Name: Megan Mueller-Frank
Major: Agricultural systems technology
Graduation year: 2023
Current job title and company/organization: Manufacturing engineer at John Deere
What moment or experience at Iowa State most shaped your career path?
The moment that was a turning point with my career path at Iowa State was in the spring semester of my junior year during the industrial technology night career fair. I was encouraged by Tamara Kerns, one of the advisors for industrial technology students, to talk to the recruiter for John Deere. I walked up to him and introduced myself, shared what my experience and background was and my major. He was impressed with the amount of farming background I had and wanted my resume. A few weeks later, I was offered an interview and then an internship as a product engineering intern.
How did your involvement in clubs, internships or research opportunities at Iowa State prepare you for your current role?
My involvement with Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) Club helped prepare me by connecting with industry professionals and what their companies had to offer to AST students. We got the opportunity to tour a few facilities and attend the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, to see the latest and greatest technologies that were being offered in the ag industry.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your education or career, and how did you overcome it?
One challenge that I faced both in my education and career are people and personalities. Every day I work with multiple different people ranging from assembly operators, engineers and supervisors. Every Monday morning, I come to work and say to my team, “Good morning, how was your weekend?” That way I can better understand my team members on a more personal level and find common ground with the individuals at work. Finding common ground is key!
Fill in the blank and provide a brief explanation: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without ______.”
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and inspiration of my parents and my husband throughout my college career and my professional career.
Fill in the blank: “The best piece of advice I received in college was _________, and here’s why it stuck with me: _________.”
The best piece of advice I received in college was “be your true and authentic self.” People want to know the real you and what you offer. They want to understand where you came from and how you got to where you are today. Often managers will see this and understand who you are and how you work as an individual.