Tim Sayler COO

Essentia Health-West Fargo, N.D.

WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE, AND WHAT DID YOU MAJOR IN?

I majored in business administration at Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, Minn. and completed a master’s in healthcare administration at the University of Colorado in Denver.

HOW HAS YOUR COLLEGE MAJOR INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER?

I decided to pursue business administration, and in the process, I discovered my interest in health care through participating in health care administration courses offered at Concordia College in Moorhead.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST USEFUL LESSONS YOU LEARNED IN COLLEGE?

It’s very important to learn a variety of skills, but one that I’m glad to have developed in college was the ability to work in teams. People do need technical skills, but they also need people skills. Almost everything that a person accomplishes comes about through working with others and in teams.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LIBERAL ARTS?

No matter what your major, college prepares you for various careers. Choose something that suits what you want to spend your life doing.

We spend so much time at work that it’s really important to work in an area we enjoy and where we can make a difference. I have one adult child who has completed college and two who are enrolled in college. And while I have suggested courses that will help them make a living, I’ve also encouraged them to diversify their learning and pursue other topics that will help them develop and understand other points of view.

For the thoughts of more area CEOs on college, please turn to Page 70.