Management information systems the perfect fit for Gunsch

MINOT, N.D. – For Minot State University senior Shaylyn Gunsch, choosing the right academic path didn’t come instantly.

Following her strengths, trusting her instincts, and embracing new opportunities led her to a major she loves and an internship that transformed her future.

Gunsch arrived at Minot State as a computer science major, drawn simply by an interest in technology. But after her first semester, she realized the fit wasn’t quite right.

“The skills I needed for computer science were more technical than I expected,” she said. “It wasn’t as personal, and it didn’t involve as many people as I thought.”

After meeting with Lynda Bertsch, Minot State Career Services director, Gunsch discovered management information systems, a major that blended her love for technology with her passion for working with people.

“She actually said MIS would be a perfect fit because it’s more of the people’s side of technology, which I didn’t realize was what I was looking for,” she said.

That shift set the stage for an internship at Union State Bank, where she had already worked for five years as a student teller. When she mentioned the possibility of an internship with a coworker, the opportunity fell into place quickly.

“I think connections are super important,” Gunsch said.

Gunsch’s supervisor praised her professionalism and reliability, qualities she attributes to her upbringing and her long-standing relationships at the bank.

“I grew up on a farm. Work ethic is the type of thing you kind of need on a farm,” she said. “And I had a really good relationship with my supervisor and coworkers. That really helped.”

During her internship, Gunsch took on significant responsibilities, including building out a new program the bank had recently implemented and learning how to import key digital files. She also tackled a major project, installing new scanners for the teller line and loan department.

“I got to work with our outsourced IT people and see more of the technical side,” she said. “That was fun.”

Outside the bank, Gunsch experienced a defining moment last summer when she traveled to Perth, Australia, on a mission trip through Cru.

“God’s calling is what inspired me to go,” she said. “I sat down for two seconds, and they said, ‘We’re going to Perth, Australia.’ And I said, ‘Yes, I am going to Perth, Australia.’”

Working with a small team of nine, she learned to approach strangers, initiate conversations, support partners, and lead when needed.

“We worked together flawlessly,” she said. “I became a lot less shy and bolder in who I am. Leadership meant taking initiative and being prepared to help your partner.”

Gunsch now sees clear connections between her mission trip, her MIS coursework, and her career goals.

“I want to carry those values from that trip into my life as an MIS professional,” she said. “I want to be helpful, compassionate, and caring to whoever I’m influencing.”

Whether she chooses customer-facing roles or behind-the-scenes work, she hopes to use technology to make others’ lives easier.

“Technology is the world now,” Gunsch said. “MIS is using technology to help people out in the best way possible. I love that.”

As she prepares to graduate, Gunsch embraces the uncertainty of what comes next, whether that means staying in banking, pursuing pastoral care, or finding a new way to blend technology and service.

“I just know that everything I learned in this degree is going to be helpful,” she said. “Wherever I end up, it’s going to be beneficial, because technology and people are everywhere.”