Alumni Profiles

Marla Todd

Hometown: Fisher, IL

Graduation Information

Bachelors:2002, Agricultural Communications

Work Information

Company:University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Years Worked: 3

How did you obtain your job?

I had made several contacts working for the Champaign County Farm Bureau and one of them alerted me to the newly-created position. I applied, was interviewed, and was offered the job.

What do you enjoy most about your position?

I enjoy the variety of tasks that each day may include. I also cherish the opportunity to work with alumni and friends of the college and department. It's wonderful to share a passion for the University of Illinois and College of ACES.

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

Build strong writing skills. You will use them regardless of where your career takes you. Additionally, they are not something that an employer has time to teach you, while they will be willing to teach you other things. Basic written and oral communication skills are imperative to your future in this field.

College of ACES

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

It's a three-way tie between serving as the co-chair for ACES Open House, interning in the ACES Office of Advancement and a late-night Ag Comm. trip to Des Moines, Iowa.

What was your favorite ACES class and why?

AG COMM 240 - I would never had the opportunity to learn so much about photography. I also have many fond memories of time in the dark room with peers. Although it was quite a bit of work, it was also an escape from other academic demands.

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

The current career services coordinator talks about the College of ACES provided students with a toolbox of skills that can be taken out for various tasks and life experiences. I believe that the college gave me a toolbox filled with academic knowledge, basic skills to employ in my daily responsibilities, extra-curricular activities that offered real-life experiences, leadership skills, the ability to continue lifelong learning, and so many other success skills. Most of all, I believe it offered me a network of professional and personal relationships that often serve as my strongest resource.

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

Never pass up the opportunity to build and strengthen your network of contacts and resources.

University of Illinois

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

I knew that I wanted to study agricultural communications and this was the strongest program in the area.

What is your favorite memory on campus?

During my freshman year, the students stormed the field at Memorial Stadium after our football team broke an 18-game losing streak.

What activities were you involved in on campus?

ACT, Atius-Sachem, Illini Horizon, Sigma Alpha, ACES Student Council, Mortar Board, RA at Armory House