Name: Kellie 
Role Title: Field Officer (Dairy Industry) 
Location: Murray Goulburn Co-operative, Maffra, Vic

Description of work undertaken:  Kellie's tasks vary considerably. Specific tasks include: public relations, financial and production advice, delivery and implemention of on farm Quality Assurance Program, working with with factory suppliers, liasing between suppliers and management and assisting in solving milk quality problems. Team and / or individual role / responsibilities: Kellie works as a team with three others to deliver these services, but most of her work takes place on a one-on-one basis with individual  farmers.

Future? 
Kellie would like to move into a stronger role as a field officer in the dairy industry or into a Sales Representative Position.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Kellie grew up in the Macalister Irrigation District, Maffra (Gippsland) on a dairy farm. Kellie developed an interest in agriculture, specifically the dairy industry, which eventually led to a career in the industry.

Course(s) studied: 
Tertiary /post secondary:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture).

Secondary: 
Kellie believes her high school subjects were not particularly related to her current career interest. Kellie advises students to study sciences at school.

Work experience: 
During secondary school Kellie worked at a Vet Practice. During University, Kellie worked at a Herd Improvement Centre and at a Dairy Co-operative (current employer).

OPPORTUNITIES: 
Further study: 
With Kellie's agricultural degree, there is room to go on to complete a PhD. There is also opportunity in her current job to do training.

Learning on job, new skills, etc. 
Kellie considers that the majority of her learning has taken place on the job. She  attends seminars and conferences within the industry and briefs on new and current issues.

Travel, etc.
Spending a majority of each working day on the road, Kellie travels from farm to farm within a designated area.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW: 
students up to Year 10
Kellie believes students who have an interest in Agriculture should complete some work experience to get an idea of the industry and how it operates.

VCE students 
Students should study science-related subjects and possibly an agricultural subject if available.

Tertiary students
Studying agriculture is strongly advised, although other courses can lead to a career in this field.

OTHER: 
Comments, thoughts, suggestions. 
Career opportunities in Agriculture are endless.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Agronomists, Herd managers, Animal Nutritionists, Sales Representative, Financial advisory with a bank, Field Officers in other industries, Animal Health Officers.