Alumni Spotlight

Name: Cassie Thiessen

Current Title: Horticulture Agent

Organization: K-State Extension Post Rock District

Major: B.S. Horticulture (2017), M.S. Adult Learning and Leadership (2020)

K-State College of Ag is proud to recognize alumni from all departments who continue to pursue their passion in their respective fields. It is through experience that we continue to grow as individuals and stewards of the industry. Through those experiences, we hope to be a continued resource for the next generation of K-State students to lean on for advice and continue to build our network!

What drew you to K-State?

I learned about Kansas State University in high school. I was in FFA and our state convention and career development event competition was held at K-State. We got to tour Throckmorton, which is the plant science building on campus, and I really just fell in love with it. They took us to the greenhouses, and I think I knew then that that's where I wanted to be. After I graduated from high school, I went straight to K-State and majored in horticulture.

How do you think you degrees helped prepare you for your career?

I definitely think the horticulture degree has helped me a lot in my career, especially with getting to help people with their landscapes and gardens. It was also really nice because I still rely on my professors a lot since I am still an employee of K-State. I get to call on them to help answer questions when I need advice from other experts.

Were you a part of any organizations that helped you as a student, but also benefited in your career?

I was a part of the Horticulture Club on campus, as we had a landscape judging team there. I feel like that has directly affected my role in my career, and I made relationships with people that I am still in contact with today. It was really beneficial to be a part of those organizations, not just for the horticulture skills, but also the life skills that you get from them.

How did your experiences, classes and professors prepare you for the transition from college to career?

I am so thankful for the professors I had in the horticulture department. They were so friendly, they knew your name, they were there to help you and they really wanted you to succeed in whatever way possible. I remember when I was interviewing for jobs my senior year, one of my professors actually sat down with me and helped me with my resume. She helped me with some interview tips, and I am forever grateful for that experience and those tips she gave me that day.

What advice would you give current students in this major?

I would tell college students to just slow down and enjoy it because it goes so fast. Be really thankful for those relationships that you make. Make sure that you really do create relationships with your professors and the students that you are in class with, because those are lifelong connections that are great opportunities.