Connor O'Toole

From a young age, Connor O’Toole visited his uncle’s farm in Waimate, where his interest in agriculture began. Today, he visits clients’ farms for a living.

Based in Dunedin, Connor is an Agribusiness Analyst with Rabobank, supporting agribusiness managers to build and maintain long-term client relationships, focusing on business growth. His role centres on financial analysis for loan applications and client reviews, as well as responding to the needs of both new and existing clients.

It’s often a boots-on-the-ground job, with a need to visit farmers and business owners on location.

“I really enjoy the role, especially the opportunity to regularly meet clients outside the office,” Connor said.

It’s that part of the job which is driving his next career goal.

“I’m aiming to transition into an agribusiness manager role within the next 12 months, where I’d take on a client portfolio and focus more on relationship management.”

After having his interest in agriculture sparked early on at his uncle’s sheep, beef and cropping farm, Connor enjoyed both agriculture and economics at school. He decided to combine these interests at Lincoln University and enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture. 

“My cousin had completed the degree and assured me it was the right path to go down.

“It was attractive because it gave insight into the practical and scientific aspects of farming, while also building the financial acumen, which was just as important.”

The courses provided technical skills he now uses daily, but he found the connections he made were just as valuable.

“The networking opportunities with students, lecturers and people already within the industry were valuable in multiple ways. I now have many contacts who I can lean on throughout my career for advice and guidance. 

“The lecturers were so helpful in not only guiding me through my course, but helping me apply and set up for my first job post-university.”

Having moved from Nelson without knowing anyone, Connor quickly found his place in Lowrie Hall. Being part of the halls community helped him build friendships and confidence early on.

Outside of study, he played for the university basketball team and was involved in clubs including Golden Z, and the Tramping & Climbing Club.

Some of his fondest memories came from farm management field trips in his second and third years. 

“We got to visit many different farms across the country and learn how the industry operates firsthand,” leading directly into what he does today.

When asked to sum up his time at Lincoln, Connor’s answer was simple: “the best three years.”