CTE Graduate Profile

CAREER PATH

Erin Brown

In high school, I started a photography business - primarily photographing seniors, families, and weddings. While taking classes at ICC, I continued to grow that business. By 19, I was also taking photos around my family's farm and creating agricultural social media content. I took two years' worth of classes at ICC before transferring to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I graduated from U of I with a degree in Agricultural Economics, with a concentration in Markets and Management. Upon graduation, I decided to purchase a house and continue to grow my photography and design business, rather than take a traditional job.

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS NEEDED FOR THIS CAREER

Princeville High School Princeville, Illinois -- Peoria County

Business and accounting skills are imperative for owning your own business. Knowledge of agriculture helps me connect with and communicate with my commercial agriculture clients. Communication skills help me create succinct and effective websites.

CTE DEPARTMENT/CLASSES ENROLLED IN DURING HIGH SCHOOL

Agriculture/FFA, Accounting/Business, Industrial Tech

ADVICE TO HIGH SCHOOL CTE STUDENTS

CURRENT JOB TITLE

Self-Employed Photographer and Website Designer and Renovate/Own Rental Properties

Find the intersection of what you love and what you're good at. Once you've done that, figure out how to make money at it and find right people to mentor you along the way.

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT

Self Employed, Grand Vale Creative LLC and Grand Vale Real Estate LLC Laura, Illinois CAREER PATHWAY Agriculture/Food/Natural Resources, Arts/Audio/Visual Tech/Com, Finance/Busi. Services-Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology and Trades

HOW HAS CTE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER?

Agriculture - I fell in love with the industry and knew I wanted to be a part of it. Business, Art, Communications - I realized these were things I was naturally good at, and my career path needed to involve them. Industrial Arts - Helpful in creating the confidence to renovate rental homes.