Ag Jobs A to Z: Industry Relations Specialist

Photo Credit: Emma Andrew, Industry Relations Specialist

If you've been following Roots on social media, you know I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee in November for AgChat Conference, thanks to Iowa Corn. (It was also combined with this AgEI trip.) While I was there I took pages and pages of notes to help me improve as a blogger. I also met tons of fantastic agriculture professionals and agvocates. As I wrap up this Ag Jobs A to Z series, I can't wait to introduce you to a few of them.

We'll start off with Emma Andrew. I really appreciate the time she took to share her perspective as an Industry Relations Specialist. Read more to learn about her career working with dairy. Also, keep an eye out for her work in your local grocery store dairy isle or on the Fuel Up Play 60 campaign!

1.Where did you go to school?
I went school at the State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo) I studied Communication: Media & Journalism with a minor in Spanish.

2. What inspired you to pursue a job in industry relations?
Growing up on a large dairy farm taught me the importance of hard work and instilled a passion for the dairy industry. I wanted to use my skills in the field of communication and Spanish to promote and support the dairy industry. I desired to share my knowledge of the dairy industry with consumers to enhance their understanding of the many benefits dairy farms provide the local community. It was my aspiration to have a career that allowed me to pursue that goal.

3. How long have you been working in industry relations?
I have been doing Industry Relations since June 2014. 

4. What skills are necessary for a career in industry relations?

• Public speaking
• Flexibility of time, work, and schedule
• Ability to create promotions, stories, contests, dialogues, and programs to enhance dairy industry’s image.
• Relate well with farmers
• Dairy industry knowledge or background (is beneficial not required)
• Basic Computer skills
• Social media skills
• Ability to write clearly and concisely 
• Willing to travel 

5. How does your job fit into the agricultural industry? (Who do you work with? Who do you help? Who helps you?) 
I work for The American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, the dairy Check-off organization for NY, parts of PA and NJ. We promote dairy products and farmer image through various programs (Fuel Up to Play 60, Breakfast After the Bell, Dairy aisle reinventions, RD talks, farm tours, etc.) We work with other producer groups like NEDPA, Farm Bureau.

6. What career/internship opportunities are there in industry relations?
DMI has internships available and all of the major dairy coops.

7. Is there anything else you would like a student audience to know?
It is the perfect career for Ag Communications Students. 

Huge thanks to Emma for sharing about her job as an Industry Relations Specialist! Thanks for reading!

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