Robyn Schnobrich
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Animal Science – Industry Emphasis
Organization: MN Dairy Herd Improvement Association
I worked for Minnesota DHIA the previous summer as a part-time Field Representative. They contacted me about further work the next year as I was finishing my degree.
As Marketing Director, I am in charge of conveying our image to the public, as well as our dairy producers. This is achieved by listening to concerns from producers and providing solutions, attending trade shows and local meetings, as well as developing any informational advertisements or documents. I also provide technical support in dairy management software such as Dairy Comp 305 and Scout to consultants, dairy producers, and field representatives. As Southwest Field Manager, I maintain relationships with our field staff in providing a better service to our dairy producers. I also hire and train new Field Representatives as needed.
It was good to not be focused entirely in one area of study. If you know even a little information about many topics, you are better off that knowing absolutely everything about one topic and nothing about anything else within the industry. It was also beneficial to know how to manage my time between school, activities, and friends. Throughout the duration of any job, you are expected to manage your own time and learn to prioritize to complete all the projects you are working on at the same time.
Our Field Representatives are commonly known as milk testers. They are more than milk testers. They provide that information to the herd owner and work with them to tighten managements practiced to better their dairies. Most people don't know that we provide numerous other services to dairy producers such as eartags, Johne's testing, on-farm software, mastitis culturing, and customized reports.
Make contacts with industry personnel and give them something to remember you by. In a crowd of 500 you have to stand out or you will not be considered. Also, keep your options open. Do not say yes to the first job you are offered. Be picky and find a job you will like and will be able to perform well. Lastly, try to get as many internships as possible. The more work experience you have, the more skills you develop on the way— and that makes you a well rounded applicant. Know how to market yourself to industry personnel.