Name: Morgan (Fitzsimmons) Lobdell
Major(s): Agricultural and life sciences education – communications option
Graduation year: 2021
Current job title and company/organization: Digital merchandiser, Theisen's Home Farm and Auto
What moment or experience at Iowa State most shaped your career path?
Every opportunity I took while in college was a part of the journey. They were all influential, and some changed my trajectory. I would say ultimately, the one that truly set me on my pathway was my final internship with Cargill. I was able to work on the team in Animal Nutrition that focused on retail agricultural digital marketing. After spending some time in my career, I got the opportunity to return to that team in a contract role at Cargill. It just deepened my passion for keyword search, SEO, and websites. I am truly lucky to be working at Theisen’s, in ag retail, in an area of the business that I find joy in. I know that Iowa State prepared me to take on these opportunities and gave me the foundation to pursue what I love.
How did your involvement in clubs, internships or research opportunities at Iowa State prepare you for your current role?
There was so much that being at Iowa State pushed me to become involved with. It was very unusual to complete a different internship experience every summer where I was from, but being encouraged to do so at Iowa State set me up for long-term success. I still have close network connections and friendships from these internships that serve me today. Additionally, it helped me narrow the scope of what I was looking for in a career and set me on a path. Do not skip being in a club at Iowa State. I would be remiss if I did not mention being involved in Block and Bridle at Iowa State University. This organization gave me so much. It taught me planning, conflict resolution, networking, and the power of community. Serving as treasurer for the largest campus organization allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and grow. Most importantly, this group gave me lifelong friends and colleagues.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your education or career, and how did you overcome it?
One challenge I faced in my career was landing in the area I knew that I wanted to be in. I have always been passionate about marketing and agriculture. When you start in agricultural marketing, you find out that it is much more diverse than you originally planned. You may not be in an area or job right away, and that is okay. It turned out that I really love many facets of digital marketing, and it has taken refinement for me to get to my current role. My biggest piece of advice is to spend time reflecting on what really fills your cup. Then start planning on how you can do more of it. Career steps do not happen overnight but are rather strategic planning, mentorship, and reflection of your inner self. To me, mentorship and being honest with myself have made me a better young professional.
Fill in the blank and provide a brief explanation: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without ______.”
This one is tough. There are many people who have poured into me as a young professional. I honestly would say Iowa State as a whole. Iowa State is so respected as an agricultural institution, and being an alumnus is not something to take lightly. When I meet folks within agriculture, oftentimes we have a connection, and it is because of Iowa State. The network I was given thanks to choosing Iowa State is priceless and irreplaceable. Alongside this, the professors and mentors at Iowa State made me a better person.
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 “the world is run by those who show up,” shared by Dr. Jodi Sterle. It has stuck with me all these years because showing up is half the battle. In our community, careers, and personal lives, showing up is the first step. Since understanding this, my next goal has been to show up intentionally. Life is all about balance, or some semblance of this. We cannot give 100% to all things, all the time. We have the power to choose where and how we show up. Since coming home to my family farm and community, I have been intentional about showing up, and what that looks like in my career. We do make the world a better place by giving our time and talent. To me, showing up allows people to know how much we care.