not very good. But if you have the degree and the experience ... that's what's going to make you stand out in an application,” Erickson said. Combine that with an openness to meet new people, and the thriving networks at UMD, from accelerated programs, student employment to student organizations and internship opportunities, the University of Minnesota Duluth “has a lot to offer,” he said. “It's been a great experience.”