Industry awareness with Georgia

Studying agriculture can give students a broad understanding of the sector, enabling them to discover their interests and find the career that is right for them. This happened for Georgia Lindstrom, a BSc (Hons) Agriculture graduate, who found her passion in plant health through her studies.

“Agriculture is a fantastic course that opens your eyes to the agricultural industry as a whole,” Georgia began. “Whether from a farming background or not, it gives a great base for whatever sector of the industry you decide to follow.”

Although not originally from a farming background herself, Georgia discovered farming life through work experience and Young Farmers after completing her A Levels. In her year out of education, she learnt about the career opportunities within the agricultural industry and decided it was something she wanted to be a part of.

Georgia said: “Some of my friends at Young Farmers had been to Harper Adams; I went to have a look and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made!

“I decided to undertake my studies because of my work experience and, with further insight into the agricultural industry, I realised I could combine my love for the outdoors, science and business all in one course.

“I hadn't come across a course like it and the opportunity to take the first steps into a career doing something that you love is really exciting.”

One of Georgia’s biggest challenges in starting university was studying topics she had very little knowledge on but she was relieved to discover others were feeling similarly, putting her at ease. Although she worked hard to succeed in all of her modules, Georgia’s highlights were making lasting friendships and attending the university organised ski trips.

Throughout her studies, Georgia gained a keen interest in plant health which went on to inform her Honours Research Project (HRP). She said: “Having decided that I wanted to progress in a career that involved plant health, I wrote my HRP on the use of anti-transpirants in young, droughted oilseed rape.

“The topic came from learning about the current research being done at Harper Adams. I wanted to contribute and provide valuable information as a result of my dissertation, which I would like to thank Dr Laura Vickers for mentoring me through.”

To top off a positive and fulfilling time at Harper Adams, Georgia received some great news: “Around a week after I found out my degree results, I got an email from Professor Liam Sinclair explaining that I had won the Alltech Award.

“Despite working hard and putting everything into my final year exams, I was already shocked that I had managed to achieve a first in my degree - winning the award just topped it off, I couldn't believe it!”

From her success, Georgia has begun her new role as a Plant Health and Seed Inspector for Produce Exports at the Animal and Plant Health Agency. She commented: “The plant health knowledge that I have gained over my time at Harper Adams has been really beneficial for my training and understanding and I look forward to seeing where this career path takes me.”