Martin Williams is a more recent alumni member from AEC. Williams received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and a Minor in Animal Sciences here at UK. Currently, Williams works as a Claims Adjuster Trainee with Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance. In his position, he investigates, assesses damage, and settles claims.

Q: Trends show that upon graduating, most professionals will change jobs several times. Have you stayed in the same position since graduating or moved into new ones? 

A: When I graduated, I began substitute teaching at a local middle school before I was offered a job as a Programs Manager at the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP). Three months into that position, as GOAP transferred to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), I transitioned into a role as a Project Manager for the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy under KDA. At my 2-year mark from starting with GOAP, I accepted my current role and have been training in this role for the past 7 months. 

Q: Is your current professional path where you would have envisioned yourself as an undergraduate? 

A: I never expected to be working as a claims adjuster, but I just took each opportunity as they presented themselves with much prayer and consideration. Passion is important, but sometimes to achieve your goals you have to take the most logical next step. 

Q: How do you feel your undergraduate and/or graduate studies within the Agricultural Economics Department prepared you for your current position? 

A: I think my degree gave me the work ethic and connections to excel in any role, no matter if it is in agriculture or not. 

Q: How have the relationships you formed within the Agricultural Economics Department contributed to your success? 

A: Many of my colleagues from this job to previous ones have been AEC grads from UK, so it provides a familial aspect in the workplace that helps you lean on one another when you’re struggling in one area or another. 

Q: What piece of advice do you have for undergraduates who are preparing for graduation? 

A: Find something that drives you, makes you happy, or makes you get up every morning that is outside of work. That’s what you need to ground yourself in and remind yourself of when times get tough. There will be times where things get tough and the road ahead looks long and arduous, but if you can root yourself in a purpose that supersedes the work place you will find a way to be joyful and push through those difficult challenges. 

Q: Was there an influential faculty member, professor, or general class you feel affected your current professional path?

A: I have Kenny Burdine to thank for showing me that what you do isn’t as important as how you make people feel. Dr. Burdine’s class was always so relevant, but he reinforced the desire to learn the material by getting to know his students and giving us a respect for him and the material he was teaching, whether we enjoyed the material or not.