Agriculture Career Day at Iowa State, Nov. 9, 1999

Contacts:
Eric Hoiberg, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, (515) 294-6614
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

HOT TIPS FROM GRADUATES ON BRILLIANT CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE

AMES -- Lukewarm about job prospects in agriculture? Don't be. One word sums up today's careers in agriculture: Hot.

That's the word from graduates of agricultural programs at Iowa State University and Iowa's community colleges, who say success can be found along many paths in agriculture.

"The College of Agriculture and Iowa's community colleges are partners in helping prospective students choose the educational path that's right for them in pursuing a career in agriculture," said Eric Hoiberg, associate dean of academic programs in ISU's College of Agriculture.

"Whether you start out at Iowa State or a community college, there are many educational alternatives for those interested in agriculture," Hoiberg said.

"As long as people need to eat and wear clothes, agriculture will be an exciting area to be in," said Chandra Herrstrom, senior ag analyst at E-Markets in Ames. Herrstrom earned her bachelor's degree in agricultural studies at Iowa State.

Herrstrom's advice to those thinking about an ag career: "Learn more about new technology, which is becoming more and more important in agriculture."

Here are other hot career tips from ISU and community college graduates:

• "Definitely go for your four-year degree. Do as many internships as possible. Always leave the door open for new experiences." Chad Loecke, manager of the agronomy department at Ryan Cooperative, Ryan, Iowa, who started out at Kirkwood Community College then transferred to Iowa State.
• "Agriculture's not just farming anymore. It's a great field to be in, and great people to work with." Dawn Schmitt, global positioning system agronomy specialist, Farmers Elevator Co., Altoona, Iowa, who attended North Iowa Area Community College.
• "Go into agriculture with the idea that your options are open. Listen to what people say about certain fields, and keep an open mind. What you end up in may be different than what you originally planned." Douglas Santen, small animal internal medicine specialist in Denver, Colo., who earned two bachelor's degrees and his DVM at Iowa State.
• "Get internship experience as soon as possible. Don't be scared to expand beyond your comfort zone to another field. You'll get great experience in a different area, which will be appealing to future employers." Stacia Piggott, area market manager, Monsanto Dairy Business, St. Cloud, Minn., who earned two bachelor's degrees at Iowa State.
• "You need a broad, diversified background. The hard-work ethic you learn in agriculture will take you a long ways in any field." Dave Petty, farmer and president of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Union, Iowa, who earned a degree at Hawkeye Community College.
• "Never quit learning. Agriculture is a great career choice with lots of jobs, especially in agronomy." Kelly Holthaus, branch manager, Winneshiek Cooperative, Decorah, Iowa, who attended Northeast Iowa Community College.
• "Get professional job experience. Plug into any and all aspects of your chosen industry to prepare yourself for your future. I'd recommend ISU for some of the finest leadership and career experiences you can get." John Jordan, director of golf course operations, The Harvester Golf Club, Rhodes, Iowa, who graduated from ISU.
• "Don't just follow the dollar signs. If you grew up in agriculture and love it, continue to do what you enjoy." Bellana Rayner, office manager at McCune Enterprises, a cattle marketing/consulting firm in Manhattan, Kansas, who attended both Kirkwood Community College and Iowa State.
• "Keep an open mind. Diversify yourself. Learn a lot about everything. You need to know and care about agriculture to be successful in it." Tonia Hesse, commercial ag representative, Rhone Poulenc, Raleigh, N.C., who has an ISU degree in dairy science.
• "Use your summer work experiences to help determine your likes and dislikes. Employers still look for a good package of academics, extracurricular activities and job experience. Today, post-high school education is a must." Chris Clark, independent crop consultant with ABC Ag, Ida Grove, Iowa, who attended Ellsworth Community College and Iowa State.
• "Travel overseas -- it'll help you find out who you are. The most important thing that ISU taught me was how to respond effectively in different situations." Grant Belden, commodity merchandiser, Archer Daniels Midland, Lincoln, Neb., who has an ISU degree.

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