Name: Emily Saeugling
Major(s): Animal science
Graduation year: 2022
Current job title and company/organization: Dairy foods sales account manager, Land O’Lakes
What moment or experience at Iowa State most shaped your career path?
Undergraduate research was very impactful to my career path for a myriad of reasons. It allowed me to explore my interests at the time, supply chain and the beef industry. My research mentor, Dr. Montabon, is the person who first suggested Land O'Lakes as a company that may be a good fit for me. My research was the catalyst for an internship, exposed me to a variety of jobs I hadn't known existed, and gave me a trusted mentor to discuss my strengths and potential career paths with.
How did your involvement in clubs, internships or research opportunities at Iowa State prepare you for your current role?
My involvement at Iowa State, particularly as an animal science major and CALS student, has continually set me up for success. Below are three experiences that specifically helped prepare me for my roles in dairy foods sales/sales acceleration at Land O'Lakes:
- For my capstone research project at Iowa State, I conducted qualitative research, wrote a paper on findings, and shared about them at a research symposium. This experience taught me to be creative, analytical with minimal quantitative data, and how to communicate key takeaways. This is particularly applicable to my current broker-managed sales territory. With minimal data available on my customers, I rely on national quantitative data and conversations with buyers and brokers to help me develop key recommendations.
- Planning Mr. CALS and serving as the professional development co-chair in Sigma Alpha helped me learn about budget management and engaging large audiences. I utilized these skills when I was responsible for an incremental funding budget and developing bi-monthly updates for the sales team in my most recent role.
- I referenced my time on the meats judging team in the cover letter for my current role. Judging required a strong work ethic, dedication and a positive attitude. This experience shaped my mindset on leadership and teamwork and has prepared me to lead and develop a broker network in my current role.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your education or career, and how did you overcome it?
A challenge I've faced is confidence in my own decisions and desires. As a young individual, I was driven by the advice to take advantage of every opportunity. While it's great advice to get involved, you can't do it all. As a freshman at Iowa State, I was in CALS Ambassadors, the Honors Program, joined Block & Bridle, Sigma Alpha, Collegiate Cattlemen, doing research, etc. I was trying to do everything without reflecting on what I was interested in, where I wanted to grow and develop, and what I simply enjoyed. My mentors, especially my parents and college roommates, coached me through giving myself permission to say “no.” I started small by picking clubs to prioritize and clubs that I would simply be a member of. I had conversations with mentors to keep me from taking too many credit hours. Saying “no” to club meetings and certain classes enabled me to say “yes” to what I really enjoyed, like meats judging and a capstone research project. Knowing that limiting what you do allows you to show up as a better version of yourself in the rooms you do enter has been one of the most impactful lessons.
Fill in the blank and provide a brief explanation: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without ______.”
Mentorship. The conversations you have are critical for navigating your life and your career. It may be a one-off informational interview, a conversation with a professor, a formal mentorship program, or a phone call with a parent or close friend. Seek perspectives from different career paths, backgrounds, life stages, etc., and center your big decision conversations with a small, strategic group.
Fill in the blank: “The best piece of advice I received in college was _________, and here’s why it stuck with me: _________.”
There are two pieces of advice that have continued to stick with me:
- Draw a Venn diagram. In one circle write “What problems do I want to solve?” and in the other “Who will pay me to solve them?” In the middle, you'll find your ideal career. I think we can put unrealistic pressure on finding a “perfect” job. This advice (thanks, Dr. Montabon!) helped me remember that there are a lot of jobs I may enjoy.
- “Do your dead level best and don't lie on your reasons.” Aunt Sherry (Olsen) told her meat judgers this thousands of times, and I carry 'do your dead level best' on a key chain with me to this day. These sentences have been particularly impactful because they simplify things for me. No matter the situation, I'm just going to do my dead level best and act with honesty and integrity.