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Miranda, Agricultural Economist at California Department of Food and Agriculture: Advize Career Interview
A career in agricultural economics offers diverse opportunities within the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
A recent interview revealed a path starting with environmental studies and economics, enhanced by internships at Alter Solar, a university arboretum, and the California EPA. A master's degree in agricultural and resource economics led to a position overseeing seven agricultural marketing programs, requiring extensive travel, public speaking, report writing, and data analysis.
The role blends regulatory oversight with technical analysis, contributing to the California Agricultural Statistics Review.
Success in this field, the interviewee emphasized, requires strong communication, self-motivation, and networking, with entry-level opportunities readily available at CDFA for undergraduates in various areas.
While the work includes less exciting tasks, the chance to directly impact California's agricultural sector, coupled with a hybrid schedule and strong job security, provides significant rewards.
The interview also highlighted the importance of advocacy and building relationships for equal pay and career advancement.
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Miranda Townsend
Agricultural Economist
California Department of Food and Agriculture
UC Santa Cruz, 2020
UC Davis, Agricultural and Resource Economics Masters Program
Environmental & Related Sciences
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Research and Development (R&D)
Pell Grant Recipient
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Career Path of an Agricultural Economist at California Department of Food and Agriculture
Miranda's career path began with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Economics, complemented by diverse internships at "Alter Solar," the University Arboretum, and the California EPA and Air Resources Board, focusing on "environmental work" and data collection. Following a rigorous master's degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis, Miranda secured their current position at the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Main Responsibilities of an Agricultural Economist at California Department of Food and Agriculture
Miranda, an Agricultural Economist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, provides administrative oversight for seven agricultural marketing programs, including the California Walnut Commission and California Blueberry Commission. These programs, "industry initiated...government sanctioned," allow farmers to collectively address issues like research, advertising (such as the "Got Milk" campaign), and quality control, which would be impossible individually.
A Day In The Life Of An Agricultural Economist At California Department Of Food And Agriculture
A day for an Assistant Agricultural Economist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture involves extensive travel throughout the state for meetings, acting as a liaison to provide "economic and regulatory guidance" to various agricultural programs. This role also includes tasks such as preparing public hearings, certifying program votes, conducting bill analyses, and contributing to the annual "California Agricultural Statistics Review," showcasing a blend of regulatory oversight and technical analysis.
Most Important Skills for an Agricultural Economist at California Department of Food and Agriculture
For an Agricultural Economist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, strong "verbal and written communication skills" are paramount, as evidenced by the constant public speaking and report writing inherent in the role. The position also necessitates proficiency in "basic technical skills," such as Microsoft Office applications, for data analysis and professional correspondence.
Favorite Parts of Being an Agricultural Economist at California Department of Food and Agriculture
Miranda, an Agricultural Economist, most enjoys the travel involved in her role at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, highlighting a preference for fieldwork and "working with ag producers and farmers" over desk work. This demonstrates a desire for hands-on experience and engagement within the agricultural community.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Agricultural Economist at California Department of Food and Agriculture
Miranda's biggest challenge as an Agricultural Economist isn't skill-based, but rather maintaining motivation for "mundane tasks" and "busy work" required by the state, despite finding the technical learning curve—"a couple new softwares"—manageable. The need to stay engaged with less stimulating aspects of the role is a key aspect of the job that Miranda finds most challenging.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Agriculture Industry As An Agricultural Economist
Miranda, an Agricultural Economist, finds immense satisfaction in contributing to California's significant agricultural sector, stating "ag is huge in California and really important...feeding the state, feeding the country, feeding the world". The appealing work-life balance, hybrid schedule, and strong job security within the public sector are also key aspects that Miranda enjoys.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Public Sector According To An Agricultural Economist At The California Department Of Food And Agriculture
In the public sector, success hinges on "independent, really good self-motivators" who actively build networks and communicate effectively, as the slow pace allows for coasting but not significant advancement without proactive skill development and showcasing of abilities.
What an Agricultural Economist at California Department of Agriculture Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Agriculture
Miranda, an Agricultural Economist, revealed a surprising disconnect between her job title and actual duties; "I am an economist by title, but it's not really economic work," the role's focus shifted over time, leaving the job classification unchanged, a fact which would have been valuable to know before entering the field.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Agricultural Economists in California
Miranda, an Agricultural Economist at California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), highlights the diverse entry-level opportunities available to undergraduates, stating that "the state has a ton of entry-level jobs," including roles in data analysis, policy analysis, and various other fields like finance, accounting, and communications. CDFA specifically offers many scientist positions and constantly seeks fresh graduates for these diverse openings, making state government a strong option for job seekers.
Significant Career Lesson From An Agricultural Economist At California Food And Agriculture
Miranda, an Agricultural Economist, emphasizes that career success hinges on networking, stating "it really is not about what you know, it's about who you know". This insight, gained through experience securing a niche role despite not fully utilizing the skills from their master's degree, highlights the importance of leveraging personal connections for career advancement.
College Experiences That Helped an Agricultural Economist at California Department of Food and Agriculture Succeed
Miranda's career success stemmed from "internships, networking," and leveraging faculty connections. The EPA internship, obtained through networking rather than formal applications, exemplifies the power of building relationships and utilizing "these huge networks of people" for career advancement.
How Identity Has Influenced An Agricultural Economist's Career At California Agriculture Department
Early in their career, a mentor helped the Agricultural Economist secure equal pay, highlighting the persistent need for women to "vouch for themselves." Despite California's equity policies, the professional continues to encounter "good old boy" mentalities, particularly among older generations in the agricultural sector, necessitating consistent demonstration of superior skills and preparation to navigate career challenges.
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