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Communications and Agricultural Education

Communications and Agricultural Education

Kansas State University
1612 Claflin Road
301 Umberger Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-3402

785-532-5804
785-532-5633 fax

Alumni Information

Alumni

ACJ alumni are making a difference in big ways. Whether by working with the Foreign Agricultural Service at the United States Department of Agriculture or leading one of the nation's leading agricultural publications, K-State ACJ alumni represent agricultural and environmental stakeholders in their everyday work as communicators.

Click here to connect with alumni

  

Job Opportunities

ACJ students receive notices about job and internship opportunities several ways. The program's listserv serves as the primary channel. Stay connected to our group on Facebook! If you have an opening you would like to promote, send a description and contact information to Department Head Jason Ellis, and he will gladly share it with the students.

  

Graduate Program

Professionals in agricultural education, agricultural communications, extension education, and related fields can have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge while expanding their technical competence with a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. Learn more about the graduate program by clicking the link below.

Click here to learn more about our graduate program.

  

Where are our alumni now?

Sierra Day
Sierra Day Headshot

Graduation year: 2020

Major: Agricultural Communications and Journalism

Current Position: Field Editor at Prairie Farmer

"It wasn’t until my first ACJ class that I really opened my eyes to ag communications. From my crisis communications to layout and design, I feel so equipped for wherever my career takes me."
Charlsie Craig
Charlsie Craig
Graduation Year: 2016
 
Major: Agricultural Communications and Journalism 
 
Hometown: Scandia, Kansas
 
Current Position: RFD-TV Producer

How did the department prepare you for the job you have now?

The department prepared me for really all aspects of my career. At RFD-TV we cover international and national ag news. From science classes to advertising classes I've honestly used a little bit of everything I learned.

What class helped you the most and why?

AGCOM 410: Ag Magazine. Lisa is a great teacher and it was awesome to be a part of a project that we were able to see the end product.

What are your favorite memories?

My favorite memories would have to be my internship at K-State Radio. It was my first real introduction to ag media and it pushed me to get out of my comfort zone.

What would you say to anyone considering this major?

This is an amazing major that honestly allows you to be in all aspects of the ag world. I've learned there is so much you can do in the agriculture community and this major helps you step in the right direction.

Julie Mais
Julie Mais '09

Graduation Year: 2009

Major: Agricultural Communications and Journalism, Animal Sciences and Industry

Current Position: Editor, Angus Journal

What advice would you give to current and/or future students?

Start building a network of people — they will become your colleagues, peers and employers. Take classes that will challenge you and add to your portfolio. Many ag communicators wear many hats, so having a knowledge of various skills will be valuable. Develop your writing skills — being able to effectively communicate whether it’s through email, social media, writing an article, etc., can get you far. Ask for feedback and apply what your learn. Explore the vast possibilities of the ag comm field through opportunities like internships and job shadowing. You don’t know what you will like, or dislike, until you experience it first-hand.

Robin Blume
Robin Blume_alumni
Graduation Year: 2009
 
Major: Ag Communications and Journalism/Animal Sciences and Industry
 
Hometown: Wheaton, Kansas
 
Current Position: Marketing Coordinator at Frontier Farm Credit

 

How did your time at K-State prepare you for your job?

Mostly all of the activities and classes, I use many of the things I learned in my work every day.

What class helped you the most?

AGCOM410: Ag Magazine. It was great to create a finished product and really showcase your work!

How are you still involved with K-State?

We do a lot of activities with K-State through sponsorships. We also offer a student board where seven students from across the College of Agriculture serve on an advisory board for our company. We meet in our office or on campus and work regularly with faculty. I also go to as many sporting events as possible.

How did the faculty help you while you were at K-State?

They really pushed me to explore things and to get involved. The advisers take an interest in the students.

"Internships lead to jobs. I interned with Frontier Farm Credit the summer before my final year of college I kept working here 20 hours/week. They then offered me the full-time position when I graduated," - Robin Blume.

Phil White
Phil White

Major:

Agricultural Communications, 2008, Agricultural Economics, 2010

Current Position:

Vice President/Agricultural Lender, Impact Bank, Caldwell, Kansas

"I recommend this major to any student interested in any career in agriculture (and even beyond)! The excellent student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention and experiences specific to your interests, skills, and strengths. The excellent practical industry experience you will gain and the strong industry relationships you will cultivate during your time at K-State will propel you into your next step. The excellent adaptability you will develop as a student in agricultural communications and journalism will open many additional and diverse career doors for you. Since graduating, I have been a radio news reporter and anchor, a television news assignment editor, newscast producer, photographer and reporter, radio station general manager, and now banker. I can trace all of those back to skills I gained as an agricultural communications and journalism major."