Internships...YOU have to go get THEM!

It's impossible to turn on a television or open the newspaper without hearing about it. It's all over the online headlines. Yes, IT is the economy. Now we ask what IT is doing to your chances in the job market? This CAFNR Alum faced a similar situation during the economic recession of the '80s. He says internships are the key to YOUR success.

I suspect you’re getting more than you really want to hear about how difficult it’s becoming to land that internship. The reality is that the competition is heating-up…and the burden of success falls directly at your feet.

Having said that, take a deep breath and stop trying to figure everything out right now. You really just need to be taking a few simple steps to maximize your options.

First...make sure you have a reasonable idea of what you would like to do….but then consider a broad range of possible areas that might expand your job opportunities after graduation. Frankly….many (if not most) of us don’t really look at all the potential career options available to us….we tend to go with the obvious. If you do have a clear vision of what you want to do….that’s great….but we’re not expecting you to have it all worked out just yet.

Next…take action NOW! This is usually where things fall apart. We all procrastinate…and internships get filled quickly. You need to get going because most of the companies I’m familiar with really hope to have internships filled in January/February. Research potential companies that you feel might be a good fit for your interests. Take advantage of the CAFNR Career Services team and seek their advice. Attend the February 25th Career Fair. Apply for positions that look realistic. Pick-up the phone and call someone.

Finally….follow-up on your applications whenever possible. I frequently hear…"but I don’t want to bother them." Showing interest is not bothering them. This is a business transaction...you’re not calling for a favor. If you feel like you can contribute to their business, then you’ve got every reason to follow-up with them. Of course, execution is everything, so make sure you’ve got a fairly concise script when you call. It’s appreciated on their end…and makes you look professional.

Just remember…companies invest in internships because they want to attract and evaluate future employees. These programs are serious business for the company and they are attracted to students that show drive, enthusiasm, and the ability/willingness to make things happen.

Robbie Wilson is President of Management Recruiters of Chesterfield in St. Louis and a graduate of the University of Missouri (Ag. Econ – 1981). He participated in a summer internship with Monsanto while a student at MIZZOU and credits that program with helping him land a job upon graduation in the middle of a tough economic recession.

10 Tips to Reach Success

CAFNR graduate and Monsanto employee, Megan (Fox) McQuoid shares 10 tips to help undergraduates reach success. She's currently working as the US Commercial Internship Coordinator for Monsanto in St. Louis.

My top ten pieces of advice to an undergraduate:

1. Foreign Language
Many companies are changing and evolving into a worldwide work environment, which involves having employees interact or even run the company’s business within a different country. It is very important when conducting business within these companies that multiple languages are used. Having a second, third, or even a forth language you will be very valuable to a company in the future due to the changing workplace.

2. Study Abroad
Studying abroad provides you an opportunity to learn about another country’s culture and way of doing business, but it also provides you an opportunity to look at the world in a different light. Many of us have various perceptions on how the rest of the country operates with their business practices but it is until we truly experience these practices during opportunities like study abroad that we realize their significance. These experiences will prove to be beneficial to future employees due to the fact that you will be able to see the “big” picture!

3. Take Diverse Courses
It is very important to take diverse courses within college because college is a great time to find out what your interests are and to learn about other industries that you could possibly work with in the future as well as developing a stronger network. Having a wide range of knowledge and network is important to growing companies such as Monsanto, because the employees within Monsanto change roles very often and it is important to be aware of the different aspects and issues within our company, the agriculture industry and the world!

4. Find passion
It is very important for your future career that you find what your passion is. This does not have to be an exact job, but it can be more focused around what subjects you are passionate about and what aspirations you have for life. Having a passion and having your work evolve around your passion will inspire you to do great work, which is what employers will want out of a new hire!

5. Get involved
Getting involved on campus and off campus provides you the opportunity to connect with other people but to also learn from them! Every person has a different experience that can be valuable to your knowledge!

6. Leadership Roles
By taking on leadership roles you are gaining valuable experiences that will help you within you future especially your career. By holding leadership roles you will realize the importance of responsibility, collaboration, communication and delegation, which are all important competences that employers look for in future hires!

7. Get Experience
Gain real experience in multiple ways. For instance you can be an intern for a company two years in a row, however it is very important that you will be provided with different learning experiences your second summer! It is also important that you have valuable experiences where you are provided with the opportunity to truly learn and develop!

8. Excel
Do you best at all times!

9. Network
They say a majority of the time a person gets a job or is successful do to who they know. I believe this is very true and it is very valuable to network with everyone you meet, including classmates, executives, parents, relatives, co-workers and much more! Who know they could be your potential new boss, co-worker, or could help you with your next career move!

10. Learn
Dive into your classroom learning, but also learn about various different issues within the world! I can tell you that you can never know everything or learn everything, so keeping your eyes and ears open to new learning is very important for your personal growth!

Visit with Megan and other employers at the Ag & Life Sciences Career Fair or the Hospitality Fair on February 25th. Stop by the Reynolds Alumni Center from noon-4 p.m. See you there!