Miguel Marcano worked as a National Supply Coordinator with the largest privately-owned company in Venezuela, and had completed an M.B.A., but still wanted to gain a better understanding of the global agriculture industry. While participating in the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program, he learned of the K-State Master of Agribusiness (MAB), an award-winning, distance-education degree program that focuses on food and agribusiness management.

The MAB program understands how important it is for agribusiness professionals to have the knowledge and skills to excel in today’s rapidly changing food and agricultural global economy.

“When I moved into a more agricultural role within my company, I decided to pursue the MAB to update myself and learn more about the food and agribusiness industry, especially the U.S. agribusiness industry. The MAB provided real-world experience,” Marcano said. “I now have knowledge of different aspects of the food and agribusiness industry and understand more than just my job – I can see how all the pieces fit together.”

The MAB program also strives to create an environment of learning which transcends global boundaries, both academically and geographically. Students and alumni of the program are located in more than 35 states within the United States and countries including: Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Grenada, Italy, the Ivory Coast, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Singapore, and Venezuela. They range in age from 25 to 55 and work in every sector of the food and agribusiness industry. Not only did Marcano gain the U.S. perspective he was looking for, but having classmates from around the world and representing different sectors of the industry, greatly added to his learning experience and provided lifelong friends and business contacts.

“Not only did I learn more about the industry, I was able to create a network of colleagues and friends. It was an excellent way to encounter other agribusiness professionals and exchange ideas,” Marcano said. “Even after completing the program, we stay in contact with each other.”

Following the completion of his MAB in 2008, he accepted a job with Kroger as Manager of Corporate Strategic Sourcing in Cincinnati, Ohio. At Kroger, he is responsible for sourcing all types of supplies and services.

“The MAB helped pave the way to a new role in a different company in a different country. It has been a learning experience moving from the manufacturing to the retail side of the industry,” he said. “It is a very dynamic environment and to be competitive, you have to offer a good product at a good price. You must be aggressive on pricing to compete with national, regional and local suppliers.”

The downturn in the economy has been one of the biggest challenges Marcano has faced in his new position. His experience and education have given him the necessary skills to face the challenge.

“The economy has affected our ability to source products, but also affects how consumers behave – their shopping patterns and diets change. Again, you have to be responsive to changes to remain competitive,” Marcano said.

“There are more and more online programs available, but the Master of Agribusiness program at K-State was the first distance agribusiness program and it is well-structured. I am glad I chose this one – it provided the skills and contacts I was looking for,” he said.

The MAB is currently taking applications for our 14th cohort that will begin January 2011. To find out how the MAB can advance your career by further developing your business and economic skills and increasing your knowledge of the global agriculture economy, please go to www.mab.ksu.edu, call 785-532-4495 or e-mail mab@agecon.ksu.edu.