Traveling for opportunities

Riley Baker professional headshot

Name: Riley Baker

Hometown: South Windsor, CT

Major & concentration: Agricultural Economics (Policy and Pre-Law Concentration)

Why did you come to Purdue: There are so many reasons why I came to Purdue! First, Purdue has an outstanding agriculture school with worldwide acclaim, and being a part of it has been an amazing experience. Second, I wanted to expand my knowledge of agriculture, and Purdue has unrivaled educators as well as many research and study abroad opportunities. Despite Purdue’s size, the agriculture school has a ‘small’ feel, and that was a draw for me. I can feel at home and also enjoy big school energy through sports and participation in many activities. Employers actively scout Purdue graduates, so I felt confident that if I did well, there would be many opportunities to find a job after graduation.

Favorite Purdue tradition: John Purdue Day and attending football games at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Top three influences at Purdue:

  1. Department of Agricultural Economics faculty and professors
  2. Faculty advisor
  3. Friends and roommates
Top five memories of your time at Purdue: 
  1. Joining the AAEA Quiz Bowl Team
  2. Volunteering at Spring Fest with the PASE Board of Directors
  3. Attending Purdue football games
  4. Studying abroad in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Costa Rica
  5. Participating in the Undergraduate Research Conference

Places you have been as a Purdue student: 

  • Munich, Germany
  • Lutzenberg, Switzerland
  • Salzburg, Austria
  • Vaduz, Liechtenstein
  • Costa Rica

Baker with a dog Baker standing on a bridge overlooking a blue river in an abroad trip

Favorite club/organization: The Purdue AAEA Quiz Bowl team and Purdue Alumni Student Experience Board of Directors

Favorite student-led event: Purdue Ag Week and Grand Prix

Favorite Purdue event: Purdue Day of Giving

Favorite place to study: The lobby of the Purdue Union Club Hotel

Favorite thing about CoA: Spring Fest, when all of the different parts of the College of Agriculture come together to create an event that everyone can enjoy

Favorite class: AGEC 340, AGEC 352 and AGEC 450 

Favorite professor: Dr. Pastor and Dr. Ricker-Gilbert

Class you are excited to take your senior year: AGEC 406, Natural Resource and Environmental Economics

Baker in a field harvesting asparagus

Three biggest accomplishments at Purdue: 

  1. Being recognized at the agricultural economics award ceremony for my involvement with the AAEA Quiz Bowl Team.
  2. Participating in the Undergraduate Research Conference and presenting research on early equine placental development.
  3. Obtaining a policy compliance internship with the largest energy company in the Northeast United States.

Something about you that is not listed on your resume: Something about me that is not listed on my resume is my love for traveling. I have traveled to more than 30 countries and learned many amazing things about cultures across the globe.

Future plans: Currently, I am applying to Master’s programs at Purdue to continue my education in agricultural economics.

Baker with friends wearing safety vests in front of a Horsch machine Baker riding a cow

Advice for underclassmen: The best advice for underclassmen is to get involved in anything and everything that you possibly can; in essence, say yes to every new opportunity that comes your way. Purdue has so many wonderful things to get involved in, from clubs and organizations to study abroad options, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

The biggest takeaway from Purdue: My defining takeaway from Purdue is to never hesitate to step into new experiences or meet new people. This spirit is perfectly captured by Purdue alumnus and astronaut Eugene Cernan: “Enriched by a singular event that is larger than life, I no longer have the luxury of being ordinary.” By choosing to participate in just one unfamiliar activity, you open the door to transformative experiences that can change your entire present and future.