Largest Career Fair in History For College of Agriculture

By: Jannah Mann

Last month Auburn University’s College of Agriculture hosted two career fairs. The college puts on this event once a semester and is a great opportunity for students to network and connect with people in the industry.

Earlier in the week, the Horticulture Career Fair hosted 36 companies with 88 students in attendance. The College of Agriculture Career Fair hosted 53 companies and 245 students. This is the largest turn out ever for a College of Agriculture Career Fair.

Many recruiters from these companies are Auburn graduates. They are on campus to employ Auburn students because of their reputation of being knowledgeable, dependable, and hard-working in the industry.

“There is a shortage of agricultural workers, so for the student, the market is wide open --- there are so many opportunities for them,” said Megan Ross, College of Agriculture Coordinator of Student Development and Programs.

Career fairs are a way to put yourself out there. If you start going as a freshman, recruiters will start recognizing you by your junior and senior years. You gain connections in the industry that could help you throughout your career. They are specifically there to hire students for full time jobs and internship positions, so do not be scared to reach out to them.

“I encourage students to attend these fairs, even as first-year students, to build a network and hear from companies about where the industry is headed and what skills they can obtain while at Auburn to set them apart when they enter the workforce,” Ross said.

Auburn gives students many tips and opportunities leading up to them entering the industry. Before the career fair, students can have their resumes looked over and edited by a professional. Additionally, students can have them printed.

Auburn University also has a campus career closet to prepare you for your interview. If you do not have appropriate attire, stop by the career closet for up to four items each year. They have everything from blazers and skirts to ties and shoes.