Online Certificate in Applied Economic Analytics Alumni Spotlight: Cody Gasque
As a 2026 alumnus of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics' online Applied Economic Analytics graduate certificate, Cody Gasque has used the skills gained through the program to make a direct impact in his role as Head of Appraisal Data Analytics at AgSouth Farm Credit.
Q: What motivated you to enroll in the online graduate certificate program, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
I've always found data analytics fascinating and considered myself analytically minded, but I lacked the formal education needed to take my skills to the next level. With encouragement from my executive manager, I enrolled in the certificate program with the goal of strengthening my technical foundation and expanding my ability to apply advanced analytics in a professional setting.
Q: How did the flexibility of the online format fit into your professional and personal responsibilities?
The online format was crucial for me. When I started the program, my wife and I had three daughters, all age three and under. The flexibility allowed me to balance a demanding career and graduate studies while still being present for my family during a very busy stage of life.
Q: What skills, knowledge, or experiences from the program have been most valuable in your current role or career?
The data analysis skills I developed, particularly in modeling and forecasting, have been incredibly valuable and are part of my daily work. Gaining proficiency in RStudio has also been instrumental in helping me analyze data more efficiently and develop practical solutions to complex business challenges.
Q: Can you share an example of how you’ve applied something you learned in the certificate program to your work?
I was able to apply what I learned about multiple linear regression directly to an internal process within my organization. The resulting tool significantly improved departmental efficiency and demonstrated the real-world value of the analytical techniques I learned through the program.
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering the online graduate certificate, and how might they get the most out of the experience?
Just go for it. The timing may never feel perfect when you're balancing professional and personal responsibilities, but the investment is well worth it. Take advantage of the small class sizes, build relationships with your classmates, and connect with your professors whenever possible. The AAEC faculty and staff are second to none, and the relationships you build can have a lasting impact long after the program is complete.
