Maxwell Enwere

  Degree:    Bachelor of Science
  Major:      Agriculture & Food Business   Management                   
  Additional education undertaken after graduation:
  MBA, University of Phoenix

  Years in the Field:   7
  Current Job Title:    Risk Management Consultant
  Organization:          Cargill Animal Nutrition

  How did you find this job?
  Through the St. Paul Campus Career Center at the University
  of Minnesota.

Please describe your job:
My job responsibilities are best described in a March 7th Cargill News Release:
"Cargill Names Enwere to the Risk Management Consultant Position"
            Cargill Animal Nutrition's Consulting Services group has appointed Maxwell Enwere as a Risk Management Consultant. In this position Enwere will supervise the company's price risk management programs for agricultural producers worldwide. Enwere is a registered commodity trading advisor who has worked as a grain merchant and a price risk management advisor to farmers since joining Cargill in 2000. He received an undergraduate degree in marketing from the Institute of Management and Technology-Nigeria, and an undergraduate degree in Agricultural and Food Business Management from the University of Minnesota.  He also holds a MBA from the University of Phoenix.
            A business unit of Cargill, Inc., Cargill Animal Nutrition is a customer-focused organization working to bring product and service solutions to producers.  Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 149,000 employees in 63 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. 

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
The college courses were well tailored to Ag business and helped to equip students to deal with the unique nature of the field. My initial undergraduate degree from Nigeria and previous overseas work experience have also contributed to my ability to see business issues from a global and holistic perspective.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
In the first place, most people are not familiar with the concept of price risk management, especially as it applies to ag business. What surprised me the most was how the supply chain is well integrated into grain merchandizing and price risk management.

What advice do you have for current students?
My advice is for current students to take their coursework very seriously and give their best. No matter what occupation a student finds, the knowledge they gain from going to class will serve him/her well. I also advise current students to seek internships in various areas as early as they can make themselves available. Finally, I suggest that students reach out to alumni to get hints on interviewing and information about real life work demands.