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When I first started graduate school in the college of Agriculture and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois, I must admit I was a bit anxious. I had just finished attaining my B.S. in Mathematics from Loyola University in Chicago, and I wasn't sure if this was the right career move for me. Then again I wasn't sure what path I wanted to pursue at the time, therefore I decided to take this path until something else caught my attention. I must admit, this has turned out to be solid choice on my part.

The department is highly dedicated to their students, as well as their research. They prepare their students in two ways: by developing the methods that are needed to conduct proper research in the field of applied economics, as well as train you properly for the business setting. When I first arrived, I had no business background or a research background but after taking the classes and working one on one with several of the professors, I feel more confident that I have the skills and expertise to be successful in the job environment.

Another aspect that I have found useful during my time in the department is the connections that the department has with people in the agribusiness work setting. This has been useful in two ways. One, when going through the research process, the contacts were always willing to provide timely and useful information that was used towards my research. Second, they were also very helpful when looking for jobs and internships. Through a contact, I was given the tour the Chicago Board of Trade and I was able talk to people involved with the Futures and Option industry. This helped me get a better idea of what to expect in the business setting.

Overall, my experience through the department has been a positive one, and I recommend it to anyone that is interested in agricultural economics, or has an interest in agribusiness.

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