The Cornell Animal Science Graduate Student Association (ASGSA) recently organized a panel of Cornell AnSci alumni to discuss the exciting opportunities available to Cornell graduates. Read on to learn more!
For Cornell students, the world of possibilities after graduation is immense. Although the future is exciting, pursuing these opportunities can also be daunting. On March 22nd, the Animal Science Graduate Student Association hosted an alumni panel for students at Frank Morrison Hall. The panel, which featured Cornell Animal Science alumni from several generations, covered topics such as the pathways alumni took to their careers, the advantages of a Cornell education and tips on how to transition from student to professional life.
Panel speakers included Katie Schoenberg '03, Ph.D. '11, an animal scientist at R&D Elanco Animal Health; Matt Meyer Ph.D. '05, executive director at Bristol-Myers Squibb; Ryan Higgs MS '09, Ph.D. '14, co-founder and CEO at Onside; Jamie Jonker '94, MS '96, Chief Science Officer at the National Milk Producers Federation; Charlie Elrod Ph.D. '92, CEO at Natural Biologics; Jenny Mills '01 MS '04, Lifestyle Innovation Director at Cargill; and Amanda Davis Ph.D. '20, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the State University of New York at Cortland. With their broad spectrum of expertise and career interests, they had great insight to share with current Cornell students.
"Always be open to the journey and to unexpected opportunities." – Matt Meyer
For many graduates, the road ahead is uncertain. Alumni speakers felt similarly during their time at Cornell. Katie Schoenberg originally thought she was on the pre-veterinary track, but through internships, she discovered a career as an animal scientist. Jenny Mills, who at first saw herself entering academia, ended up doing animal nutrition in industry after her advisor, Mike Van Amburgh, referred her to a position. "As you grow, so will your career path. Branch out, shape your career, and explore new things," said Mills. Matt Meyer also worked under Van Amburgh to get his Ph.D., where he learned of his current career in industry research.
"You never know who you're going to run into: be open to meeting new people, learning new things, and looking at things in different ways. Be open to unexpected opportunities and be open to the journey." – Matt Meyer
"Imposter Syndrome is real!" – Jamie Jonker
Though Cornell graduates are widely accomplished, many fall into the trap of Imposter Syndrome. It can be easy to imagine that you don't belong in a space, but it's important to remember that your knowledge is valuable, emphasized Katie Schoenberg. "After graduation, I struggled to find my voice and worried I had to prove myself, but having confidence in my knowledge showed me that people trusted my opinion," said Schoenberg, who often recruits and hires interns for her company. "Going to a renowned university like Cornell tells recruiters that you're driven and have the skill set to succeed." The transition from college to a professional role can be daunting, but by stepping out of your comfort zone into new spaces, you open the door for many new opportunities.
"Imposter syndrome is real! You may think 'I don't belong there,' but you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and consider that maybe you should be there! Take opportunities and you may be surprised to see what's best for you." – Jamie Jonker
"Take advantage of the Cornell network!" – Charlie Elrod
Cornell's many academic pathways open the door to meet a wide array of people from around the world with unique interests. The friendships and connections you make at Cornell may last a lifetime. Jonker and Meyer both emphasized the importance of the Cornell network in shaping your career journey, especially in helping you find new roles you would not have thought about otherwise. Through her Cornell connections, Mills has referred many of her clients to Cornell scientists, too.
"I still have friends from around the world from friendships that originated at Cornell. Take advantage of the Cornell network you've created!" – Charlie Elrod
"Learn how to communicate your science." – Jenny Mills
Knowing your field is important, but it is also essential to be able to communicate your research and knowledge. Science communication and collaborative skills are especially important in industry, policy, and agritech fields. "There is a lot of momentum and funding going into agritech companies, so there should be amazing opportunities for graduates. The ability to communicate science is important for shareholders to understand their investments," said Ryan Higgs. When recruiting, Schoenberg looks for applicants with leadership, collaborative, and communication skills. Jonker emphasized the importance of knowing your audience and using different communication styles, especially when developing policy.
"Many graduate students are incredibly intelligent and well-learned, but often they need to build their storytelling skills. Can you succinctly answer questions for the layman or shareholder? Learn how to communicate your science." – Jenny Mills
"Never stop learning!" – Matt Meyer
Once you graduate from Cornell, you have the knowledge and experience to build a flourishing career, but the learning shouldn't end there. There is so much science being explored every day and so much to learn from other fields outside your expertise. "Reach out to people you admire and learn about what they're doing," said Charlie Elrod. "Step away from what you know and never close your mind to opportunities." Regarding maintaining relevance, Schoenberg suggested talking to recruiters at job interviews about continuing research and learning even in industry.
"Never stop learning! In a graduate program, you get a tight focus on your field, but go out and learn elsewhere: surround yourself with people who can teach you about other things. When you follow your curiosity, take risks and continuously challenge yourself, you will be able to grow and learn." – Matt Meyer
Cornell Animal Science thanks the alumni speakers for their insight and the ASGSA executive board for organizing the panel.
Tyler Collinson ’25 is an Animal Science major and student writer for the Cornell CALS Department of Animal Science.
