Having trouble deciding on a college major and future career? “There are so many fabulous opportunities in agricultural business and agricultural communications. As the world’s population continues to increase, we must find innovative ways to ensure we can effectively and efficiently feed the world. This takes business ingenuity and exceptional communication skills.”
That’s not from the U of A’s Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. That’s straight from an industry professional and one of our graduates
– Tami Strickland, senior director of Regulatory and Data Management at Tyson Foods.
Strickland, who is from Springdale, Arkansas, home of Tyson Foods, earned a U of A bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education from our Department of Agricultural Education, Communication and Technology.
“Agriculture spans so many dimensions and provides a vast amount of opportunities,” she said. “Many of my colleagues at Tyson have some type of agricultural degree.”
Depending on your specific career choice, she said first-year graduates can look for a starting salary range of $45-65,000.
So what does she do? “My job in Regulatory and Data Management is to help ensure we provide great food to the world. My education path, that Tyson supports, is to help find ways for people in developing countries to have the same opportunity for food security.”
In her position, Strickland interacts with industry, government agencies and educational institutions. She makes frequent trips to Washington, D.C., which she says is a bonus. “This history of agriculture is inspiring there.”
As for advice for students: “I have to learn how to study and realize how much I had to study to obtain great grades. Get over being afraid to ask questions of my professors. Each and every professor, I have had the pleasure of working with, want the best for every student. They are there to help with your navigation.”Oh, and this, if you are a student (or know one) thinking about college: “Visit the U of A’s Bumpers College.”
We’ll second that!
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