Meet Kortni Blalock

A woman sits at a table that has a large map of the world.

FAS: Tell me a little about yourself, where you are attending graduate school, and what you are studying?

Kortni: My name is Kortni Blalock, and I am originally from Conyers, Georgia. After earning a Bachelor of Agribusiness at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in May 2023, I decided to further my education. I am a first-year master’s student pursuing a degree in agricultural and resource economics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

FAS: Why did you apply for the USDA International Agricultural Fellowship Program (IAFP)?

Kortni: I began my first internship for FAS in the summer of 2022 as a part of the USDA 1890 National Scholars program, where I interned in the Trade and Economic Analysis Division. My mentors at FAS introduced me to the career path of a Foreign Service Officer. They connected me with current officers and trainees, who discussed the advantages and challenges of working in international agriculture abroad. Each aspect of the job resonated with my career interests, such as agricultural policy, market development, and data analysis. Applying for the IAFP felt like the ideal step towards preparing for a future in the foreign service.

FAS: As part of IAFP you’ve completed one of your two internships with FAS, what did your internship entail and what was your greatest takeaway?

Kortni: In the summer of 2023, I had an incredible chance to intern with the oilseeds team in the Global Commodity Analysis Division. During this time, I delved deeper into the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) and witnessed the collaborative efforts of various divisions in producing monthly reports. Additionally, I enhanced my data analysis skills by developing an Excel tool to identify key countries and commodities for regular updates. I also had the chance to meet with numerous FAS officials to hear about their roles, experiences in agriculture, and career advice for students interested in pursuing agricultural careers. My main takeaway was the importance of staying updated on the latest agricultural news, both domestically and internationally.

FAS: What are you looking forward to with your next FAS internship and what do you hope to learn or experience?

Kortni: In my next internship, I'm thrilled about the chance to work in an embassy overseas. I'm excited to gain insights into the embassy's operations and to learn from the FAS staff. What excites me most is the chance to contribute to a diverse range of projects.

FAS: Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years and 20 years?

Kortni: In 5 or 20 years, I aspire to remain dedicated to agriculture, especially focusing on global trade. Agriculture is always changing, and I want to be part of shaping its future. I aim to learn more about different parts of the agricultural field, like international policies, food security, market trends, and environmental sustainability. Overall, I want to continue developing key skills to become a versatile leader in agriculture.