Position:
Production Manager
Organization:
Graduation Date: May, 2013
Degree Received: Community, Regional, Global Development (BS), Minor in Town, City, and Regional Planning
After graduating:
I moved back to Lenoir, NC where I grew up and started applying for jobs. Man what a full time job it was! I landed a full time job as office manager of Foothills Bio-Energies in Lenoir. They not only make bio-diesel but refine glycerin to be used in all natural soaps, cleaners, etc. I was so excited to land my first job in a business that kept sustainability close to heart. Although I was stuck in a office all day I gained a great understanding of how sustainable businesses run behind the scenes. I gained experience in QuickBooks, learned basic accounting for small businesses and got to make my own schedule (something that every SD graduate dreams of!). In my spare time I volunteer with a non-profit dog rescue called Partners Canine out of Boone, NC. Not only do I pull dogs on death row from high kill shelters, I am a foster home as well. Each month we save over 130 dogs from high kill shelters around the high country as well as much of North Carolina. I now serve on the board and am over foster homes and adoptions in Western North Carolina.
My current situation is:
I currently live on a ten acre farm in Catawba County. In school one could only dream of having land and being able to live a sustainable lifestyle. My partner and I were lucky enough to be able to live in his grandmothers house that passed away. With the barn and the many years of tools we have yet to have to buy anything needed for our farm. We are farming around half a acre now as well as many raised beds. We have over 32 laying chickens at the time.
My proudest achievements since graduation:
My proudest achievement since graduation is landing a job with New River Organic Growers as their Production Manager. Going to school in the High Country as well as interning with High Country CSA I grew to look up to everything NROG stood for. When I got the opportunity for the interview it felt like a dream. As Production Manager I manage over 70 farms in the food co-op. I work from home most days, and work in Boone three out of seven days. I get to incorporate my skills in accounting and office management as well as my experience in sustainable agriculture.
Additional Comments:
I may have not been top in all of my classes but having actual job experience outside of college is really what jobs want to see. They want to see that you are active in volunteer organizations and that you could hold a steady job. Internships are endless so try and do as many as you can. The more you do the easier it will be to decide what you want and don't want in a job. Plus it may be connections to future jobs! Mine sure was!
I thank the SD department for teaching me to question everything and not take anything at face value.
Contact Information:
nrogproduction@gmail.com
828-850-1208