Professional Development in Agriculture Q&A with Derek Taunton

By Taylor Sondgeroth

Derek Taunton is a Career Counselor at the Auburn University Career Center. Through the Career Center, Taunton helps students with many aspects of professional development including selecting a major, researching career opportunities, resume and cover letter writing, job search techniques and interview skills. Professional development is the advancement of skills, experiences and knowledge in a specific field to advance your career.

Taunton offered helpful insights and tips for students in the College of Agriculture who are looking to improve and dive deeper into professional development.

How important is professional development in agricultural occupations?

Professional development is crucial regardless of the field. Would you want to go to a doctor who stopped learning the day they walked out of medical school? No matter the field, you need to keep up with the developments in your field.

What are the top skills that I should be working on as an undergraduate student?

Public speaking and writing skills are at the top at the list. Teamwork skills are also very important. Most jobs will not tolerate employees that are not able to work with others. The great thing about these general skills is that you can get them most anywhere. Using the resources offered by Auburn and the internet is a great starting point.

What kinds of jobs should I be working while I am still taking classes in the College of Agriculture?

Think about the skills you will need for the jobs in your desired field. Finding jobs related your field is helpful, but not always necessary when working on developing your skills. The skills that most companies are looking for are communication, leadership, teamwork, technology use and diversity. You can develop these skills working fast food or retail or even holding leadership positions in different clubs and organizations. Creating a list of the skills you have acquired through these jobs and activities will allow you to sell these skills to the company in your field that you aspire to work for.

Should I work toward career trainings or certifications in agriculture?

Career training and certifications may be required for your field. If they aren’t required, they can set you apart from other applicants entering the same field that you are. My best advice is to speak with the academic advisors and faculty in the College of Agriculture to see what certifications are available and encouraged for your field.

What services are available to me as a student to improve my professional skills?

Your classes are a great starting point. Beyond that, join clubs and organizations that deal with professional development or are in fields that you are interested in. The Career Center website offers information on resumes, cover letters, interviewing, and salary negotiations. Using the internet to see what is trending for resumes, cover letters, and interviewing can also be a helpful tool.

Auburn University Career Center: https://career.auburn.edu/

Where should I be looking for job opportunities?

Look everywhere. Talk to your friends and family about what you are wanting to do. Ask your professors if they have any contacts in the field. There is a high chance that someone you already know has a connection that could help you get your foot in the door.

Another option is to use the resources offered by the Career Center like Career Shift, where you can find people in your field to expand your network. LinkedIn can be used for the same purpose. Also, attend every career fair on campus that you can. These opportunities will allow you to grow your network when looking for job opportunities in your field.

What are your top pieces of advice for young professionals going to their first interviews?

1. Be yourself. Never pretend to be someone you’re not. Most people can spot a fake.

2. Practice. The Career Center offers mock interviews to help students prepare for upcoming interviews. Think about what kinds of questions you will be asked. Then, think about how you would respond.

3. Use the internet to research the company you are interviewing with. You should aim to know as much about the company as you can before entering your interview.

4. Clean up your social media accounts. Is there anything on your accounts that might make a company not want to hire you?
   
   

What is your general advice for young professionals entering the workforce in agricultural industries?

Be patient. Many students tell me that they want to make an impact in their field. This is a great ambition, but the problem is that you might not be able to make a large impact within the first six months or even a year on the job. Soak up as much information as you can during your first year. This will prepare you to be able to make larger impacts as you continue to learn.