FNBO FinTech Practicum
The energy and excitement of a startup with the resources and support of an established legacy firm.
The FNBO (First National Bank Omaha) FinTech Practicum is a product development-driven practicum. Selected students conduct research, analyze test markets and build out fresh products for prospective clients. They will experience the constantly evolving day-to-day functions of a new FinTech venture through on-site weekly class, meetings and work sessions, furthering a true hands-on learning experience.
Designed to address technology’s growing importance in the financial services industry, Creighton’s Heider College of Business FinTech program is one of the first established – and one of the few currently offered – in the country.
It combines the rigors of our top-ranked finance degree with the depth of our business intelligence and analytics (BIA) program, preparing students for the highly competitive and increasingly data-focused finance job market.
Interested students who meet the course pre-requisites can apply to Dr. Lee Dunham, PhD, CFA, Chair of the Economics and Finance Department. Email Dr. Dunham a one-page letter of interest detailing why you wish to participate in the practicum and include your current resume.
Course Description
FIN 479 is a three-credit course that offers the hands-on opportunity to support product development in a FinTech startup at a major financial services firm in Omaha. Students will develop foundational skills in design thinking, research, customer interaction, prototyping and product specification while working alongside the FinTech’s product team in the classroom and the firm’s downtown office.
Pre-requisites: FIN 355 or concurrent enrollment in FIN 355
Student Impact by FinTech Alumni
Michael Bartz, Class ’23
Majors: FinTech, pre-law track
Hometown: Omaha
Q: What were your biggest takeaways from participation in the FNBO FinTech Practicum?
A: I learned that collaboration is necessary for a project’s success. Working effectively with others and complementing their particular skill set will produce a better end result than individual work. Collaboration also allows you to learn from others, which makes you a more skilled and knowledgeable team member.
Q: Why is it important for Creighton to offer students experiential learning opportunities, such as the FNBO FinTech Practicum?
A: Experiential learning opportunities give students a space to apply their knowledge and work collaboratively with peers in a simulated business setting with more flexibility [than a traditional classroom setting].
Ellery Stubbers, Class ’23
Majors: FinTech, Business Intelligence and Analytics
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Q: How has this experiential learning opportunity enhanced your understanding of FinTech and business intelligence and analytics?
A: It has allowed me to better understand the path that I want to take in my career. I learned that I am more interested in the technology and analytics side of FinTech and that is where I intend to start my career.
Q: Do you feel that this experience has made you a more competitive candidate in the employment market?
A: I definitely think it has made me a more competitive candidate. This practicum was a topic of conversation in many of my interviews, and employers recognize the value of experience within a real work setting.
Michael Buckley, Class ’23
Majors: FinTech, Business Intelligence and Analytics
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Q: How has the practicum prepared you for your future career?
A: It has exposed me to my ideal work environment and showed me the impact of working with the right people. I had the opportunity to work alongside experts who shared their stories, knowledge and passion for the financial technology space.
Q: Why is it important for Creighton to offer students experiential learning opportunities, such as the FNBO FinTech Practicum?
A: Not only do these opportunities make you stand out from other job seeking candidates, but they also allow you to pursue your interests to the highest extent. Practicum opportunities help you stand out in your field, and the programs at Creighton are nothing short of exceptional.
