Shelley Smith didn’t set out to become one of the world’s foremost beer experts. Up until the second semester of her senior year, Smith (’03) was an animal science major with ambitions to become a veterinarian. Guidance from department heads helped her pivot.
“I was about three months from graduating and decided that I needed to change my major,” she says. “I knew that chemical engineering would give me more opportunities.”
Smith’s path to the highest achievement for beer industry professionals stemmed from a serendipitous conversation at Iowa State’s engineering career fair. She put in an extra two years of studies before landing a fascinating (and fun) first job: working on the Anheuser-Busch quality assurance team.
“I was like, ‘Making beer? That sounds awesome. Yes, let’s do that,’” she says. “Honestly, that’s how I got started.”
Now a leader in brewing innovation and operations for The Boston Beer Company, Smith went on to earn her MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and holds an International Diploma in Brewing Technology from the World Brewing Academy. She is also among only five women to secure the prestigious Master Cicerone® certification. The rigorous exam requires understanding of the entire brewing process at a scientific level and in-depth knowledge of 104 different beer styles.
“I love to learn and be challenged and expand my knowledge in all kinds of areas,” Smith says.
The same thirst for growth Smith exhibited at Iowa State now propels her career. An Alpha Gamma Delta, Smith was co-captain of Dance Marathon, a member of numerous honor societies, and played on the women’s hockey club, among other extracurricular activities.
Employer-supported initiatives encourage Smith to give back and expand her skills. Through programs like “Brewing the American Dream,” Smith shares her expertise with emerging food and beverage entrepreneurs. She has also run in all six World Marathon Majors and is part of the team that developed Samuel Adams 26.2 Brew, a low-alcohol ale beloved by Boston Marathon runners and spectators.
“It’s a sessionable beer,” Smith says. “I’m obviously a little biased, but I do love it.”