Kobey Block, a dual major in accounting and economics at Minnesota State University Moorhead, is set to graduate in May 2026 with ambitious plans for a career in business strategy. The MSUM student has spent approximately one year as a business development intern on the mergers and acquisitions team at Doosan Bobcat in West Fargo, where he has gained valuable hands-on experience in strategic planning and market analysis.
Block’s academic journey combines two complementary disciplines that have shaped his career aspirations. According to Block, his interest in business strategy stems from a focus on long-term vision rather than operational details, though he acknowledges that operations form the backbone of any organization.
From Poverty to Promise: An Accounting Major’s Journey
The accounting and economics student’s path to higher education was shaped by significant challenges during his upbringing in the Becker County, Minnesota area. Block’s family experienced financial instability, frequent relocations, and periods of food insecurity while relying heavily on government assistance. Despite these obstacles, he found support through his high school’s educational programs and earned scholarships that will allow him to graduate debt-free.
Block’s interest in accounting developed during high school through the Pathway program, where he took introductory accounting classes. The field appealed to him because it offered job stability and career opportunities, providing a pathway to a different life than the one he experienced growing up.
Why Economics Complements Accounting Skills
The economics component of Block’s dual major provides context for understanding business decisions and external factors that influence corporate strategy. According to Block, economics explores how individuals and organizations respond to scarcity, a concept he personally understands from his own experiences. This combination of accounting fundamentals and economic theory has prepared him for his current role in business development.
At Doosan Bobcat, Block applies his analytical skills by studying market share data, monitoring competitor activities, and identifying improvement opportunities for the organization. He particularly enjoys transforming complex data sets into clear visual presentations for stakeholders.
Campus Involvement Enhances Business Strategy Preparation
Beyond academics, Block has actively participated in several campus organizations including DECA, the accounting club, and the Economic Society. These extracurricular activities have provided networking opportunities and practical insights into his chosen fields. Through the accounting club, he connected with panels of certified public accountants who shared real-world experiences and career advice.
The Economic Society facilitated travel to professional conferences, including the National Association for Business Economics conference in Washington, D.C., and a technology conference in Seattle. At these events, Block networked with political economists and heard presentations from representatives of major corporations including Amazon, Google, and LinkedIn.
International Business Experience Broadens Perspective
Financial assistance from scholarships and grants enabled Block to participate in educational trips to Germany, Austria, South Korea, and Japan. These international experiences exposed him to different accounting practices and work cultures across various countries. According to Block, understanding the differences between American, German, Korean, and Japanese work cultures provided valuable perspective for his business strategy interests.
MSUM faculty members have played crucial roles in Block’s success, particularly economics instructor Tanya Hansen, who recommended him for his internship at Doosan Bobcat. Block also credits Ralf Mehnert-Meland, associate professor in the Paseka School of Business and DECA adviser, with providing valuable guidance throughout his college career.
As Block approaches graduation, his advice to incoming MSUM students emphasizes the importance of campus involvement and taking advantage of available opportunities. His journey from financial hardship to landing a competitive business development internship demonstrates how combining academic excellence with strategic networking can open doors in the competitive field of business strategy.
