Another Chat With a Professor

For ANSC 298, one of our out-of-class assignments is to interview an animal science professor and ask them questions about their profession, how they got there, what advice they have for students like us, and what kinds of research they're currently doing. I chose to meet with Dr. Koelkebeck because I remembered him from his unit in my ANSC 100 class I took freshman year. I'm really glad I chose him because he made me feel a lot better about my situation. I asked how he got to where he is today, and he told me by luck. He is a poultry professor here, but graduated college with a B.S in general agriculture. Agricultural economics was his first plan, but it didn't work out like he wanted. A friend knew of a job opening as a technician at a poultry job, so he interviewed and got the job. After about six months, his boss asked him if he wanted to take a few more classes for a masters, so he did. He then got his PhD and applied for jobs in academia. Since I am in the dilemma of whether after I get my B.S in animal science if I should find a job, go to graduate school, or apply to vet school, it was really nice to talk to someone who also didn't know what they wanted exactly before graduation. I asked him what advice he has for someone like myself in this kind of situation and he said the main thing is to keep my options open. I guess he is right, because that obviously worked out really well for him! With all my tests coming up this next week (3 tests and a quiz...), I panic even when I think about my future from added stress. I found some ease after talking to him, since he was basically in the same situation. He thought about veterinary school, going into ag economics, or cattle and beef production. Finally I feel some sweet relief (which is definitely a temporary feeling), about my lack of decision-making. The thing I found that was most interesting about Dr. K was that he first took a job in Hawaii after he got his PhD! How crazy to think that animal sciences, specifically poultry, could take you to such an awesome tropical location! It just goes to show that animal agriculture is truly everywhere, which also makes me feel better about job opportunities and things related to that. Finally, some feeling of tranquility during this stressful time of studying!