In the year since graduating with his Master of Agribusiness (MAB), University of Florida alumnus Gavin K. Scott has quickly established himself within the agribusiness industry. He has found a niche where his passions, talents, and skills developed in the program combine as a Foodservice Sales Associate at Seaboard Foods, a major U.S.-based pork producer and processor. 

An Accelerated Path to Industry 

A double gator, Scott completed his B.S. in Agricultural Operations Management at the University of Florida in 2022 before going directly into the MAB program. 

“What drew me to the MAB program was the access to professors with real industry experience and the culture of supporting innovative agribusiness thinking,” Scott said. “It felt like a space where non-traditional career paths were not just accepted—but encouraged. I also appreciated that the program emphasized applied learning.” 

While he views his route as perhaps less traditional than that of the student who joins the workforce first before going back to earn an MAB, Scott believes that his time in the program has been instrumental to his success in the field by preparing him to collaborate with a wide range of individuals to meet their shared goals. 

 “It gave me a leg up in interviews, showing that I could handle graduate-level work and had long-term vision,” Scott said. “More importantly, the program helped build my confidence.” 

Passion for Pork 

 Scott attributes his post-graduate success to the ability to follow his personal curiosities within the agribusiness industry and to pursue his interests in agricultural commodities such as pork.  

He joined Seaboard Foods after his graduation, first as a Commercial Operations Trainee. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to look at the industry from multiple angles—logistics, sales, analytics—and explore how evolving markets, technology, and cultural shifts are shaping the future of protein,” Scott said. 

In his current role as a Foodservice Sales Associate, he manages foodservice accounts across the western United States, growing and diversifying the company’s customer base. 

 “I’m especially proud to be part of a company that’s investing in forward-thinking innovations, like developing our own biofuels from production byproducts and prioritizing the humane treatment of pigs. With Seaboard Foods, I feel like I’m on the forefront of meaningful change in how we produce and deliver food.” 

In the day-to-day operations of his role, Scott finds himself constantly applying lessons learned from his time in the MAB program, from his coursework in Agribusiness Risk Management, which helps him to understand the ripple effects of decisions within a commodity market, to the Blue Ocean Strategy framework. 

“I’m always looking for ways to expand the market creatively rather than just competing on price or volume,” Scott said. “That mindset helps me think proactively in conversations with our sales teams and customers.” 

Continuing Contributions 

As he continues forward, Scott is excited to use both his education and experience in industry to contribute to the improvement of agribusiness in the U.S., and eventually the globe. 

 “There’s a pressing need to reconnect the producer and the kitchen table,” Scott said. “I want to be part of bridging that gap, whether through education, innovation, or collaboration across the value chain. 

To the Future MAB Cohorts 

When asked to give advice to incoming Master of Agribusiness students, Scott states:  

“Make the program your own. Everyone enters the MAB with different goals, and the program gives you the flexibility to shape your experience accordingly. Be upfront with your professors about what you hope to achieve—they’ll support you. And if you’re balancing work and school, give yourself grace. Pace yourself and lean into the parts that truly spark your interest.” 

More information regarding the program and application process, please contact FRE-GradPrograms@ifas.ufl.edu or visit our website. 

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