For my Alumni Interview, I interviewed Jonathan Kubesch, who is an OSU graduate currently working on his Crop Science Masters focusing on Forages and Grasslands at the University of Tennessee. While at OSU he studied Evolution and Ecology, as well as Agronomy. He is currently doing research and has done similar research in his past, as well as worked in the Industry. Personally, I decided to interview him due to the fact that I am interested in pursuing research as well as working in my field of study, and getting a graduate degree, which is very similar to the path that Jonathan took. While he is not studying the same thing as I am for my undergraduate degree, I believe that his experience in research is a far more valuable insight for me to learn about.
From our correspondence, I learned a great deal of information about getting a job in the future, which was the focus of most of my questions. He suggested looking for workplaces, not with perks such as ping-pong tables, but rather look for a place that values good people in the field. These places are much more likely to be more secure and stay around. Supportive superiors and professional, yet personal colleagues are especially important to look for when looking for a place to work. He also talked about how right out of college he was “ready to fight for anything and everything,” whereas in the workplace he was forced to change this and put up boundaries in order to put most of his focus on his own work while only allowing his colleagues to push his boundaries a little as he gave himself time to accept or reject requests from work without being mean back to someone. He also gave me a great deal of advice on how to present oneself either in the workplace or in college. He suggested preparation and taking some coursework in scientific writing and communication in order to prepare for presenting findings and thesis to your superiors. Also I asked specifically if he had any questions that he liked to ask prospective employers at the end of an interview and he suggested (1) What led you to come and work for this organization? Which gives you a glimpse into the company culture from someone who is already on the inside and (2) What advice do you have for me when I start this position? Which subconsciously makes them choose you for the job, as well as gives you some background on the soft skills that they expect from you besides your technical proficiency.
Overall, his answers were very interesting and will definitely help me as I look for a professional job in the future. His tips will also help me to apply myself better in school situations as well as I present and defend my opinions or research to superiors or classmates in the future. He also suggested that I read The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Getting Ahead by Charles Murray while I am a student at OSU in order to help me as I go ahead into professional and personal development.