Justice Erickson Found Her Career and Confidence in Bismarck-Mandan

Some people have lived in Bismarck-Mandan all their lives, while others have actively sought career opportunities here. It’s rare to find someone who stumbled upon this part of North Dakota and moved here a week later. This is Justice Erickson’s story. From getting fired from her job to moving into a city where she knew no one, Erickson has one of the most unique paths to Bismarck-Mandan, and she’s flourishing here.

“Moving to Bismarck changed my life,” she says. “Looking back from where I was in Fargo, my life as a young college student to who I am as a professional is night and day. I feel so much better in this environment and have grown in this community.”

Keep reading to learn about Erickson’s journey and how she found her people in Bismarck-Mandan. She has risen to the occasion and continues to Make Her Mark in the region.

Erickson Launched Her Career in Bismarck 

Erickson is a lifelong North Dakotan. She grew up in Grand Forks and attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, where she studied interior design. Two days before graduation in the Spring of 2021, everything was great. Her classes were wrapped up, and she had secured a job in Fargo related to her degree field. The day before graduation, everything changed. Erickson was fired, and she was facing an unknown future without a clear career.    

Erickson immediately met with her school advisor to discuss potential job opportunities and was directed to a company in Bismarck that was preparing to hire. She drove three hours for the job interview on a Tuesday morning and had accepted an offer by the time she returned to Fargo that night. Within six days, she had packed up her belongings, moved into a hotel in Bismarck, and started at her new job.

Erickson had never planned to move to Bismarck, but has thrived here. She is still employed at Fireside Office Solutions, taking on projects of all sizes to support the region’s businesses.

“They have been great employers and given me plenty of opportunities in the community,” she says.  

She Made Friends Through the Young Professionals Network

Moving to a new city is difficult for anyone, but it’s particularly challenging for young people who don’t know anyone in town. Erickson’s boss recommended joining the Young Professional (YP) Network and offered to cover the cost of her membership.

“I had no friends and no money, so the YP Network was a great opportunity for me to start meeting people and making connections,” she says.

The YP Network is open to 18-40 year olds and costs $50 annually. There are at least three events each month built around the core principles of the organization: professionalism, networking, and community. For example, members can attend a lunch-and-learn on leadership or participate in a volunteer event to give back to Bismarck-Mandan.  

“We try to spread the love between Bismarck and Mandan to support both communities,” says Erickson. “We also meet at local spots and hidden gems people might not know about. That was so valuable when I moved here. I got to see all the unique and local hangouts.”

Erickson Has Become a Leader During Her Time Here

The YP Network helped Erickson make friends and discover cool dinner spots, but it also allowed her to develop into a professional, confident adult. She has served on the advisory board and is currently vice president of the organization. Erickson says she was incredibly shy in Fargo, but now has no problem introducing herself at events and speaking publicly. She recently spoke to 200 teenagers on how to network and make a good first impression.

“A lot of my success in Bismarck-Mandan ties to the YP Network because I found confidence in being here,” she says. “I feel like I was given opportunities to grow as a person.”

Erickson says anyone moving to Bismarck-Mandan can follow her example, even if they don’t join the YP Network. She encourages people to attend events to meet new people. Talking to even one person can make a difference and give people the confidence to speak to two or three people the next time.

“A key to my success was putting myself out there,” she says. “Build it up at your own pace, but don’t be afraid to go for it or speak up.”

Confidence Allows Erickson to Make Her Mark

Bismarck-Mandan is a community where you can find people with similar interests who are excited to welcome you. There are city-wide initiatives to support new residents that are built on an already-welcoming culture. Whether you are interested in spending time outdoors or chasing artistic pursuits, there are opportunities in this corner of North Dakota.

Learn how other people Make Their Mark and see the type of future you can have here.