Benjamin Williams is a sophomore Agriculture Economics major from Bloomfield, KY
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What advice would you offer an incoming freshman in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
My #1 piece of advice would be to get involved! Our college is very unique in the way we are structured and the amount of student-oriented events we have. Whether that be joining our professional agriculture sorority to joining a variety of our clubs, there are always things to get involved in on campus. Once you get involved I promise you, meeting new people and making life-long connections will get a lot easier!
Why did you choose your program, and how does your program contribute to your career goals?
I chose the Agricultural Economics program at UK first because of its credibility compared to other programs across the country and secondly because of the influence it will have on the career field I am wanting to pursue. Currently I am planning to work for Kentucky Farm Bureau as an insurance agent, but I also have hopes of being a part-time farmer. With this major I am learning all the necessary skills needed to not only run and operate a farm, but to also connect with others and have a better understanding of the agriculture industry as a whole. Each one of my professors has left me with a new piece of knowledge that I know when I graduate I will be able to use in the future.
Have you completed an internship, job, or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
Yes! Through my major I was connected to intern for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture after my freshman year. During this internship I worked in the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy and was able to make a lot of great connections and get a deeper understanding of the importance of agricultural policy and funding in our industry. I have also been deeply impacted by the Collegiate Farm Bureau (CFB) program at UK were I have made connections with Kentucky Farm Bureau members across the state and have gained a better understanding of why it is important to advocate issues in agriculture.
What makes UK and our college stand out above the rest?
I think the University of Kentucky has an amazing atmosphere for students that not only prepares them academically, but also helps them grow as an individual. Since starting college, I can't even begin to list all the different things I have learned from being on campus or the numerous lifelong memories I have made. There truly is something unique about being part of the Big Blue Nation! After being at UK our college has also blown me away by how family and student-oriented it is. Not a day has gone by where I haven't felt welcomed or cared for while being a student in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment! Our college especially focuses on preparing students for their future/dream careers.
