Ever wondered where UF’s latest graduates are working? Check out our most recent FRE Alumni Spotlight, Tyler Walker. In the interview, Tyler discusses how he is making the most out of his degree in Food and Resource Economics working in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and how his experience as an undergraduate prepared him for the industry. Read More Below:

About our Spotlight:

Name: Tyler Walker

Major: Food and Resource Economics – Food and Agribusiness Marketing and Management

College: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Graduation: Class of 2016

Current Position: Loan Analyst – USDA – Farm Service Agency

After Graduation: Where is Tyler Now?

Tyler Walker, Food and Resource Economics class of 2016 (Food and Agribusiness Marketing and Management Specialization), applies his major classes in his daily work life as a Loan Analyst within the Farm Service Agency in the United States Department of Agriculture located in the Florida panhandle. He has worked for the Farm Service Agency since graduation in 2016 and has continued to craft his skills, abilities, and knowledge to make a positive impact in his farming community. His favorite part of his job? The interaction with farmers.

How Does the Position Relate to FRE?

As a loan analyst, Walker’s daily duties often include the financial, production management, and agricultural marketing education he received during his studies at UF. Reflecting back on the curriculum, the two classes Walker felt prepared him the most for his career at the USDA was Dr. Kropp’s Advanced Agricultural Management (a special topics course within the Food and Resource Economics major) and Dr. Farnsworth Introduction to Agricultural Finance (AEB3144). He also felt these two classes were the most educational and fun.

Thoughts on FRE as a Graduate?

When discussing the Food and Resource Economics major, Walker enjoyed the diversity of the major: “The FRE major helped me think of business and agriculture on a more global scale.” With the course offerings and subjects, he felt the major has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to be successful in his professional life within the agricultural industry. However, he did not forget to mention the many memories and experiences he made with friends and peers from different backgrounds while at UF. Walker is always open to helping out a fellow Food and Resource Economics student and can be found on LinkedIn. When asked for recommendations for students currently in the Food and Resource Economics major, he listed three things: Get Involved, Get Internships, and Find a Career You’re Passionate About!

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