Thanks in part to funding by UND’s Center for Innovation, CareerViewXR will develop virtual-reality experiences to introduce students to autonomous-systems careers
In this UND archival photo, students hone their flying skills in the Virtual Reality Lab in the University’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.
GRAND FORKS – The University of North Dakota Center for Innovation has awarded funding to CareerViewX to develop an autonomous career library using virtual reality. This initiative aims to strengthen North Dakota’s talent pipeline by providing immersive career exploration opportunities within the state’s growing autonomous systems industry.
“Authentic career awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect student potential with real-world industry needs,” said Karen Berntson, chief operating officer at CareerViewXR. “When students can virtually step into high-demand workplaces — especially in cutting-edge fields such as autonomous systems — they begin to see themselves in those roles. That shift builds not only clarity and purpose, but also confidence.
“Our partnership with the UND Center for Innovation is more than just about sparking interest. It’s about creating a stronger, more informed talent pipeline for North Dakota’s high-tech, high-opportunity industries.”
Funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center program, the project will create an interactive, web-based career platform featuring VR experiences. These virtual career tours will let students, job seekers and entrepreneurs engage with industry opportunities in a fully immersive environment, offering a firsthand look at key roles within the autonomous sector.
Over the next three years, CareerViewXR will produce 11 unique, 360-degree VR career experience videos showcasing North Dakota’s autonomous systems industry. Each video will provide an in-depth perspective on various career paths, enabling users to explore industry roles and connect with potential employers in a dynamic, interactive way.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
“The Center for Innovation is looking forward to partnering with CareerViewXR to help bridge an outreach gap between emerging industries and the workforce of tomorrow,” said Amy Whitney, the center’s director.
About The University of North Dakota Center for Innovation
The mission of the Center for Innovation is to advance the creation and development of innovative ideas, services and businesses. The UND Center for Innovation focuses on commercialization of new ventures, operates an entrepreneurial incubator that provides space for innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers, and helps founders secure access to capital to ultimately encourage economic development in the state of North Dakota and the Northern Plains.
About CareerViewXR
CareerViewXR is an immersive career exploration platform that brings field trips to the classroom through 360-degree web-based tours and companion virtual reality videos. Students and adult job seekers alike can explore engaging tours highlighting in-demand industries such as skilled trades, health care, energy and more. Best of all, VR headsets are completely optional; the content is accessible on devices you already own – including laptops, cell phones, and tablets. Explore more at careerviewxr.com.
Media Contact:
Haylee Bjork, marketing outreach coordinator
UND Center for Innovation
[email protected]
701.777.3281