From Kenya to North Dakota — and from data analyst to future economic development leader. @UofNorthDakota
From Kenya to North Dakota — and from data analyst to future economic development leader.  @UofNorthDakota
Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Meet Imelda Mashalia, a graduate student in the Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics master’s program at the University of North Dakota. After working in data analytics, Imelda wanted a graduate program that would let her deepen her knowledge of economic theory, statistics, and predictive analytics — without having to choose between economics and data.

She discovered that UND is one of only two universities offering this unique combination of applied economics and predictive analytics, making it the perfect place to take the next step in her career.

At UND, Imelda is gaining real-world experience through hands-on data analysis, economic modeling, and research projects while working closely with supportive faculty and a collaborative international student community. The confidence she’s building — from leading projects to presenting data-driven insights — is preparing her for a future in economic development and large-scale development projects in Africa.

Beyond the classroom, Imelda found something else she didn’t expect: a welcoming campus community that made Grand Forks feel like home, even in the middle of a North Dakota winter.

At the University of North Dakota, students don’t just study data — they learn how to use it to lead, solve problems, and create impact.

In this video, you’ll learn about:

🟢 A Unique Academic Edge: Why UND’s Applied Economics and Predictive Analytics program stands out as one of the few of its kind.
🟢 Beyond the Classroom: How the program translates theory into real-world industry application.
🟢 The UND Experience: How international students find support, community, and a "home away from home" in Grand Forks.
🟢 Career Growth: How mentorship and hands-on research are shaping Imelda’s goal to drive economic development in Africa.

Key Topics Covered:

🟢 Graduate school at the University of North Dakota
🟢 STEM-designated Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics
🟢 The student experience for international learners in the U.S.
🟢 Professional development and data-driven career growth

---

Founded in 1883, six years before the state itself was established, the University of North Dakota is a busy 521-acre campus, the state’s largest. We're an innovator in engineering, medicine, aviation and unmanned aircraft systems with colleges of business, arts, sciences, nursing, aerospace, education, engineering and medicine. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered online and on campus.

WEBSITE: https://und.edu/
ABOUT: https://und.edu/about/index.html
MAJORS: https://und.edu/programs/
VISIT: https://und.edu/admissions/visit/
APPLY: https://und.edu/admissions/apply.html

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: instagram.com/uofnorthdakota
Facebook: facebook.com/UofNorthDakota
TikTok: tiktok.com/@uofnorthdakota
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/uofnorthdakota

#AppliedEconomics #PredictiveAnalytics #UniversityOfNorthDakota #UND #GradSchool #DataScience #EconomicDevelopment #InternationalStudent #StudentSuccess
From Kenya to North Dakota — and from data analyst to future economic development leader.President Armacost Message 3-31: Gero-STARR Rural Nurse TrainingOrientation goers describe their first impression of UND in just one wordWhy This Student Chose to Fly Helicopters | Ali Moses, Leader in ActionPresident Armacost Message 8/18/26: State of University previewPOV: The first snowfall of the season at UND 💚❄️How do you beat the winter blues?Faculty & Staff Town Hall 4/15/26: Construction UpdatesAffirming Leadership & The Power of CommunityAugust can’t come soon enough!2025 Undergraduate Winter Commencement (JDOSAS, NCoBPA, CEHD)UND AI Forum Series - Jeremy Straub | Vibe Coding and the Future of Programming
UofNorthDakota |

From Kenya to North Dakota — and from data analyst to future economic development leader.

SHARE TO X SHARE TO REDDIT SHARE TO FACEBOOK WALLPAPER