Mary Jane Buerkle is the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for https://www.plainscotton.org/ (Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.) (PCG), a voluntary organization and commodity association that represents growers in 41 counties in the Texas Panhandle. With its headquarters in Lubbock, Texas, the area provides ⅔ of the state’s cotton crop, ⅓ of the nation’s, and 3 to 5% of the world’s. The company handles legislative and regulatory matters to ensure their producers and farmers throughout the cotton industry improve their profits.

Mary Jane joins me today to share the careers involved in the cotton industry. She shares what it’s like to work remotely and the traits and skills you need to hone to become successful as a remote worker in the agriculture industry. She also shares some of the entrepreneurial niches available throughout the cotton industry and how your network can open the doors to new opportunities for your career.

“Networking, networking, networking -- you never know where that connection is going to lead.” - Mary Jane Buerkle

Today on AgGrad Live:

Plains Cotton Growers’ mission

Where PCG gets their support and funding

The post-harvest process that cotton crops go through before reaching consumers

Various uses for cotton and its co-products

Career opportunities available within the cotton industry

The growth in demand for homegrown Texas cotton products

The unconventional way she established her network within the agriculture industry

The importance of learning as much as you can about the industry you want to work in and how it can impact your career success

The importance of networking

The moment when she feels that everything she does is worth her while

How to be successful as a remote worker in the agricultural industry

Mary Jane Buerkle’s Advice for AgGrads:

Learn as much as you can about the industry.

Do your homework -- research about the company or organization before going to any interviews and other affairs.

Be self-organized and manage your time well.

Be dedicated and devoted 100% to what you’re doing.

Resources Mentioned:

http://www.cotton.org/ (National Cotton Council)

http://www.cottoninc.com/ (Cotton Incorporated)

http://www.cottonboard.org/ (Cotton Board)

Connect with Mary Jane Buerkle:

https://www.plainscotton.org/ (Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. Website)

https://www.facebook.com/plainscottongrowers/ (Plains Cotton Growers on Facebook)

https://twitter.com/mjbuerkle (Mary Jane Buerkle on Twitter)

Email: [email protected]

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

Grace Norman is the Government Relations Manager for Texas Hunger Initiative (THI) of Baylor University where she helps teach and help communities think and act strategically when addressing local hunger concerns. Grace previously worked as THI’s Regional Director and Child Hunger Outreach Specialist at the office in Lubbock. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development and from the Bush School of Government & Public Service with a master’s degree in Public Service Administration.

Grace joins me today to share what it’s like to hold a management position in a nonprofit organization. She also shares how she landed her job in the nonprofit sector, the truth about the food insecurity issue, and shares advice for those who are considering a career working for nonprofit organizations.

“As long as you approach your professional life with a learning mentality and posture of humility then you’ll go pretty far.” - Grace Norman

Today on AgGrad Live:

How she discovered the nonprofit space she wants to be involved in

Things that helped her find her interest

The aspects she considers when studying the presidential budget

Where this study and analysis leads her and her team

Why she wants to equip the staff in the field

How the Snapshots of Hunger Project changed her perspective about the value of what she does

How she got attracted to nonprofit work

Grace Norman’s Advice for AgGrads:

Keep at it -- even if it takes longer than you think it’s going to take, keep at it.

Go where you want to work and search there.

Use tools such as the Idealist and specific websites where industry people are involved.

Find your space and the thing that you’re interested in.

Use your networking skills.

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.idealist.org/ (Idealist)

https://foundationcenter.org/ (Foundation Center)

http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/ (NonProfit Times)

https://www.monster.com/ (Monster.com)

https://jobs.aggrad.com/ (AgGrad Jobs)

Connect with Grace Norman:

http://texashunger.org (Texas Hunger Initiative Website)

https://www.facebook.com/TexasHungerInitiative/ (Texas Hunger Initiative on Facebook)

Email: [email protected]

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

Bill Coletti is a crisis communications, reputation management, and professional development expert and the CEO of Kith. Kith is a reputation management and crisis communications firm dedicated to helping businesses identify and understand the expectations of their stakeholders to enable them to make sound decisions on the actions they should take next following a crisis. The company also offers training and planning services to organizations to help mitigate risk and manage their reputation. In addition, Bill is a keynote speaker and the bestselling author of Critical Moments: The New Mindset of Relationship Management. He has over 25 years of experience helping Fortune 500 companies and global political campaigns in the areas of managing high-stakes crisis and media relations.

Bill joins me today to share his background and expertise in the public relations, crisis communications, and reputation management industry. He explains how his firm helps businesses within the agriculture industry through crisis issues and manage their reputation and shares insight on the key areas businesses should consider when managing and mitigating risks to their company’s reputation. He also shares valuable insight on what AgGrad students can do to help ensure their success in the risk management and crisis communications industry as well as the key leadership qualities you should hone to become a great leader.

“Being a boss is much more about empathy and understanding than it is about yelling at people and telling them what to do.” - Bill Coletti

Today on AgGrad Live:

Types of problems and issues agri-businesses may have that would require his services.

Three key areas he helps businesses to manage and mitigate risk.

Qualities to possess to be successful in the crisis communications and reputation management industry.

Tips and strategies for managing teams.

The hardest part about being the CEO.

What keeps him motivated to continue.

How to differentiate yourself in a flooded industry.

How to determine if a company’s culture is right for you.

Bill Coletti’s Advice for AgGrads:

Industry expertise is critical.

Improve your writing skills.

The best way to start learning about crisis management is through case studies and quizzing yourself on how you would handle the situation.

Resources Mentioned:

AgGrad Jobs

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

Tyler Cockerham is a Feed Sales and Technical Representative at Cargill Animal Nutrition, a company dedicated to helping farmers grow more and connect with broader markets. Cargill specializes in food, agriculture, nutrition, and risk management for professionals within the agriculture industry. As a sales representative, Tyler is responsible for reaching out to and helping farmers throughout parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and western Maryland.

Tyler joins me today to share his experience as a feed sales and technical representative in the agriculture industry. He explains the importance of being willing to adapt to changes in your career, being willing to move or travel to advance your career, and how your past experiences and education in the agriculture industry plays a role in becoming a successful feed sales representative. He also explains the career trajectory of a feed sales representative, how to sell feed products through authenticity, and the importance of building relationships throughout your agricultural career.

“So much of what we do in agriculture is relationship based.” Tyler Cockerham

Today on AgGrad Live:

How he got started in the feed sales industry.

How being open to new opportunities across the country can impact your career.

What he enjoys the most about working in feed sales.

The importance of being willing to adapt to changes as a feed sales representative.

How your past experiences and education plays a role in your success as a feed sales representative.

The most challenging aspect about working in feed sales.

Overcoming the fear of cold calling prospective customers.

The career trajectory of a feed sales representative.

Time management strategies for a traveling feed sales representative.

Overcoming challenges with balancing work-life and home-life.

The importance of setting boundaries.

Personal development opportunities after college.

Being authentic as a feed sales representative.

The importance of building relationships.

How an education in agri-business can be beneficial as a feed sales representative.

Resources Mentioned:

https://jobs.aggrad.com/ (AgGrad Jobs)

Connect with Tyler Cockerham:

Phone: (540) 336-1980

Email: [email protected]

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

Joel McKie is an agricultural and energy attorney with Hall Booth Smith, PC., a full-service law firm with a wide range of practice areas including litigation and dispute resolutions, property rights claims, and government and regulatory affairs. He currently serves as the President of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Alumni Association and was appointed twice by former Governor Sonny Perdue to the Agricultural Education Advisory Commissions

Joel joins me today to share what it’s like to work as an agriculture attorney. He shares some of the core issues he helps farmers and agriculture professionals resolve, examples of the types of clients he works with, and what inspired him to become an attorney in the agricultural space.

“You can use a law degree to really do good.” - Joel McKie

Today on AgGrad Live:

What it’s like to be an attorney in the agricultural space.

How growing up on a farm helped mold his work ethic.

The skill sets you need to be a successful agricultural attorney.

The most memorable and rewarding case he has handled.

Trials and tribulations he has faced throughout his career.

Finding a work-life balance in a demanding law career.

Types of cases he enjoys the most.

Resources:

https://jobs.aggrad.com/jobs/search (AgGrad Jobs)

Joel McKie’s Advice for Future Agriculture Attorneys:

Find time to do prep courses and studying.

Your undergraduate GPA is like a measuring stick for getting into law school.

Your work experience gives you exposure and allows you to build a good reputation for Letters of References as well as the application process.

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

John Stewart, a manager of government affairs for the American Feed Industry Association, graduated from the North Carolina State University in 2015 with hopes for graduate school. However, the legislative aspect of the livestock food industry on Capitol Hill made more of an impact in his career. Now, he focuses on helping the food safety of livestock and pet food.

On today’s episode, John explains the crucial skill sets an intern or graduate agriculture student needs to succeed in a government affairs career. He also shares how to connect with policy makers and staff members on Capitol Hill as well as how working in different job settings can provide valuable insights and lessons to further your career.

“The fun part of my job is to be part-teacher, part salesperson, and part-researcher.”- John Stewart

Today on AgGrad Live:

Determining the steps to an internship in a government affair career

Learning the actions of a career by working in different settings of the job

How to connect with staffers, policy makers, or anyone on Capitol Hill

Developing integrity and honesty as essential career skills

Understanding the strategies in researching and lawmaking of policies

Resources:

AgGrad Jobs

3 Features of a Government Affairs Manager:

Wanting to make a difference for others based on policy changes

Easily make connections with those that impact laws

Having the drive to research, sell your point of view, and educate

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

Kelsey Knight is the director of recruitment for AgriCorps, and a fellow of the organization. As a recruiter for AgriCorps, she delivers the message of sustainable farming projects to help people in Ghana. She graduated with a degree in agriculture and development from the University of Kentucky, where she grew up on a sheep farm. Her love for farming led her to pursue a career in international extension work with AgriCorps in Ghana.

She joins me today to share her experience while in Ghana as a fellow, the requirements, and the mindset for a positive fellowship in a foreign country. She also explains how developing listening skills can help you understand the needs of local farmers.

“Working as a fellow for AgriCorps opened my vision for international outreach.”- Kelsey Knight

Today on AgGrad Live:

How training as a teacher helped her develop skills to instruct others in her organization

Personal skills you need to assimilate into another culture and community

What are the requirements to start a fellowship program with AgriCorps

How does sacrificing a chicken help a visitor in a Ghana community feel comfortable

Kelsey’s Suggestions to Potential AgriCorps Fellows:

Foster a mindset of creating a difference in your local community

Become an innovator of solutions to unforeseen problems

Connect with Kelsey Knight:

https://agricorps.org/ (AgriCorps)

https://www.facebook.com/agricorps/ (AgriCorps on Facebook)

https://www.instagram.com/agricorps/ (AgriCorps on Instagram)

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

Unpaid internships can be a great way to get your foot in the door of a difficult industry, but they are not always the right decision for every career path. There are many pros and cons you should consider before deciding to apply or accept an internship with a company or organization.

On today’s episode, I’m sharing some of the advantages and disadvantages of unpaid internships. I’ll also share some of the things you should consider before applying for an unpaid internship and the potential benefits you could receive from accepting an unpaid internship in the agriculture industry.

“Think about your career path when you consider unpaid internships.” Tim Hammerich

Today on AgGrad Live:

The skill sets and experience you can receive as an unpaid intern

How unpaid internships can help you build relationships in the agriculture industry

How to decide whether an unpaid internship is the right decision for your career

Learning whether this career path is a field that motivates you to do it full-time

Resources:

AgGrad Jobs

http://aggrad.com/agplacement/ (AgGrad Placement)

3 Unpaid Internship Considerations:

What skills will you learn at the end of the internship?

What relationships will you foster between co-workers to benefit your career path?

Are you financially stable to take on an unpaid position?

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

Just about every recruitment process involves a phone interview. Whether the interview is conducted over the phone or over a video conferencing tool such as Skype or Zoom, it is important to remember to remain professional if you’re truly serious about getting the job.

As part of our process of helping agriculture companies find and hire the right candidates for their job opportunities, we see several common mistakes that candidates make during the phone interview process. Today, I’m sharing the top five most common mistakes we see people make during the phone interview process and share tips on how to avoid them during your next phone interview.

“Make sure when you leave a phone interview, you have shown the aspects of yourself that you want to be shown.” - Tim Hammerich

Today on AgGrad Live:

The importance of confirming details before the phone interview appointment.

Getting established at job fairs with specific requirements.

The importance of controlling your environment during a phone interview.

The importance of researching the company and reviewing the job description before the interview.

Practicing your elevator speech.

How asking questions during the interview can impact your chances of getting hired.

The importance of taking notes during the interview.

How to avoid talking in circles during an interview.

Using specific examples to support your answers during an interview.

5 Common Phone Interview Mistakes to Avoid:

Under-communicating

Being distracted

Showing up unprepared

Talking in circles

Using generalities

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!

When a recruiter from an agriculture company calls, how do you handle the conversation? What do you do when a recruiter calls during your normal working hours while working at another company? How do you handle the uncomfortable, often awkward feelings you may be having while speaking with a recruiter about a potential job opportunity?

Today, I’m discussing the best ways to handle a recruitment conversation when an ag recruiter calls unexpectedly. I’ll share tips on how to handle the call if you’re already employed as well as things you should never do while working with a recruiter.

“It is in your best interest to develop a relationship with an outside recruiter.” - Tim Hammerich

Today on AgGrad Live:

The importance of following up on recruitment calls after working hours.

The two types of recruiters.

Why hiring candidates should develop relationships with recruiters.

Can recruiters help you advance your career?

Tips for Working with Recruiters:

Pick a time to speak with a recruiter in your personal time.

Decide how you want to develop your relationship with the recruiter.

Develop trust between yourself and the recruiter.

Never pay a recruiter.

Never lie to a recruiter.

Connect, Share & ADVANCE Your Career in Agriculture

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of AgGrad Live - the podcast helping aspiring, new, and veteran professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on iTunes, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to share each episode on your favorite social media platforms to help other professionals advance their careers in the agriculture industry!