Wilson Wraight Scholar: Marianne Willemsen

Marianne Willemsen, first year BSc (Hons) Agri-Business student, and recipient of the Wilson Wraight Scholarship.

“Having gained some practical experience, it was clear to me I wanted to seek a job in the agricultural business sector. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity Wilson Wraight have provided me with. Agricultural Consultancy is an area which enthuses me and I am excited to apply a range of concepts and techniques I have learnt from various modules across the Agri-Business course”, says Marianne, 19.

“This scholarship placement award will be highly beneficial for my future, as I will be exposed to the diverse background and skills of the partners and also gain expert knowledge and experience within the agricultural business sector. This will prepare me for the future volatility of agriculture within the UK.”

For Marianne, from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, it’s certainly a scholarship in keeping with her background. “Having grown up on a family run arable farm, I have developed a strong passion for agriculture, which influenced my choice to study Agri-Business. I am an aspiring agri-business consultant and the course covers a diverse range of modules, which I find very interesting and will also be extremely useful for my future career.”

Despite her obvious academic commitment, Marianne finds time for other pursuits, both sporting and cultural. “When I am not studying I am a very keen and enthusiastic sports woman - I play netball for the Harper Adams 1st team and I am Chairwoman of the Harper Adams Netball club. I attend a variety of agricultural events and conferences, as well as working part time for The Suffolk Flower Farm.

“Being half Dutch, I also have various agricultural connections in the Netherlands and enjoy returning to the country to enjoy some of the culture.”