A New Drive for Engineers J

from Prairie Business June 2017

INSIGHTs & INTUITION

ob Service North Dakota projects an increase in the number of engineering positions in the state in the next few years, and ranks civil engineers in particular among the 50 major career sectors that will see the most new positions through 2024.

It’s a good thing, then, that the University of North Dakota’s College of Engineering & Mines has doubled its enrollment from 2008, churning out fresh engineers ready to get started in their careers. The job market is different, though, for entry-level talent than it is for mid- and senior-level talent. This month’s engineering feature explores the reasons behind increased interest in engineering careers among young people, which types of engineering are most popular among them, and who has the best chance of getting a job right out of school. It starts on page 22.

We also cover insurance in this June issue of Prairie Business, discussing a trend emerging in elective health benefits: More employers are covering all or part of them to help make up for rising deductibles and premiums their employees are forced to pay under their standard health plans. It’s an interesting twist in health care coverage that also helps employers recruit top talent for new positions. Find it on page 28.

Our Business Insider subject is a thirdgeneration president and CEO of a Grand Forks insurance company who says the family leadership has helped the business maintain its reputation, while increasing accountability. It’s on page 18.

In Construction Corner, we profile the building of Black Hills Corp.’s new headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota. The 206,000-square-foot facility will be complete this fall, bringing 500 employees from multiple locations under one roof. Page 32.

On a noncontent-related note, this is my last issue as editor of Prairie Business. I can’t say enough about the wonderful people I’ve met and useful things I’ve learned while working with this magazine. I will transition from editor to reader, observing with all of you as Prairie Business accomplishes new goals in the future.

Thank you for reading. PB

PUBLISHER KORRIE WENZEL

AD DIRECTOR STACI LORD EDITOR LISA GIBSON CIRCULATION MANAGER BETH BOHLMAN

LAYOUT DESIGN, AD DESIGN JASON MAGSTADT SARA SLABY KRIS WOLFF

ACCOUNT MANAGERS NICHOLE ERTMAN 800.477.6572 ext. 1162 nertman@prairiebusinessmagazine.com

Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 375 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203. Subscriptions are available free of charge. Back issue quantities are limited and subject to availability ($2/copy prepaid). The opinions of writers featured in Prairie Business are their own. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork are encouraged but will not be returned without a self-addressed, stamped envelope.