ANNIE PALMQUIST

Senior Talent Acquistion Specialist NATIONAL INFORMATION SOLUTIONS COOPERATIVE

“Coworkers and leadership at NISC look to Annie because of her creative problem-solving skills and the way she challenges them to consider new avenues and options to build and attract talent to NISC’s workforce.”

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I grew up in rural Wisconsin with the dream of taking over my Dad’s veterinarian clinic. Had you told me when I was 18 that I would be living in North Dakota and working as a recruiter for a technology company, I would have thought you were nuts. Like many other professionals I talk to, my career did not end up how I originally envisioned it, and I am grateful for those unexpected changes in my career path.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

When I was growing up, I had no idea that recruiting was a career path I could explore. My passion has always been helping others, which is why I thought I should go into the medical field. My first exposure to a recruiter was being headhunted by one, leading to my initial full-time position after college. Having someone genuinely care about ensuring the position they had available was the best fit for myself, as well as the company, was a unique experience. I am thankful that story came full circle. I am now that recruiter who can help introduce candidates to roles they maybe have never heard of and watching their excitement, followed by flourishing in that role, has always been my biggest motivator.

CHALLENGES IN YOUR CAREER PATH:

A challenge I have struggled with is recognizing that you can make a positive impact at any level in an organization, even without a leadership title. By staying true to your integrity at work, not being afraid to try new innovative ideas and taking ownership of your mistakes or failures, others within your organization will come to value your opinions and input regardless of your title.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS?

Be intentional. Take the time to reflect on decisions you make at work, your company’s culture, and conversations with coworkers to ensure they align with your personal mission statement and morals. It is unexplainably refreshing when the morals of your company, family, and community involvement all align!

MICHAEL SALWEI Executive Director of Operations SANFORD HEALTH

“Mike is a person you turn to when you want to turn difficult situations into opportunities. Any obstacle before him is broken down into achievable metrics through his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to inspire and work collaboratively with teams.”

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I began my career in small business building an athlete training center dedicated to long-term athlete development. This business went on to merge with Sanford Health to bring Sanford Power to Bismarck. I have now spent over four years in my current role as Executive Director of Operations, overseeing Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Recently my role has expanded to other service lines outside of orthopedics.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I have always been motivated by accomplishing a goal. Early in life it was sports, later in life it became about providing a quality service dedicated to helping people.

CHALLENGES IN YOUR CAREER PATH:

My career has been dedicated to seeking education. Fulfilling various roles has led to a constant state of learning. Although uncomfortable at times, I have learned to enjoy these adaptive roles.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS?

Focus on your current work. If you give everything you have to your current role, opportunities will find you compared to you seeking out opportunities.