I am currently working as a Product Development Senior Marketing Representative for John Deere Intelligent Vehicle Systems / Agriculture Management Solutions located in Urbandale IA. The primary role of this position is gathering customer requirements for current and future products and providing the "customer voice" in the product development process. I conduct focus groups, and work with individual dealers and customers to define current market and product gaps and customer needs. Other activities include supporting current marketing activities by attending farm shows and following up with current customers to evaluate product performance.

The ASM program was vital in preparing me for this position from class work, clubs and activities to the professors. As a transfer student, the faculty worked hard to get classes transferred which allowed me to meet my personal graduation schedule. The classes offered through the ASM curriculum helped build the skills needed to communicate effectively in a professional work environment. Serving as an ASM Club officer and part of the Ag Engineering Show (Ag Tech Expo) committee was an invaluable experience. I had the opportunity to work with other students in groups and create a network of friends that continues today. The professors always made themselves available to answer questions and offer guidance when it came to registering for classes or trying to obtain an internship.