Pierre Kruger, a newly qualified agricultural economist working at Urban-Econ Development Economists, had an impactful first year in the workforce. He gained valuable experience advising farmers on financing, marketing, agricultural development, policy, research, and production. Krugers’ passion for research and his commitment to assisting farmers have left a lasting mark on his budding career.
Kruger, a native of Pretoria, is thriving in his career in the heart of the city where he was born and raised. Despite not having a clear career path while growing up, his ultimate goal was to complete his matriculation and pursue further studies.
“I didn’t want to study something just because I had to study. I wanted to love what I do and feel the passion of that. Closer to the end of matric, I decided to take a gap year in 2018, and then I got the opportunity to go to America and work on a vegetable farm. I loved it,” he shares.
Exploring the economic side of agri
Following his gap year, Kruger applied for the agricultural economist course at the University of Pretoria. “Instead of soil science or plant science, I liked the idea of understanding the economics side of agriculture,” he says.
It’s a four-year course with an included honours option. However, Kruger opted to enter the workforce after completing his degree and is thoroughly enjoying his job.
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A day in an agricultural economist’s life
Going from theory to practical in January 2023 was an amazing experience, he shares. The best part is that his job revolves around research, and he’s thoroughly enjoying this aspect as his journey unfolds.
“I am currently working as a research consultant, so I am more in the research field. It is mostly an office job, but there are opportunities to go to the farms and on the field to see what is happening and taking information back to the office, seeing how I can help farmers,” he explains.
Kruger emphasises the importance of loving what you do. In a life full of surprises, he believes that one should never doubt their ability to excel in what they have worked hard for.
Kruger’s tips to young people:
- Take each opportunity as a learning experience.
- Do not question your ability, you are there for a reason.
- Do not give up, keep on keeping on.
- Use social media to your advantage, connect and network.
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