Connecting as a Mentor

Emily Phillips professional headshot

Name: Emily Phillips

Hometown: Springville, IN

Major: Agribusiness (Sales and Marketing Concentration)

Why did you come to Purdue: I came to Purdue because I wanted to attend a university with a strong agricultural program. When I visited, the College of Agriculture faculty was incredibly welcoming and made me feel right at home. I knew Purdue would provide the opportunities, connections and education I needed to pursue a career in agriculture.

Favorite Purdue tradition: Ag Week

Top three influences at Purdue:

  1. Terry Smith
  2. LeeAnn Williams
  3. Friends and mentors
Top five memories of your time at Purdue: 
  1. Ag Week
  2. Football games
  3. The Salt Company
  4. Meeting lifelong friends
  5. Serving as a mentor with Purdue College Mentors for Kids
Places you have been as a Purdue student: 
  • Door County Wisconsin
  • The Villages, FL
  • Chicago, IL
  • County fairs with my Indiana Beef internship

Phillips standing next to a child Phillips standing with friend holding pickleball gear

Favorite club/organization: Purdue College Mentors for Kids

Favorite student-led event: Ag Week

Favorite Purdue event: The Purdue Christmas Show

Favorite place to study: Purdue Memorial Union

Favorite thing about CoA: I love how kind, supportive and welcoming the faculty are. They truly care about their students’ success. 

Favorite class: ENTR 310

Favorite professor: Terry Smith

Class you are excited to take your senior year: Hopefully floral design!

Phillips standing with colleagues in Horstman cattle building

Three biggest accomplishments at Purdue: 

  1. Getting marketing internships with amazing businesses
  2. Becoming a part of the Beef Leaders Program
  3. Serving as a mentor

Something about you that is not listed on your resume: I grew up on a farm and spent 10 years showing sheep through 4-H

Future plans: Graduate and work for an agricultural company doing marketing

Advice for underclassmen: Try every club you think sounds interesting. Even if it doesn’t work out for you, put yourself out there and meet new people!

The biggest takeaway from Purdue: Purdue taught me the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. The connections I made, the opportunities I pursued and the people I met helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Phillips with friends in Ross Ade stadium stands