WORKFORCE
NDSU graduate excels at Sanford Health
Published April 2016
One conversation can change a person’s career path. Nicki Cain always wanted to be an eye doctor growing up, but discovered a different option at NDSU thanks to a chat with a guest lecturer.
After a class, Cain asked if he could email the guest lecturer, a doctor, some questions. This led to an internship opportunity and ultimately, set up Cain for his career.
Cain is one example of NDSU graduates who live and work in the area. He majored in microbiology and then studied infectious disease management as part of NDSU’s first Master of Public Health graduating class. He now works at Sanford Health in Fargo.
“Fargo is a place that builds professionals,” said Cain, a Bismarck, North Dakota, native. “I knew I wanted to start my career here.”
He was an administrative intern at Sanford Health while he attended NDSU and now is a process improvement coordinator there. He applies vital business principles to help manage key processes and projects.
“I connect various levels of healthcare,” said Cain. He enjoys getting staff, clinicians and leadership groups together to complete a project. “Members of leadership have the opportunity to show their vision and others are able to bring suggestions and ideas to the table, too, which make valuable conversations.”
Cain credits his time at NDSU for helping him succeed at Sanford Health.
“I was able to develop and realize the importance of good writing skills and time management that I now use every day at my job,” said Cain. His medical coursework also proves to be invaluable.
He encourages students to network in professions that are of interest to them and not be afraid to approach mentors, as he did that day after class.
“This is North Dakota,” said Cain. “People are willing to help you. All you need to do is ask.”
