Mark Jewell
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Agricultural, Food & Environmental Education
Years in the Field: 4
Current Job Title: Creator & Director
Organization: Aggie-Lance LLC, Pinnacle Presentations
How did you find this job?
Both Aggie-Lance LLC and Pinnacle Presentations are businesses that I have started. After nearly four years of working for other employers, I decided it was time to strike out on my own. Aggie-Lance LLC was created in an effort to be a key link in the agriculutre industry for helping companies get project work done more efficiently.
Please describe your job:
Day to day, I run the operations of Aggie-Lance. This is a freelance marketplace where companies can post project work, or short term jobs they need to outsource. We help to create a connection between the company listing a project, and a freelancer or small business that can do the work.
What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
Being a member of Alpha Gamma Rho. Participation in other campus organizations such as Ag Ed Club, Student Board, et cetera.
What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
My work is very unique, and relatively unexplored. Students with a background similar to mine, looking to impact young people (essentially what I do in both jobs)need to understand there is more than one way to skin a cat! You can teach Agriculture in a high school, join a mission and work in Africa, or even start your own internet help site or store. The opportunities are endless.
What advice do you have for current students?
Don't let the words of your degree title restrain your hopes and dreams. You didn't go to college and put yourself through all the challenges it presents, just to get a slip of paper that says you're educated! You struggled, fought, bought and paid for a chance at something better. Your educational background helps you...but you should NEVER let it restrict you! Network! Network! Network! Your network is your net worth. The statement, "it is not what you know, it is WHO you know," is 100% accurate. Your degree will basically be a license, or a tariff into whatever is next. Check your facebook and see how many friends you have on there. Are you LinkedIn? You should be. If you want a successful career of any kind, you NEED to be connected!
Travel abroad during college. I am not talking about spring break to Cancun either! Once you're out, or if you start a family right away it can be more difficult. If you're interested in agriculture, buy a one way ticket to South America and learn about the fastest growing market in the world. Experience it first hand. Go somewhere and work for nothing...if for no other reason than to understand a different culture and that we as Americans do not have all the answers.