Originally from Center, North Dakota, Kori Nagel is in her final year of undergraduate studies at Dickinson State University (DSU). She is passionate about both sports and music, serving as a key member of the DSU women’s track and field team and enjoys singing and playing piano for her church.
Nagel first came to Dickinson State because of the track and field team, as well as the university’s affordability. “Dickinson has felt like home since being here,” she said.
Originally pursuing biology and chemistry with plans to enter the medical field, Nagel’s career path took a new direction thanks to a unique internship opportunity. “I had the amazing opportunity to intern out at the Marathon Dickinson Renewable Diesel Facility the past three summers,” she said. “These internships landed me a full-time position, and I am now working as a lab technician as I finish up my last year of school.”
Nagel credits her professors at DSU for helping her prepare for the opportunity. “My professors have provided supportive learning environments that have sparked an interest to do lab work.”
Her classroom experiences at DSU also played a vital role in developing the skills she uses daily on the job. “DSU has helped me gain valuable hands-on lab experience through my coursework that has prepared me for the career that I am currently in,” she said.
The experience at Marathon not only provided practical training but also reshaped her career goals. “My internship opened me up to a long-term career in the energy industry, which is a promising field especially in North Dakota,” she said. “I had never thought of going into lab work before, so my internship showed me the potential that it could offer.”
Nagel said she is grateful for the people who made the experience meaningful. “I am thankful for the people out at Marathon who have offered this opportunity to me and have provided a positive and fun working environment,” she said.
With her curiosity, drive and openness to new experiences, Nagel has turned an internship into a rewarding start to her professional career. Her time at DSU helped her discover not only a new field but also the confidence to succeed in it.