Name: Nichole Wilson
Hometown: Janesville, WI
Major and Graduation Date: Animal Science, May 2018; currently pursuing MBA at LSU.
Favorite ISU class: ANS 352 Genetics - I loved Dr. Bundy and I use this class in my career. I also loved my study abroad with Dr. Sterle studying heritage livestock breeds in the UK. These two courses are key in my memories of ISU.
Job Title & Company: Key Account Manager, PIC. I'm based out of Ankeny, IA
Major Job/Position Responsibilities: I work with pork producers of various sizes in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. My Key Accounts are Pork Powerhouses. I not only sell swine genetics, but I manage an account team within each account. Besides selling, I work with customers to make sure our genetics are performing at their best and provide them with various resources throughout pork production.
What do you like most about your job/position? In high school I set a career goal that I wanted to be working alongside the producer to produce the best animal protein possible and do it the most efficient way. I get the opportunity to wake up and do that every single day. I work with incredible colleagues and customers who make me so excited to do my job. I learn something every day and I think that’s a mark of a successful day. It’s so important to enjoy what you’re doing in your career as you spend most of your day at work.
What advice would you give to current students pursuing a career in Agriculture and Life Sciences? It is so important to remember where you came from and who guided and supported you along the way. I have been able to give back to a college that has given me so much. I currently serve as the industry advisor for Sigma Alpha and have spoken to several classes and organizations on campus as well as participated in the Animal Science & Dairy Science Panel for graduating seniors. Being the speaker instead of a student attendee has been so rewarding and I enjoy providing advice and sharing life experiences with the next class of ISU CALS graduates.