Gatton students connect with industry

Students and potential employers made connections at the 16th Annual Rural Management and Agribusiness Dinner, held last week at UQ’s Gatton campus.

The dinner is held every year to thank industry and government representatives for their contribution to the programs and to acknowledge the achievements of the students who are about to graduate.

For students, it is also a chance to rub shoulders with prospective employers.

Agribusiness student Krista Virtue, of Lismore, found her future employer One Harvest through the program.

In her final semester, she completed a market research project for One Harvest. The project took her and three other students to Hong Kong and secured her first job as a graduate.

Ms Virtue said, unlike some large, generic business degrees, the agribusiness program was sharply focused on exposing students to industry, proving invaluable in increasing her employability.

“All of our projects and case studies throughout uni have had a real life client,” she said.

“This experience has been priceless as it has given me the knowledge and experience to communicate and present my ideas confidently to prospective employers.

“But most importantly, my lecturers have ensured not only that I have these skills but also that I have the opportunity to demonstrate them to future employers at events such as the Rural Management and Agribusiness Dinner.”

National Farmers Federation president David Crombie spoke at the event and stressed the importance of the role that these graduates will play in securing the future of Australian agriculture.

Ms Virtue and her classmates graduate on December 5.

Follow the links for more information about rural management and agribusiness programs at The University of Queensland.

Media: Erin Pearl at the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (07 5460 1229)