Onward: An interview with Nicholas Harbort

MINOT, N.D. - Minot State University student Nicholas Harbort has found a way to bring both sides of his personality together through Management Information Systems (MIS).

A self-described mix of creativity and analytical thinking, Harbort has already made impressive strides in his academic and professional journey.

Harbort's roots at Minot State run deep. His parents, Bill and Sandra '01 Harbort, teach at the University, with Bill a professor in the art department and Sandra an assistant professor in nursing. Sandra also earned a degree in nursing at MSU in 2001.

University Communications was able to get a few minutes of the Minot native's time to ask a few questions for the first Onward Q&A of the fall.

What drew you to choose Minot State's management information systems program as your major?
NH: Well, I have always had two fighting sides of my brain. One side loved creativity, winging it, and thinking outside the box. The other side was a little cautious and needed data before I picked up what to order at McDonald's. So, when it came time to choose a major, I decided that the creativity of business and the logic of technology would help both sides of my brain.

How did you first become interested in technology and business systems?
NH: Well, when you know, you know. I built an awful website for me and my friend to sell thrifted junk when I was a kid, and it crashed probably six or seven times before it stayed up for more than a few hours. But we still made a few hundred bucks. And seeing yourself improve at any skill always makes you excited. That hit from building a system to profit just kept me hooked, I guess.

Can you describe your experience starting out at First Western Bank & Trust?
NH: I was a freshman when I started at First Western. I remember seeing the server rack and totally feeling like a fish out of water. I definitely walked in with way more questions than answers. But everyone I worked with was happy to answer any question I had, and they were very supportive of my growth.

What did you learn in that first year that helped you grow so quickly in the role?
NH: The most important lesson I learned is that you don't have to KNOW everything, you just must be willing to learn anything. Offering help or at least sitting in on any tough projects going on made the less-tough ones feel very easy. I stopped trying to seem like a know-it-all, because I obviously wasn't. I focused on being the "can I help you with that" guy.

How did it feel to be promoted so early in your career?
NH: It was great and felt like someone accidentally hit the gas pedal on my career. I was stoked and felt so lucky to have been trusted with my new position. One day, I was the guy trying not to break anything, and in what felt like the blink of an eye, people were trusting me to come up with answers.

What roles have your professors or mentors played in shaping your path?
NH: My professors and mentors have had a huge impact on the path I'm on. In the classroom, my professors are always there to dig into my questions and genuinely care about pushing me forward. On the real-world side, everyone at First Western has been in my corner since day one. My manager, Doug, is someone I really look up to and, not just for how sharp he is in the server room, but also for the way he acts overall. That example sets the bar high, and that's exactly the kind of standard I want to reach.

How do you balance your academic studies by gaining real-world experience?
NH: Honestly, everything I learn in school goes hand-in-hand really well with what I am doing at work. School gives me the theory, but work is where I test it. I'll learn something in class and then apply it at First Western the same week. And when I run into a real-world problem, I bring that perspective back into class. It's not about juggling two things as it is about letting them fuel each other. As for balancing my homework, it is pretty manageable for most weeks. The occasional early morning and late-night studying hits sometimes, but that's a part of life.

What do you enjoy most about your MIS courses at Minot State?
NH: I really like how hands-on they are. Every class I have had focuses on using real-world products and technology that I actually use at work as well. It makes the transition feel very smooth and like something I can 100% use in my day-to-day at work. The student-faculty ratio is also really good. No one is afraid to work together and speak their minds because of this, and the questions always get answered and turn into a deeper discussion.

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next few years in your career?
NH: Well, I love Minot. It's my hometown and, in my opinion, the greatest town on Earth. So, the future for me is definitely here, with the bank. I see myself continuing to level up, taking on bigger challenges, building deeper tech skills, and stepping into roles where I can make a real impact. I want to keep bridging that gap between business and technology, and eventually reach a point where I'm helping shape the direction of the work we're doing instead of just contributing to it.

What advice would you give other students who want to stand out in their field early on?
NH: I would say don't be afraid to go after what you want. There is absolutely no point in NOT applying for a job or an internship. And there is absolutely no point in NOT contributing to your ideas. Never be ashamed to ask questions because no one knows everything, so no one expects you to know everything. Also, getting to know people outside of your field doesn't get enough credit. Anyone can be the person who gets you to that next level.