Alumni Profiles

Kirk Builta

Hometown: LeRoy, IL

Graduation Information

Bachelors: 2007, Agricultural Education

Work Information

Company: Champaign County Farm Bureau
Years Worked: 1

How did you obtain your job?

I was able to obtain my current position at the Farm Bureau through a combination of ways. Through career research on the University's I Connect ACES web-based job postings and the recommendation of an alumnus.

What do you enjoy most about your position?

I enjoy the ability to connect and communicate with members of the agriculture community. Also, I am able to educate the public on the facts and current trends of our industry.

What advice can you provide current students seeking a career in this field?

I believe that students should seek as many real world experiences as possible. You must also be willing to learn and extend yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Achievements

ALOT- Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow Graduate Champaign County CrimeStoppers Board of Directors, Member Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Agri-business Committee Member Farm Safety 4 Just Kids

College of ACES

What was your favorite memory as a student in the College of ACES?

My favorite ACES memory came while attending both the Award of Merit Luncheon and the Funk Gala Celebration. At these events I was able to witness some of our best ACES alumni receive awards for a lifetime of involvement in our College. These individuals are so willing to share stories of success and inspire students to follow in their footsteps.

What was your favorite ACES class and why?

My favorite class was the International Business Immersion Program to New Zealand. This class helped me to grow as a student and encouraged me to explore the world and all options available to me post-graduation.

How do you feel the College of ACES prepared you for your future?

The College of ACES constantly prepares you for the future. Through personal contact of faculty and staff as a freshman to career support as a graduating senior, the College keeps focus on a students academic success and shapes them into productive and active alumni.

What advice would you give current students while a student in the College of ACES?

Be as involved as possible. Pick a few activities and give them your all. Not only will you meet a diverse group of students and alumni, you will prepare yourself for career success.

University of Illinois

Why did you choose to come to the University of Illinois and College of ACES?

I chose the University of Illinois because of its focus on tradition and strong influence on the future. The College of ACES plays an active role in Agriculture throughout the State and across the nation and is home to many top-notch programs and faculty.

What is your favorite memory on campus?

My favorite memory from campus would have to be the 2005 Final Four. The mood on campus as the Illini reached the Championship game was amazing. Everyone was an Illini and the State of Illinois was covered in Orange.

What activities were you involved in on campus?

FarmHouse Fraternity Student Advancement Committee College of ACES Student Council International Business Immersion Program, New Zealand Collegiate FFA Alpha Tau Alpha