4 FOOD & AGRICULTURE PROFESSIONAL CAREER GUIDE LEVERAGING STRATEGIC NETWORKS, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS & MAXIMIZING CAREER IMPACT Kathryn Doan AGCAREERS WHEN ADVANCING YOUR CAREER IN THE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECTORS— OR IN ANY INDUSTRY—THE CONVERSATION OFTEN CENTERS ON RÉSUMÉS, CREDENTIALS, AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS. WHILE THESE ARE ESSENTIAL, THEY’RE ONLY PART OF THE EQUATION. WHAT OFTEN PROVES EVEN MORE INFLUENTIAL IS THE NETWORK YOU’VE CULTIVATED OVER THE YEARS. The relationships you’ve built—through education, career milestones, and industry engagement—are not just valuable connections; they’re a strategic advantage. Your network is more than a resource for opportunities—it’s the power base that can shape, sustain, and elevate your career at every stage. From my first 4-H meeting as a child to my university days to the countless industry events, community activities, and volunteer boards I’ve joined, the most meaningful and career-shaping moments haven’t always come from structured learning. They’ve come from the people I’ve met. And those people, their influence, encouragement, and example have shaped not just what I do but also why I do it. Even today, I can trace many moments of support and opportunity back to someone I met along the way. It’s uncanny how often I find a two-degree connection with someone who shares a link through geography, family, mutual friends, or professional experiences. It’s in these overlaps that meaningful collaboration happens. Five of my closest friends from post-secondary education are still my go-to people. We all work in different parts of the agri-food and finance ecosystem, from education to insurance to risk management, but we remain rooted in our support for one another. Life, families, and careers may have taken us to different corners of the country, but we are still silently cheering each other on. That kind of bond isn’t built overnight. It’s built through shared values, trust, and staying connected. So why should you as a seasoned professional, still prioritize building and nurturing your network? HERE ARE FIVE NETWORKING PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE ME: WHY: You want to grow your network, and growth doesn’t happen in isolation. HOW: Surround yourself with people who challenge you, who’ve walked different paths, and who share openly. WHAT: A strong network becomes your ongoing learning environment, where curiosity is welcomed, and development is constant WHY: You’re searching for purpose, and that often comes through others. HOW: Engage in honest conversations. Ask questions. Be present in your community, both professionally and personally. WHAT: Your network can reflect your values back to you and help you refine your why. They’ll hold you accountable for who you said you want to be. 1 2
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