Agricultural Business Managment B.S. ‘X20
Certificate in Sustainability
Co-Owner of Gutzman Agronomy
How does your degree support your career?
My role with Premier Cooperative is an extremely diverse one. A typical workday can find me managing everything from employees to data to technology to training across various parts of our business. My college experience helped me learn a little about a lot of things, contributing to my continued success in my profession. I was able to build myself a role that I find fulfilling while practicing the things I learned in ABM. I’m a better learner and leader because of it!
What drove you to your field?
I accepted an energy sales internship my sophomore year at the invitation of a current manager at CHS (a wholesale cooperative and vendor for Premier) while working my summer job as a canoe shuttle driver in Rockton, Wi. It was close to home, and I didn’t have a clue what I would do after graduation, so I signed up. I fell in love with Premier and the rest is history! I had a job offer before starting my senior year of college. There is real value in a good network.
What insight do you have for prospective ABM students?
Try everything you can in college! I am better able to communicate and advocate because of the English classes I took. I am a better public speaker because of the theater and speech classes I took. I am a better manager because of the human resource classes I took. ABM offers flexibility in courses. I had time to declare two certificates (Religious Studies & Sustainability) and graduate in three years all while taking classes that interested me inside and outside of the ABM major. With my degree from UW, I have applicable skills for hundreds of jobs across the agricultural industry and beyond. I am thankful for Agricultural Business Management, CALS, and my overall experience at UW-Madison every single day. Never be afraid to try the class you find interesting, build your network, or try something new – it’ll all payoff in the end!