Agriculture studies lands Beth dream job at renowned ag business

After graduating high school' Beth Lazell embarked on a journey to complete a degree in Social Work.

But she quickly realised that the seed for her passion for agriculture was planted many years ago when she would escape the Brisbane city life to spend her school holidays working and playing on her family's farm on the outskirts of Bundaberg.

Now' the CQUniversity student is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Agriculture and has already secured a position with one of the largest agricultural supply businesses in Australia.

Beth completed her university placement with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Bundaberg last year. On Beth's last day of placement' she was offered a Sales Support position within the business while she completed her last year of study.

"This year I received an offer to be a part of Nutrien Ag Solutions' 2022 Graduate program'" Beth said.

"They run an agribusiness and an agronomy program' and I chose to complete the agribusiness program which will run from January 2022 until the end of 2023.

"My placement was the kick starter to these opportunities. Without that' I would have never worked with the Nutrien team or been offered the positions."

Beth said she chose to study with CQUniversity because it provided her with the opportunity to trade city life for a country setting.

"I chose CQU because it was a regional university and that meant I could move away from city living' which I disliked very much'" Beth said.

"My experience at CQU has been a very positive and hands-on learning experience. With the smaller class sizes' you can actually make meaningful connections' not only with peers but with lecturers and industry experts very easily.

"Having campuses all over the country also meant I learned a lot about the experiences of people living in different places and climates' and I was able to make connections with these people as well.

CQUniversity Senior Lecturer in Agriculture Dr Richard Koech said' "CQU's Bachelor of Agriculture equips students with knowledge and skills that prepare them to take up roles in cropping' livestock and agribusiness fields."

"Work placement is fundamental to the training offered to Bachelor of Agriculture graduates at CQU. This represents the university's commitment to providing students with 'real world' experience.

"A good number of our students have found job opportunities through the networks they build during work placement.

"CQU is thankful to local agricultural enterprises for providing our students with work placement opportunities and nurturing their talents."

Nutrien Ag Solutions Branch Manager Leroy Manskie said the partnership with CQUniversity and the industry placement was very beneficial.

"It gave our business the opportunity to work with and showcase our business with students that have a desire for a career in the agricultural industry'" Mr Manskie said.

"We were happy to be able to offer Beth a full-time position' as she proved to have the willingness to learn and key general competencies for a position with Nutrien Ag Solutions."

Beth is looking forward to graduating' growing her career and experiencing the many moving parts of Nutrien. She said she is grateful to the staff at CQUniversity who supported her through her journey and ensured she was well-prepared while providing her with the confidence to aim high.

"With determination and the support of CQU anyone can shoot for the stars and make it."