By Zoey Dinkla, health and animal care associate of the Heartland Region at The Maschhoffs
More often than not, students begin their college experience without a solidified plan for their future. What will they study? Who will they be when they “grow up”? I was that student. Undecided, yet eager to learn, meet new people and have a little fun along the way. I was sure of one thing: I wanted to build my education, career and life around agriculture. A passion that presents endless opportunities.
Throughout my time at Iowa State University, I was encouraged to step outside my comfort zone and expand my knowledge in the different sectors of the agriculture industry. I am thankful for the experiences that allowed me to narrow down my interest in swine production. The opportunities to learn from industry leaders, improve my communication skills and develop a professional network led me to my current role with The Maschhoffs.
I spent my summers working for large integrators, gaining crucial hands-on experience that would later benefit me in my career. At the time, I did not appreciate my exposure to a variety of companies’ workflows, processes and ultimately, their culture. With a few years of experience under my belt, I now realize the last one is the most important – culture.
My best piece of advice for a new graduate is to find a company that suits you. Look for a company with a mindful culture that is willing to support your growth. You may not get your dream job right out of the gate or receive the highest compensation you desire, but soon you will understand the importance of an encouraging work environment and the people surrounding you.
I have spent the last two years developing a personal and professional skillset with The Maschhoffs. The company has provided me with support, structure and opportunities to expand my knowledge of pork production. They allow me to collaborate with each department to learn and align my strengths with my interests. This led to the discovery of my passion for education and training.
I will be returning to Iowa State University in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in Agricultural Education, with the support of my employer. The Maschhoffs offer a tuition reimbursement program to provide financial assistance to any employee pursuing higher education. The goal of this program is to aid in the development of the employee as well as benefit the company.
My graduate curriculum includes a creative component, a project focusing on my professional work. This is an amazing opportunity for The Maschhoffs and I as I will be diving into real-time issues our company is facing. This program will allow me to prioritize our needs and develop a structured plan to improve our current practices.
Although I have had the idea of graduate school in mind for a while, The Maschhoffs have made this decision a no-brainer. I am grateful for the support to continue my education and provide me with an opportunity to become a better student, employee and advocate for the swine production industry.
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