Live Like You're a Millionaire

When I was a freshman, I heard the phrase “Live like you’re a millionaire” several times always referring to how we should treat college life. As I heard the phrase later in the year it became very clear to me that I had no idea what they were talking about, because frankly my funds had been getting tighter and tighter all year. I later discovered what this phrase truly meant as I was bombarded by the numerous opportunities college offered. From a free (ok...prepaid) gym membership, to career service events on resume building, interview training, salary negotiation, job interviews and delivered to your doorstep, the amount of free opportunities offered to us as college students are astounding. Besides the events you can attend you also have the incredible opportunity to build relationships with your professors who are undoubtedly some of the leaders in your field of interest. So do something for yourself, take advantage of the opportunities our University offers you, milk it for all its worth, and live like you’re a millionaire.

-Chris Perry
Junior, Animal Sciences

Be sure to visit CAFNR Career Services to learn more about these great opportunities. We're here in Ag Building 2-64 to help you prepare for life after college. It's time to take advantage of everything CAFNR has to offer!

Weighing the Options

As I near graduation it becomes more and more evident to me that I am going to need a job very soon. I have no doubts that CAFNR and the Ag Journalism program have prepared me to be successful in just about any career, what I worry about is my ability to choose the path that is right for me.

Luckily for me, I am not the first confused senior that CAFNR Career Services Director, Stephanie Chipman, has dealt with.

I met with Stephanie the other day to discuss my options post-graduation. I went in hoping to find a career, but with no idea what I wanted to do. This seems like an impossible mission, but it was obviously something Stephanie had seen before.

Looking back, the advice she gave me was simple; find the type of job that appeals to you and then find a similar job that fits your location and expertise. But this was different from the approach that I had been taking.

Like many job seekers, I had been looking for it all one place. I wanted the right job in the right place with the right salary. This can be difficult to find.

What Stephanie suggested was to figure out what it was that I liked about a specific job and then look for similar ones that met my requirements.

This is something that should be so natural. I equate it to deciding on your favorite food as a little kid. You know why you don’t like asparagus, and why you do like mac and cheese. You know that if something contains asparagus you won’t like it, but if it contains cheese you most likely will.

This same reasoning can be applied to your job search, just think of a cubicle as asparagus and a six-figure pay check as the cheese. You get the idea.

If you still aren’t sure what career suits you best, bring your ideas in to the CAFNR Career Services office and they will be glad to help you out.

-Taryn Dameron

Senior, Agricultural Journalism

Follow Taryn's advice and find YOUR path to career success. Stop by Ag Building 2-64 today!

Get Involved!

If you’re ever wandering through the Animal Science Research Center and see a student who appears to be talking to the wall, they’re not crazy. They’re just practicing a set of reasons. I know because this semester I’ve spent several weekends analyzing hogs, cattle, sheep, and goats, trying to line them up from best to worst and I’m often one of those “deranged” students. The livestock judging team is one of many competitive intercollegiate teams which CAFNR students can take part in. Maybe analyzing livestock and giving reasons doesn’t sound intriguing to you. Maybe you’re more into meats judging, or soils or agronomy contests. Maybe you like a little more action and would prefer the archery tournaments, shooting sports, or rodeo competitions. Whatever your preference, these competitive teams offer great opportunities for hands-on learning in areas you’re interested in. Here’s your chance to get great experience and build relationships, which can benefit you down the road.

-Chris Perry
Junior, Animal Sciences

Click here for more information about CAFNR organizations and teams.