Alexandria A. Ott
Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Developmental Economics
Agribusiness and Applied Economics
St. Marys, OH
2023 Distinguished Senior Award Recognition Reception Program (.pdf)
2023 Distinguished Senior Award Recipient Reception Poster (.pdf)
Going into her final fall semester, Alexandria Ott wanted to take a course that would sharpen her practical skills and help her choose a profession. After consulting with alumni about which classes they found most influential on their future careers, she
found one course—Salesmanship in Agribusiness and Agriculture—always came highly recommended. In the class, Ally found herself constantly challenged to step outside her comfort zone, an experience which gave her the confidence to enter the sales sector in agriculture. She engaged with sales professionals in the field, developing a strong network and practical skillset for her future career. Ally considers the course her most valuable undergraduate learning experience.
A first-generation college student, Ally knew that Ohio State would be her undergraduate home after her first visit. To meet and connect with fellow Buckeyes interested in agriculture, she enrolled in the CFAES Learning Community as a freshman, a decision she would grow to value more and more as the recent pandemic unfolded. As Ally reflected, “Although my freshman year as a student at Ohio State was everything except normal, the experiences I had within the CFAES learning community made a lasting impact on me and helped to not only introduce me to the traditions and values that Ohio State prides itself on, but also make me into the Buckeye I am today.” Later in her undergraduate career, Ally would go on to help younger Buckeyes find their home in CFAES as both an Ambassador and Peer Mentor.
Her internships with the Allen, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert County Farm Bureau in Wapakoneta, OH and with Farm Credit Mid-America of Lexington, KY helped build Ally’s confidence and expand her professional network. She credits the internships with honing her public speaking skills and exposing her to both the financial and policy sides of agribusiness.
Ally names Salesmanship in Agriculture instructor Chris Williams as her mentor, and shares, “I knew from the moment that I walked through the classroom doors on the first day of classes that Chris was going to make a positive impact in my life both educationally and professionally. The energy that Chris brings to the classroom every single day keeps me engaged and on the edge of my seat waiting to learn more about the sales profession. It is evident both in and out of the classroom that Chris cares for the success of his students as he is setting us up to be the future of agriculture.”
Following graduation, Ally has secured a full-time position with Mercer Landmark. She looks forward to devoting her time and knowledge to helping the agricultural community make valuable business decisions and hopes to move back to her hometown where she can contribute her professional efforts to build the community she grew up in.
Service, involvement, and accolades: OSU Agribusiness Club, treasurer | CFAES Ambassador, co-chair | CFAES Learning Community | CFAES Peer Mentor | CFAES Celebration of Students, co-chair | OSU Collegiate Farm Bureau | Agricultural Systems Management Club | Auglaize County 4-H Club, advisor | CARTEENS, advisor | Alpha Zeta Partners