AAEC Distinguished Alumni

Eduardo Segarra
Ph.D. 1986
Professor and Chairman
of the Department
of Agricultural and
Applied Economics,
Texas Tech University

For questions regarding his
career and experience
emailEduardo Segarra



• "Words cannot adequately be used to describe the degree of personal pride I have had for the past 21 years since I graduated from Virginia Tech.  I want you to know that this pride does not only emanate from having been a Virginia Tech student, but from having been a part of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech… It truly is amazing to see that many of the professors that touched my life and professional development through their “magic” over two decades ago (...many of whose example I have tried hard to emulate through my career) are still touching the life and professional development of your current students; it is quite reassuring to have seen that the “new” individuals you have hired in recent years embrace similar traits, values and desires to those of the individuals I am more familiar with.  I know that your current and future students will be as proud as I am to be a Virginia Tech graduate.  

  You know, ever since I left Blacksburg in 1986 at some time or another several people have asked me a very simple question … What is a Hokie?   For the first two or so years after I left … I really did not know what to say to that simple question … Then, it HIT me … HEY, I AM a Hokie!  So, ever since that time when someone asks me What is a Hokie?  My standard response has been … I am a Hokie.  I am telling you, I have been in the past, I am currently, and will forever be in the future very PROUD to say that I am a Hokie."
  

Brian Whitacre
Ph.D. 2005
Assistant Professor
For the Department
of Agricultural Economics,
Oklahoma State University.

For questions regarding his
career and experience
emailBrian Whitacre



• "Obtaining a Ph.D. in economics from Virginia Tech has opened up a world of opportunities for me.  The graduate program consists of a
  well-designed mix of theoretical and applied training, and allows for interaction with internationally-recognized faculty.  The training and guidance I received allowed me to be competitive for several academic and federal government positions upon graduation. 
  
  My advice for graduating AAEC students is research the job market and get your name out there!  Virginia Tech does a good job of opening doors for its graduates, whether through the career fair, on-campus interviews, or setting up internships.  Take advantage of these – the chances of landing that perfect job increase as more people hear about you.  For those of you in graduate school, you should be considering your job prospects every step of the way.  When you present research or attend seminars, make a point of talking to established professionals in your field.  These will be your future colleagues, so try to make a good first impression."
  
  

Lauren Cartwright
M.S. 2002
Economic Analysis
For the US Department
of Agricultural
Natural Resources
Conservation Service


For questions regarding her
career and experience
emailLauren Cartwright



Receiving a M.S. in environmental economics from Virginia Tech opened the doors for many job opportunities for me.  My First job after graduating was in the Army Corps of Engineers Institute for Water Resources in Alexandria, VA.
 
I currently work for the US department of Ag, Natural Resources Conservation Service in Columbia, MO. conducting economic analysis for watershed level plans, and general economic assistance as needed for implementation of Farm Bill programs.  My advice for graduating AAEC students is use contacts and referrals as much as possible!

 

Ioannis Kaltsas
Ph.D. 2000
Senior Economist
European Investment Bank,
of Luxembourg, Europe.

For questions regarding his
career and experience
email Ioannis Kaltsas



Getting a Ph.D. in Economics from Virginia Tech was an important prerequisite for my job.  I started working as a consultant for the World Bank while studying in Virginia Tech and some months before my graduation I got a permanent post as an Economist at the ICAC, an international organization in Washington, DC.

I currently work for European Investment Bank, in Luxembourg (Europe) as an advisor to the Vice-President, responsible for operations in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific. In parallel, I teach Managerial Economics in the J. Welch Business School of the Sacred Heart University.

My advice for graduating AAEC students is to look for jobs while still in University and look everywhere, not just in the academia."




Allison M. Davis,
B.S. 2003
Office Manager and
Processor
For Colonial 1st Mortgage.


For questions regarding her
career and experience
emailAllison Davis



• “After Receiving a B.S. in community development from Virginia Tech, my first job after graduating was a financial center manager with BBT of Virginia. I currently work for Colonial 1st Mortgage in Glen Allen, VA, as an office manager and processor. With my job I manage the mortgage company in the West End of Richmond by overseeing daily operations, payroll, and processing of loans.  

  The AAEC dept was so beneficial for me; they provided great support staff and professors that challenged us to achieve great things.  It was a small, quaint, atmosphere where everyone was “Family.”  Being part of the College of Ag opened many doors through clubs and activities that later lead to networking. The AAEC dept can also be credited with my wonderful marriage to my husband, Johnny Davis, an AAEC grad himself in December of 2002.  Funny enough he manages a racetrack with his AAEC degree!

  My advice for graduating AAEC students is Keep your options open….there is no exact field you are supposed to go into with an AAEC degree.  The beauty of this degree is that it is so diverse…the possibilities are endless!"
  
  

Johnny Davis,
B.S. 2002
Vice-President & General
Manager
For Richmond Dragway.

For questions regarding his
career and experience
emailJohnny Davis



• “A degree in Ag Econ provided me with a well rounded introduction to real world business applications and offered the skills necessary to remain a “life long learner” which is a critical element of success in small business management-things are always changing!
  

  My advice for graduating AAEC students is Do what you love.  Take a chance on something new or different – The risk will probably be worth the reward!"

  
  

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Jacob Ricker-Gilbert
M.S. 2005
Agricultural Economist
For US Department
of Agricultural,
Economic Research
Service.


For questions regarding his
career and experience
emailJacob Ricker-Gilbert



• "The AAEC degree gave me great applied experience.  I was able to work abroad in Bangladesh and I learned many things that helped me land and do well in my first job.

  The advice I have for graduating AAEC students is work hard in your classes, write a good thesis, network with people in the department and make sure you go to all the job fairs on campus talk to potential employers.  Many organizations, government, NGO or private are interested in hiring people with Ag Econ. Degrees."
  
  

Wayne S. Roberts
B.S. 1990
Senior Manager
Energy Procurement for
Kraft Foods..

For questions regarding his
career and experience
emailWayne Roberts



• "AAEC at Virginia Tech provided broad exposure across multiple areas of concentration that allowed me the flexibility to be successful in different arenas, whether academic, government, or industry. While my focus initially was international development, my graduate work concentrated in environmental/natural resource topics, and my career has been most closely aligned with agribusiness management. The guidance and support I received from AAEC faculty such as Dr. Geyer and Dr. McDowell were instrumental in my professional development.

  The advice I have for graduating AAEC students is to seek out a faculty mentor to assist you as you evaluate options, to look for key internships or assistantships in your area of interest, and to search broadly from both a geographic and academic perspective."

.

Joseph W. Guthrie
B.S. 1989
Instructor
For Agricultural
Technology Program
at Virginia Tech.



For questions regarding his
career and experience
emailJoe Guthrie


• "I still recall concepts and utilized ideas I learned as an undergrad on a regular basis, both on the farm and in teaching agribusiness courses. I think the greatest benefit has been in decision-making and problem-solving.
  
  The advice I have for graduating AAEC students is be open to opportunities wherever they arise. My first job was completely different from anything in my background and out of my major: I was an admissions counselor in the VT admissions office, so I traveled to high schools and college fairs recruiting students. I would never have expected to have that job, but I really loved it and was good at it. It also filled a gap in time after I graduated from VT and before I started graduate school 9 months later (because I went to grad school in the Southern Hemisphere, were the academic year starts in February). I still look back fondly on those days and how that experience helped broaden my horizons before I settled into a more traditional career path."



John Dillard
B.S. 2005
Business Analyst,
for ABG, Inc.


For questions regarding his
career and experience
emailJohn Dillard



• “My time in AAEC helped expose me to so many aspects of the agriculture industry.  The program is designed not only to probe into your area of specialization, but to introduce you to aspects of agricultural economics outside the traditional scope of production agriculture.  The faculty are top-notch, yet are still approachable and very personable.  They are always willing to help, whether it involves understanding a concept in a class, making industry contacts, or leads on employment.  My experiences in activities outside the classroom such as the NAMA competition and Undergraduate research provided me with knowledge that I still draw upon today with my job.
  
  The advice I have for graduating AAEC students is I would highly encourage talking with a faculty member who is involved in a field that interests you.  They have established contacts within the industry that are looking to hire new employees.  They can steer you towards jobs that will interest you.  Also, I would recommend being flexible in terms of industry and geography.  A degree in AAEC is very flexible and can apply to a number of jobs which may not be traditional "Ag. Econ" jobs."





Maggie Beal
B.S. 2005
Agricultural Legislative
Assistant, Senator
John Barrasso
of Wyoming.

For questions regarding her
career and experience
emailMaggie Beal



• "My education at Virginia Tech gave me a practical and technical background to approach the problem solving that happens in agricultural politics everyday.

  The flexibility in the AAEC curriculum allowed me to build the education that I needed to succeed. I feel that I am better prepared for this field than the majority of my peers, and I owe it to my Agricultural Economics degree from Virginia Tech."

  
  



Emily S. Blevins
B.S. 2007
Staff Accountant
for Brown, Edwards &
Company.

For questions regarding her
career and experience
emailEmily Blevins



• My choice to major in Agricultural Economics at Virginia Tech has proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I am currently employed as a staff accountant with Brown, Edwards, and Company.  My experiences in the AAEC department provided tremendous preparation for my current position.  AAEC courses helped me to develop an understanding of economics, finance, and management in both agricultural and nonagricultural sectors.  More importantly, my coursework enabled me to gain the analytical skills necessary to solve complex problems. 

  In addition to my coursework, I had several other valuable opportunities   I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the AAEC department for over two years.  This position allowed me to gain tax and legal research skills that are absolutely necessary in my career.  An independent study provided yet another opportunity for me to research agricultural tax issues and gain valuable writing skills.  These opportunities would not have been made available to me had I not chosen to major in AAEC. 

  The Ag Econ department has many strengths, but the faculty is by far its greatest.  Faculty members are highly qualified with both excellent teaching and research skills.  Most importantly, I am convinced you will not find a friendlier, more helpful group of individuals in any department at any university.  I felt comfortable going to any of the AAEC faculty with any problem or need.  The faculty truly makes this department great. 

  My advice to current Ag Econ students seeking employment is to use every resource you have to determine which career path is best for you.  Internships and undergraduate research positions are a great way to gain experience. These positions will also help you to decide what type of career is best for you.  When seeking employment, utilize career fairs and the connections you have with faculty and staff members.  They can help you find and obtain employment.

More Testimonials to Come!