Alumni Spotlight: Mimi Grace Blanchard

 

What did you study at LSU, and what year did you graduate?

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness in 2022 and Master’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics in 2023, becoming the first official graduate of the accelerated Master’s program for Ag-Economics within the College of Ag.

 

Tell us about your current role and what you enjoy most about it.

I currently work as an economist with the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office, where I perform economic analysis and forecasting of state revenues and conduct budget analysis for a variety of state agencies, including the Department of Conservation & Energy and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. My primary areas of focus include sales tax, severance tax, mineral royalties and bonus payments, as well as lottery and gaming revenues. I also prepare fiscal notes on proposed legislation related to these subject areas, evaluating the potential financial impact of policy changes on the state budget. One thing I really enjoy about my role is that I still get to stay connected to the agricultural and natural resource industries while also using the statistical and analytical skills I like most. It’s a good mix of real-world subject matter and data analysis, which keeps the work interesting and rewarding.

 

What was your career path like after graduating? Any unexpected turns?

After graduating, I started working as a logistics specialist at Zen-Noh Grain Corporation in the fall of 2023 and later moved into an Operations Management Trainee role. I really enjoyed my time there and learned a lot about the grain industry, but I knew I ultimately wanted my career to focus more on economic analysis and statistical work. In October 2024, I transitioned to the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office to work as an economist. It was definitely a big change, but I’m very grateful for my experience at Zen-Noh and the perspective it gave me on that portion of agricultural sector.

 

How did your experience at LSU prepare you for the workforce?

My professors and the staff at LSU were incredibly helpful in preparing me for the workforce. More than anything, the education I received gave me a strong foundation for the work I do now. Being involved in the Agribusiness Club, and attending College of Agriculture events like career week, presentations, and facility tours gave me valuable exposure to different career paths and helped me feel more confident entering the professional world as well.

 

What industry trends or challenges are you currently seeing in your field?

In my field, one of the biggest challenges is how economic conditions and policy changes affect state revenues. Factors like energy prices, interest rates, and inflation can quickly impact tax collections and mineral revenues, which makes forecasting more difficult. We also have to pay close attention to new legislation and regulatory changes, since they can significantly influence industries like energy and natural resources and, in turn, the state budget.

 

What advice do you have for students or recent grads entering the job market?

I would encourage students to do as much research as possible into the career they’re interested in and to think about how it fits with their personal goals and priorities. Also, be open to trying something new and to the possibility that your path may change. Some of the best opportunities can come from experiences you didn’t originally plan for.

 

How do you stay connected to the LSU Ag community and support others in the field?

I’ve stayed connected to the LSU Ag community through both my work and alumni involvement. While at Zen-Noh Grain Corporation, I attended the LSU Ag Tailgate and gave resume-building presentations during Ag Career Prep Week. I now serve on the College of Agriculture Alumni Association Board, where I help with alumni events and serve on the awards committee. On a personal level, I stay closely connected to agriculture and get to see both sides of life on the farm, from my husband’s family owning and operating a five-generation sugarcane farm to my dad working in the tractor industry. Through that, I regularly attend sponsorship and industry events and spend time visiting with farmers and growers. I also stay in regular contact with fellow graduates and several professors, who know I’m always available if they need support. I’m always happy to offer advice or help to students who reach out as they prepare to enter the workforce.