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.
Software Proficiency, Data Analysis, Motivation, Workplace Challenges, Time Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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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 & Hunting, Government & Public Sector
Research and Development (R&D)
Pell Grant Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Developing new skills in software like Adobe InDesign for report formatting is a continuous learning process.
2. Balancing day-to-day tasks and maintaining motivation can be a challenge in this role.
3. Navigating bureaucratic processes and completing necessary paperwork are aspects of the job.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
Skill-wise, I'm not super challenged. There wasn't anything really new I had to learn.
I am learning a couple of design programs, specifically Adobe software for formatting reports, books, or newspapers. When you see a well-designed report with images and columns, it's likely made with InDesign or similar formatting software, rather than just typing in Word.
I never had to do that in school; I just wrote on Google Docs or Word. I have learned a couple of new softwares, which has been challenging but manageable.
Honestly, the biggest challenge for me is when I have mundane, day-to-day tasks. These "paper pushing" or busy work tasks must be done because of state requirements. You have all these boxes you have to check.
Staying motivated to do those things is probably my biggest challenge.