Mattea Nybo headshot in Offutt School

Mattea Nybo ’19, Fargo, N.D.
Major/Minor: Communication Studies; Business

Why did you choose Concordia?

Because I am from Fargo originally, my plan was to go far away for college. But during my senior year of high school, I visited Concordia with a few friends and immediately was hooked. The business school and the small classes are what instantly drew me in.

How has Concordia helped you grow?

Concordia has helped me feel so much more confident in my abilities, both professionally and personally. I have been supported by faculty here, I have found great friends who push me to get out of my comfort zone and to better myself constantly, and I have found things that I am passionate about. I have been able to be a part of seven clubs and organizations and two mentorship programs within Concordia, all of which have helped me find out what I enjoy doing and what I don’t like.

Has a particular class or professor affected you in a special way?

One professor that has impacted my education immensely is Dr. Kirsten Theye. I had her for Persuasive Communication and Communication and Organizational Communication, which are both still so applicable to my daily life and my future. As for classes, videography was a class that I took on a whim and fell in love with. Since then, I have been able to help friends shoot videography for weddings and am continuing videography postgraduation.

How has the Offutt School of Business helped you stand out among your peers?

I think the biggest thing for me is that the alumni of the business school have been outstanding. I am a part of the Offutt School of Business mentee/mentorship program and was paired with Jenny Olson, who worked at Microsoft and now works with the first lady of North Dakota, Kathryn Burgum. I have been so fortunate to have business professionals supporting me in all my endeavors. I think the connections and resources have been a huge asset.

How has Concordia empowered you to stand for what you believe in?

I think Concordia has helped educate me on important topics and establish my beliefs and values. I came into Concordia wanting to learn more about myself and the world. Through classes and studying abroad, I have found what I am passionate about and have formed my own opinions.

What should people know about the Women in Business club?

Women in Business is a new club that started last semester with the intent to educate women, provide a network, and empower women to become leaders in the business world. I felt as though there was something missing within Concordia and I really wanted to bring a space for women to gain these experiences and know that they are capable of accomplishing goals and pushing for equality in the workforce. We have had speakers, hosted an Entrepreneurship Panel at the Prairie Den in downtown Fargo, and held a volunteer event with Hope Blooms.

Mattea Nybo seated at desk in Offutt School of Business

What need is the organization filling on campus?

I have been involved in Ladybosses Fargo-Moorhead, with a Facebook group of more than 2,200 women in the community. I took notice of the need for a female-based support group in the F-M area and decided Concordia could benefit from one as well, especially with a push for diversity and equality on campus. Because I am a senior, I questioned whether I would have time to successfully start my own club, but I had a constant nagging feeling about it. Then, I was a part of a marketing research study regarding organizations and clubs within the Offutt School of Business and I brought up my idea for Women in Business and got a great response. That night, I started to fill out a club constitution and now here we are!

What does your position at Microsoft entail and what have you learned?

I am the business manager and communications intern. I write a lot of newsletters, emails, and work on the strategic communication plan. I also have been able to redesign the internal website and curate blog posts from senior business leaders to keep employees informed. I have learned so much real-world knowledge through this experience with Microsoft. The culture within Microsoft is all about having a growth mindset and continual learning. It has opened my eyes to how a global company works, how technology can be utilized as a tool, and how to communicate with people from all around the world in a cohesive, strategic way.

What does the future look like for you?

I will be graduating on May 5 and the following morning will leave for a 35-day May Seminar in Tanzania with Dr. Bill Snyder and six other students. We will live in the village of Pomerini to volunteer and teach in the primary and secondary schools. I am beyond excited for this experience to step further outside my comfort zone and to learn all I can about Tanzania. After I get back, I would ideally love to continue working at Microsoft and pursue videography. Eventually, I would love to be a CEO for a content strategy startup.

Published April 2019