Agricultural Business Managment B.S. ‘X20
Certificates in Religious Studies and Sustainability
Energy Division Business Manager at Premier Cooperative
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!