Krista Lottinville and Samantha Werner have their sights set on agriculture. As participants at the first annual Women Changing the Face of Agriculture career extravaganza sponsored by Illinois AgriWomen in Bloomington, Illinois, last month, their enthusiasm was contagious.
The 2 University of Illinois seniors were one step ahead of the other 125 participants that day. Both already had completed their majors and accepted jobs. Kristin, an agriculture business major, is working at Illinois Farm Bureau as a manager trainee. Samantha is using her degree in agriculture farm management to train for a position in research, sales, and production at Pioneer Hi-Bred International.
“My dream job is one in sales where I can spend my day outside, talking with farmers,” Samantha said.
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The 2 were there to show their support for career opportunities in agriculture for women. The event, held at the Interstate Center, drew from high school FFA students, Post-Secondary Agriculture Students (PAS), and other college and university students.
“I’m excited to be here today,” said Ellen Reeder, state FFA reporter. “In the future I plan to attend the University of Illinois and major in ag communications with a minor in crop sciences. My dream job would be to work for an ag company in public relations and advertising.”
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They took advantage of the opportunity to meet 95 women working in an array of agricultural careers. During break-out sessions, these mentors shared with them the education requirements for their jobs, internship opportunities, and their perspectives about the long-term outlook for agriculture and for women in the field.
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“As we grow up, we tend to seek career tracks that we’re familiar with,” said Penny Lauritzen, an organizer and Illinois AgriWomen member and a Certified Financial Planner at Farm Financial Strategies, Inc. “Agriculture represents 17% of our nation’s gross national product, and provides 1 in every 6 jobs. As future job-seekers, it’s important for these young women to learn more about the potential opportunities so they can make accurate decisions about their future.”
Next year’s Women Changing the Face of Agriculture extravaganza will be held March 4, 2011, at the Bone Student Center, Illinois State University in Bloomington, Illinois.
Tags: agriculture
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