CAFNR Career Services

Networking Tips: LinkedIn

2010-04-06T08:17:00.003-05:00

We hear almost constantly these days about the power of networking in the process of job search. Online social networking is one excellent way to begin building a professional network.

See ten tips to make LinkedIn work for you: http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2009/12/use-linkedin-to-get-job.html.

Networking Tips

2010-04-02T10:30:00.001-05:00

Networks — Building One that Counts

By Emily Schneider, Senior in Agricultural Communications and Journalism

Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

From www.AgCareers.com newsletter

We’ve all heard that old adage, it’s not what you know — it’s who you know. Never has that line held more truth than it does in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. The world we live in is a spidery web filled with strands that connect us to each other in one complicated way or another.
The lady who sat next to you at that banquet last year could end up being the HR lady who interviews you for your first job. (Too bad you kept chewing with your mouth open and texting all the way through dinner.)

That guy who worked next to you on the line at Pizza Hut during college could be the founder of the grain merchandising company where, fifteen years after the mozzarella and pepperoni, you are desperately trying to get in the door. (Aren’t you glad you picked up that extra shift for him that night when he had a date with Suzie Smith from across town?)

How about Joe Brown, from that committee you worked on for your college council? He could end up being the next Secretary of Agriculture. (Wait, didn’t you tell him to shut up during a meeting once? Oops.)

When it comes to networking, that’s just it. You never know what connection is going to be your ticket to your professional goals. The links and contacts made on a day to day basis make up a network that could unlock the future for you, or get the door slammed in your face.

It’s your job to build a network that is strong, diverse and productive. This doesn’t happen overnight, and you can’t just hope that you will randomly meet the right people. Most networks are built brick by brick, handshake by handshake. It sounds intimidating, but when you go about it strategically, with an end goal in mind, you are already on your way to building a foundation of personal and professional relationships that will link you to future opportunities.

How do you do it? The following are a few tips on how to construct and maintain a well-built network.

Put Your Best Foot Forward—Always. No matter where you go, no matter what you are doing, there is always someone watching. Not in a creepy, horror movie kind of way; but they are watching how you act, listening to what you say, and subconsciously filing away the information for a later date. Whether you are volunteering at a county fair, working that minimum wage job at the local feed store, or sitting in the board room of the largest coop in America, you need to act in a respectful, dignified way that you wouldn’t mind your future employer (or your mother) observing. Always treat others how you would like to be treated and you will automatically make a good impression.

Get “Organized.” You should never let a chance to network pass you by. Where you work, where you study, where you play, where you eat: look for opportunities to build relationships everywhere. Join a new club or organization; not only will you meet new people, but you will have the opportunity to work with them and show them just how great you are to have around. Monthly meetings, conferences, community service projects and social events provide excellent opportunities to build contacts that last. Organizations such as Agriculture Future of America (AFA) even have specific events to help you network with peers and industry professionals.
AFA is a nationally recognized organization for its excellence in leader training and career development for college men and women and young professionals in the agriculture and food industry. Each November, AFA hosts a leaders conference that provides personal and professional development opportunities. It is a great way to network with 500 students and more than 175 industry professionals who share a passion for agriculture and offer a unique perspective into the industry. For more information about AFA opportunities, visit www.agfuture.org.

Do Your Homework. After you have identified a few networking events that you would like to attend, do some research to find out who is going to be in attendance at each event. Perhaps you can find that information on the company’s Web site, or by inquiring with the people who are putting on the event. Researching the guest list will give you a better idea of who you want to talk to and what you would like to ask them. This is a great way to avoid awkward conversations about the weather and the food.

Get Carded. It’s extremely common to exchange business cards at networking events, so always have some on hand. If you don’t currently have a job, design a creative business card that has just your name, cell number, and an email address that you know you will have for life. (Use an email like firstname.lastname@username.com, not an email like rebel4life@username.com or littlefluffykittens@web.com.)

Keep It Short and Sweet. When you’re attending an event where networking is possible, keep the conversation brief or people will lose interest. Have a sixty second nutshell description of yourself and your goals ready to go. (Make it short enough to deliver during an elevator ride!) Your “elevator speech” should tell people everything they need to know about you and open the door for further questions. Keep them intrigued and wanting more without giving them time to get bored or distracted. There is a fine line between not enough and too much so practice, practice, practice!

Did You Hear What I Said? Listen! Keep in mind that your goal, when trying to build a network, is to gain and exchange information. Give others the chance to speak and even boast about themselves. You can solicit the information you want by talking and directing the conversation, but then take the time and effort to truly listen so you remember when it really counts.

If You Can’t Say Something Nice…There is no need to express every last thought in your head. Stay away from badmouthing anyone when in a networking situation. It really is a small world, and you never know how the person you are talking might be connected.

You’re Not Here For The Party. Always remember why you came to the event in the first place: to network. The purpose of a networking event is to help you advance professionally. Yes, it is a social event, but a professional one. You want to be remembered as capable, competent and polished, not as the girl or guy who was passed out on the table in the back or the idiot who was rocking it on the dance floor with only half their clothes on. Be responsible, and above all, never have too much to drink.

Quality, not Quantity--- It doesn’t matter if you talk to every single person in the room. If you don’t have a meaningful, memorable conversation with anyone: you have failed. Not only that, but if you are rushing around the room trying to meet as many people as possible, chances are good you will seem rude as your eyes dart from side to side while scanning the room, identifying the next person to pounce upon. It is important to maintain eye contact with the person you are speaking with, and stay focused on what they are saying. A strong network is based on relationships, not acquaintances.

Take A Note. Once the event is over, you should take all those business cards that you skillfully extracted and write a few notes on the back of each one. Jot down who the person was, what they do, what you talked about and even how they might be able to help you in the future. Once you get home, file them away in a box or folder where you can find them when you need them.
Work on Your Follow Through. If you exchange information with someone, at a networking event or anywhere else, and you have the intention of getting together at a later date, be sure to follow up with them. While the conversation and meeting is still fresh in your mind, send a note asking when a good time to get together would be. Try to do this within one week of the event; they are much more likely to remember you that way.

Be a Friend. As you meet new people, or come into contact with clients and associates, ask them how they are doing; take a genuine and sincere interest in their lives. You are more likely to have a lasting relationship with someone if you get past the surface stuff and know them as a friend. At the same time, you should always be yourself; never “pretend” to be their friend. If a friendship is not developing naturally, don’t force it.

Stay In Touch. A large part of networking is maintaining the contacts you already have. In the hustle and bustle to get new contacts, don’t forget about keeping the contacts you already have up to date with your life. Holiday cards, personal newsletters and social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn are all excellent ways to keep in touch with friends from long ago.

These are just a few tips to help make your construction of a great network easier. There are hundreds of ways to do it, and even more ways to maintain it; but at the end of the day, networking is still relationship building, and building good relationships takes time. Be patient, put your best foot forward, nurture your network, and eventually, you will “know” one of those people who will help your dreams come true.

2010-02-12T09:39:00.001-06:00

Job Outlook: What Do Employers Look for in Candidates?

Spotlight Online for Career Services Professionals, January 6, 2010

With the state of the job market leading employers to have higher expectations for the candidates they hire, there is increased emphasis on grade point average (GPA). More employers are screening candidates for GPA than at any other time over the past five years. Currently, nearly three out of four say they screen for GPA, according to responses to the Job Outlook 2010 survey.

Approximately 95 percent of those who use GPA reported their cutoff; 63 percent of respondents cited 3.0, the same cutoff point since 2003 when NACE first collected the information.

However, a high GPA is just one component employers consider in their candidates. And if two candidates are equally qualified, what helps employers choose between them? Based on attributes provided in the survey, a student’s leadership experience has a slight edge over other factors. The top factors are as follows:

Has held leadership position
Major
High GPA (3.0 or above)
Has been involved in extracurricular activities
School attended
Has done volunteer work

Responding employers were able to add to the list of attributes likely to influence them to hire one candidate over another, and more than one-quarter did so. In examining the other write-in attributes, it is evident that employers see a tremendous value in the experience that a candidate possesses. For example, a total of 25 respondents indicated that a candidate’s previous internship experience would influence their hiring decision.

Not only do employers prefer candidates with experience, but they also prefer candidates with relevant work experience. When asked about the preferred source of that experience, more than half cited internships and co-ops.

An Unconsidered Job: Civilian positions with the US Military

2010-02-12T09:22:00.001-06:00

An Unconsidered Job Area That’s Taking Flight

Spotlight Online for Career Services Professionals, February 3, 2010

When it comes to college students seeking “hidden job opportunities,” the United States military is a good place to look, according to Pat Stokes, marketing specialist with the U.S. Air Force. Still, it remains largely unconsidered as a landing place for college graduates. Why?

“Most people are under the impression that to work for the Air Force you have to join the Air Force,” Stokes says. “As a civilian employee, you can serve your country without committing to military service.”

Stokes explains that the Air Force is one of the nation’s largest employers, with more than 143,000 civil service positions. And, at a time when many employers have frozen or cut their hiring, the Air Force is growing.

“In contrast to most employers, the [economy’s] impact on the Air Force has been minimal,” Stokes points out. “In fact, over the next five years, the Air Force plans to hire an additional 24,000 civilians into its work force.”

Career opportunities include positions in auditing, civil engineering, communications, contracting, education/training, financial management, intelligence, international affairs, history, logistics, medical, personnel/manpower, program management, public affairs, scientists/engineers, security, social services, and more.

Each career has its own unique requirements. To best determine what each career requires, career services practitioners should direct students to www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afcivilianjobs and have them click on their desired career fields for specific qualifications, frequently asked questions, and directions on how to request more information. There are also instructions on how to apply for civil service jobs; information about career fields, benefits, and job searches; and other resources.

The web site includes a tab for entry-level opportunities for college graduates. Under this tab, Stokes points out, there are two Air Force internship programs for college graduates: the Palace Acquire Intern Program, for a variety of career fields, and the COPPER CAP Program, for contracting specialists only.

“These intern programs provide civilian employment opportunities for personal and professional growth in more than 20 different career fields,” Stokes says. “The intern programs offer full-time employment with a structured two- to three-year training program, putting employees on the fast track with performance-based promotions. Benefits include eligibility for $20,000 in student loan reimbursements and some locations include recruitment bonuses.”

Those students who are not interested in an intern program or who do not meet the eligibilities can click on “Search Student Jobs” to discover other educational employment opportunities, including the Student Educational Employment Program, Student Career Experience Program, apprenticeships, felowships, grants, and scholarships.

“These opportunities are available to eligible students from high school through the doctorate level,” Stokes says.

5 Insider Tips for Job-Seeking College Grads

2010-01-05T14:47:00.003-06:00

U.S. News & World Report's advice on job search in this market is on target: http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/2009/12/30/5-insider-tips-for-job-seeking-college-grads.html.

Here in CAFNR Career Services, we maintain a database of alumni and employer contacts who are willing to help students begin making the type of connections mentioned in the article. Please let us know if we can help you get started! And, check out OUR online tips for making networking work: http://cafnr.missouri.edu/career-services/interviews/networking.php.

Quizzical Questions

2009-12-17T12:58:00.000-06:00

Quizzical Questions
Insight from Employers on Those Tough Interview Questions!
from http://www.agcareers.com/ newsletter 12/17/09

If you’ve done much interviewing or are preparing to start, you’ve probably run across questions that get asked in most every interview. Of course it is great to practice what you might respond with, but what is it that employers are really looking for when asking that particular question? Well, we’ve found out! We’ve asked several industry experts to provide us with points on what they are looking for in a response when asking some of the more difficult interview questions.

Tell me a little about yourself.

Wrong: My name is Pat Smith and I like long walks on the beach and Monopoly. I want to work for your organization because I think you could use some help with your advertising campaigns and I’m much more creative than the team you currently have.

Correct: Mary Birley, Talent Recruiting Consultant at Cargill offered the following insight on the best way to respond to “Tell me about yourself.”

“The purpose of this question is to make you (the candidate) comfortable and start off the interview by getting to talk about yourself without having to answer a tough question right away.” She says to touch on what you’re doing in school, some past jobs you’ve had, some extracurricular activities, and your career goals. She also mentions that it is good to explain how the position you are applying for fits into your career goals.

This question is a hard one for some people because you don’t really have an idea how long they’d like you to speak. Take the advice above for your content and try to keep your response between one to two minutes. To wrap up the conversation and turn it back over to the interviewer, share what you feel you can bring to the organization and/or why you are excited about the position.

Are you willing to relocate?

Wrong: It depends on where the location is and if you are willing to pay to help me relocate.Right: From Human Resources Generalist at Becker Underwood, Kathry Lenz, when responding to this question she is looking for an enthusiastic, but sincere “yes.”

“There is nothing more frustrating than to go through the whole process and make an offer, only to have the candidate decide they don’t want to move after all,” says Lenz.

She says that it is also good to hear if the candidate is familiar with the town where the position is or that the candidate has at least researched the area and like what they’ve found. Lenz says that tells her that the candidate is serious about the job. Also, she says it is nice to hear questions about the town or area, such as what are the schools like, cost of living, etc. Again, another way to confirm the candidate is serious.

If you are really not willing to relocate, don’t apply for the position or if you find out that relocation may be necessary during the interview process, be honest and upfront about the fact that you are unwilling to relocate. It will save both parties time.

What is your expected salary range?

Wrong: I’d like to come into the organization at a managerial level, so therefore I think I should be between $80,000 and $90,000.Correct: “This is a very tough question for most people to answer—not just new graduates,” shares Shannon Blacker, Human Resources Manager with Syngenta Canada. “The main thing is to come into the interview prepared. Do some market research. What are other companies within the industry offering for this type of role? What would similar positions in a different industry pay?”

Blacker advises that most university and colleges have information on typical starting salaries for graduates from each program so use those resources that are available to you.

“Our assumption is that most individuals have an ideal starting salary, valid reasoning behind it and willingness to discuss it,” says Blacker. “If you are the top candidate, most companies will want to make you a fair offer that you will be happy with.”

Blacker also says, regardless of the actual salary range you propose, it is always a good idea to reassure the hiring manager of the main reasons you have applied and let them know that salary is not your only motivator. Reiterate your interest in the position and the company, and let them know you are confident you could come to an agreement that is fair for both parties should the opportunity be presented to you.

What are your weaknesses?

Wrong: I’m not a morning person, which makes me late for work nearly every day. Also, I have a hard time working with people who don’t like my university sports team.Right: “For answers to this question, we always hear ‘I work too hard’, or ‘I’m a perfectionist’, and those are weaknesses that they are trying to make into strengths,” Birley says. “Everyone says them, and it is just annoying to hear.”

She suggests that it is best to be completely honest and think about the feedback from past employers or coworkers, or just something you know you have to work on.

“A great response to this question would be to show that you are self-aware in that you know your weaknesses, and then show what you’re doing to address them or improve upon them,” says Birley.

What will you offer our company?

Wrong: I’m simply the best candidate that you will find and confident in my abilities!Right: While being confident is important, Lenz suggests that being more specific and providing examples of related experiences or education that relate to the job description and job duties listed are a more valuable response to this question and will help set you apart.

“Tell me why you chose this career path and demonstrate why you have passion for this type of work or position,” says Lenz. “Reiterate how you have prepared yourself for this type of work through related education, internships, etc. And, if they don’t have the related background yet, I look for an answer that suggests they have carefully thought through this career path and that tells me why they are choosing it.”

Do you have any questions for me?

Wrong: No, I think you’ve answered them all!

Right: “It always amazes me when people do not take the opportunity during the interview to ask questions,” says Blacker. “We want to know that people are just as serious about their careers, as we are about finding the right team member for our organization so we would hope they DO have questions!”

“Similarly, it is a major disappointment for me when the first or only questions a candidate has are: What is the salary?; How much vacation would I get?; and Can you please describe your health benefits?,” says Blacker.

Blacker agrees that those are details that are certainly open for discussion and are great questions to ask at a later stage in the recruitment process if they are not addressed by the hiring manager. Some topics (like vacation and benefits) may even be best discussed during the offer stage.

“My advice is to ask intelligent questions about the role and the company that show you have done your research,” says Blacker. “One caveat: limit your questions to three to five for the initial interview as most hiring managers are on a schedule and you don’t want to ask too many during the first round. If it is a single interview recruitment process, ask away!”

While we know you would never respond as distinctly wrong as the “Wrong” answers posed within this article, we do hope that the feedback provided directly from the mouths of those who could be hiring you will help prepare you so you are sure to achieve a successful interview and adequately answer some of those quizzical questions!

IMPRESSIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK AN INTERVIEWER1. Can you describe a typical day in this type of role?2. How long have you been at the company and what makes you stay?3. How would you describe the work environment and corporate culture?4. What are some of the goals for the company in the short and longer term?5. How would my performance be measured?6. What types of career opportunities may open up down the road for a person starting out in this type of position, assuming they perform well?7. What are some of the company’s initiatives regarding learning and development?

Job Outlook for 2010 Grads...Stinks, but Wait...

2009-11-25T09:18:00.002-06:00

There is good news for those pursuing careers in agriculture, food processing and environmental science: http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/17/news/economy/college_graduates_jobs/index.htm.

Please let us know if we can help you to organize and launch a job or internship search! As we work with employers, we know the CNN Money article is right: There are jobs out there. We're glad to help you find them!

Stephanie Chipman
MU CAFNR Career Services

Dickinson Scholars

2009-09-28T14:13:00.003-05:00

Last year, as a sophomore CAFNR student, I was looking to get more involved within the College of Agriculture as well as add intern and leadership experience to my resume. I had heard about Dickinson Scholars through a presentation in my Ag Econ 2183 class and decided that it could be a good opportunity to get involved and get some of that experience I was looking for.

The program fulfilled my expectations and more. I went in not knowing what to expect and came out knowing more about professionalism in the workplace, what steps I need to take as a student to ensure a great job in the future, and I also made some fantastic contacts. The program allowed me to network with alumni and get their opinion on attending graduate school as well as different companies and jobs. It was also a great opportunity to grow as a person in ways such as proper business attire and where to put your fork and knife once you are done eating.

I encourage all students who are interesting in working in corporate agriculture to apply to John Brown or Dickinson Scholars. A week of your winter break is definitely worth the experience!

-Danielle Bellis
Junior, Agribusiness Management

John Brown Scholars-Finding Career Success

2009-09-08T12:24:00.004-05:00

As a college student, I've been involved in lots of things. Campus organizations, internships, and part-time jobs have kept me busy during my time here at Mizzou. Of all these great experiences, I'll say the John Brown Scholars program tops my list of greatest experiences when it comes to career opportunities.

Who doesn't want to meet potential employers and learn what it takes to succeed in the professional world? This week-long opportunity partners CAFNR students with leading companies working in agriculture, food, and natural resources.

You'll have the chance to explore the real-world, while applying the lessons you learn in class everyday. Not only did I learn valuable professional lessons, but I really enjoyed the helpful insight and advice from recent graduates who are now young professionals with full-time careers.

So how can you get involved? Simply turn in your cover letter, resume, and list of three references by noon, Thursday, October 15 in 2-64 Agriculture Building. A panel will review the resumes and hold interviews October 20-22.

Here are the qualifications for the program:

Be of junior or higher standing (at least 60 hours completed by end of fall semester) and enrolled in CAFNR.
Have a 2.5 minimum GPA while enrolled at MU.
Be available the entire week of the program (Jan. 10-15, 2010).
Have completed Ag Econ 1041 and 1042. (Ag Econ 2183 is highly recommended.)

Don't have 60 hours of college credit, yet? I encourage you to check out the Dickinson Scholars program, which is a great stepping stone to get involved in John Brown Scholars. I participated in this program during January 2008, but read about the 2009 program here.

Dickinson Scholars-A Growing Experience

2009-08-31T11:05:00.004-05:00

This past Winter Break I had the privilege to spend a week with the Dickinson Scholar program in Kansas City. The program is designed for CAFNR students to network with leaders in agriculture, and see opportunities in the industry. I was able to spend my week with talented leaders from John Deere, while my peers and I learned from their insight. Not only was it educational and fun, but I've always been partial to green tractors!

While visiting John Deere, I learned about all aspects of marketing in the company. We spent time traveling to local dealerships, followed by visiting the corporate headquarters. The program was well-rounded and opened my eyes to the many facets of the Deere Company.

A few of the highlights of the Dickinson Scholars program for me included meeting with the Dickinson family, the owners of Bank Midwest, and then also the final presentations. The Dickinsons assisted us in learning about the banking industry, but we also got to see their passion for agriculture and reasoning behind starting the Dickinson Scholars program. The final presentations are a fun yet professional evening when professors, industry professionals, and all participants join to learn about the different parts of the Dickinson Scholars program.

The Dickinson Scholars program was a great way to spend my winter break, and I encourage all undergraduates to apply! While some application and interview processes can be stressful, the Dickinson Scholars application was simple and the interview was with respected professors from the college with whom I was already acquainted. Seeing familiar, smiling faces made the interview comfortable for me. I hope you see how valuable the experiences are, and choose to apply now!

-Charlotte Jackson

Junior, Agricultural Education

Now's the time to submit your cover letter and resume to apply for this year's program. For details, click here. Also check out the John Brown Scholars program, which is a similar opportunity for CAFNR students, typically juniors and seniors. If you have questions, CAFNR Career Services is here to help!

Who wants a popsicle?

2009-08-27T12:02:00.010-05:00

I'm not sure I've ever seen popsicles in the professional world. That is until this week! CAFNR Career Services is handing out these frozen treats to remind students to avoid letting brain freezes lead to hiring freezes!

Our team will be handing out more sweet treats in the ag building today from 2-3 p.m. and again Monday from 2-3 p.m. Take time to come visit us between classes to stay cool, and also find the resources you need to start the semester on the right track.

Just take a look at the pictures to see how much fun we're having!

These CAFNR students say goodbye to summer with a yummy popsicle and helpful career advice!

Here are some common cures we think can help you avoid any hiring freeze:

-Register at Hire Mizzou Tigers.
-Build your resume.
-Attend CAFNR Career Fair 10/7/09.
-Get an internship.
-Utilize Career Services.

No matter your age or year in school, it's never too early to start building your professional experiences.

Here's proof that CAFNR Career Services is a fun place to be!

Making Dreams Come True

2009-08-24T10:46:00.010-05:00

Have you ever gone to Disney World? Played in a big sports game? Sang in front of hundreds of people? Or done anything so exciting you couldn't fall asleep because your mind was so busy dreaming already?

I had that same problem just last night as I laid in bed trying to get some sleep before my very last, first day of school.

Just like a trip to the amusement park, or another exciting adventure, I was so preoccupied dreaming up great opportunities that I could hardly fall asleep. We tend to expect that anticipation and excitement from students starting their first day at college...but a senior, REALLY?

It's no secret, I've always liked school, but as a veteran here at Mizzou I expected today to be like any other day in my college career. I was so comfortable, I didn't look up the location of my 9 a.m. class until 8 a.m., right before leaving my apartment to pick up my parking pass, both things that most students did at least seven days ago! So it's easy to see I wasn't awake because of nerves, but more for excitement.

Like other students here at Mizzou, and more specifically in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, I am confident my college experiences have prepared me to succeed after graduation. While I certainly plan to savor every last minute I have on campus, I can't help my excitement for the world that awaits me beyond Columbia.

Call me biased, but I've found this mindset to be unique when I look to other schools on our campus. The CAFNR family nurtures students to help us build the experiences and skills to be successful adults.

One example of this nurturing comes in the form of professional development, offered right here from the folks at CAFNR Career Services. Because of the networking and lessons I've learned from their programs, services, and advice, I know transitioning from college to career will be an experience to help make my dreams come true!

Telling the Truth?

2009-08-18T08:36:00.002-05:00

Employers tell me that integrity and ethics are traits they seek in a new hire. Yet, how can recruiters and hiring managers test for this? Yes, they ask the behaviorial-based questions like "Tell me about a time your ethics were challenged." Yes, they check references. But, once hired, the true test is applied. Will you become known as an employee with integrity and ethical high standards?

If you're thinking of being less than honest, check out 4 Lies that Can Cost You Your Job.

Federal Jobs

2009-08-07T08:52:00.003-05:00

Excerpted from NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers, online at www.naceweb.org) Spotlight Online 2009:

With nearly one-third of all federal employees (nearly 1.9 million employees) eligible to retire in the next four years and new federal jobs being created as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal government is currently looking to hire a significant number of people. So how can you enhance your chance of being selected for a federal position?

Brooke Bohnet, associate manager for education and outreach with the Partnership for Public Service (PPS), offers the following tips for landing a job with the federal government:

Plan ahead—The application process itself can take time; to improve chances of getting a job, allow plenty of time to thoroughly complete the application.

Select carefully—Applications tailored for specific jobs that are a good match for skills and talents will be more successful than sending out a standard resume for many jobs. Read about building federal resumes (see www.makingthedifference.org/federaljobs/usajobsresume.shtml) and KSA writing (see www.makingthedifference.org/federaljobs/ksa.shtml).

Prepare for a wait—It can take weeks to months before you hear back about your application, and, during this time, there may be little or no communication from the agency. Every federal job requires a background check before the agency can make a job offer. If the position is related to national security, applicants will be instructed to complete the security clearance process once they receive an offer. Apply for positions without security clearances about four months prior to their start date and six to eight months in advance for national security related positions.

Follow-up with the agency—Contact the identified representative to learn the status of your application or to find out more about a job about a month after the closing date or, if the closing date is extended, about a month after turning in the application.

The Partnership for Public Service's (PPS) web site—www.makingthedifference.org—offers a variety of information on federal job and internship opportunities, as well as resources to help job seekers understand where jobs are in government that fit their needs/interests and tools to help them navigate the federal application process.

To find job openings, Bohnet advises jobseekers to visit the federal government job web site—www.usajobs.gov.

Jobs with the federal government are attractive because of competitive salaries, a solid benefit package, meaningful and challenging work, and opportunities for advancement and professional development. (For more details, go to www.makingthedifference.org and click on "Why Federal Service.")

Managing Gen Y

2009-08-07T08:38:00.004-05:00

I just returned from a roundtable where Gen Y was, of course, discussed. Several people, faculty, recruiters, managers, and Gen Y'ers themselves, have talked to me about the challenges of working with generations that have different defining experiences and, as a result, different expectations and behaviors. See the article below from AgCareers.com to illuminate some of the reasons behind these differences. What do you think? Managers of Gen Y? Gen Y'ers?

Managing Generation “Why?”

Mark Murphy, Founder of Leadership IQ

Today thousands of managers are sitting at their desks both puzzled and annoyed at the three-letter-word that keeps getting thrown at them by their young workers. Baby Boomer and Traditionalist leaders describe this word as sounding, as one manager told us, “like nails on a chalkboard.” What, you might ask, is this word? And, if you’re a Generation Y-er, you might ask, “Why is it driving you crazy?”

“Why.” It seems like such a small, innocent word. However, it is actually a loaded term that has different meanings depending on which generation you belong to. In this article, we’ll spell out what “why” means to both the older, seasoned managers, and the young, new workers. And, we’ll give you the tools to overcome your distaste for “why” and embrace it to your managerial advantage.

For those of us raised before the era of “free love” or even “disco”, we were taught not to question our elders. As children we were to be seen and not heard. As school-age children we were taught to take what we were given and not complain about it. And, as adults we were supposed to do our tasks solely because they needed to be done. We understood that we were cogs in a wheel, and if we just did our job, everything would work out fine. So, to us, the word “Why?” denotes challenging of authority, thumbing your nose at the rules, and general disruptiveness. Even in its mildest interpretation, we see at as annoying. When we tell one of our young workers, “finished documents must be printed in triplicate on blue paper,” we want them to say, “Yes, of course! Consider it done!” Not, “Why?”

However, for Generation Y workers, “why” is not a dirty word. They were raised in different times. These adults grew up in a period where parents not only focused on their children, but set them on a pedestal, told them they were unique and important, and fought for them to be not just seen, but heard as well. Generation Y children were also taught that there is learning value in everything they do - so that every job that must be done has a reason, meaning, or significance. They were taught to look at the “big picture” and how their contribution fits in with everything around them. So instead of just being content with knowing they are a cog in the wheel, they need to know, “Why am I this cog instead of that one? Why are we turning slowly? Why, why, why?”

Overall, our research found that there are two big reasons Generation Y asks “Why?”
Reason #1: Big Picture “Why?”Generation Y workers want to know how they, as well as their work, fit into the whole. They want to know how the tasks they do affect the department, organization, field, or world as a whole. They’ve grown up wanting their lives and work to be meaningful, and they want to see how meaningful it will actually be. Generation Y workers have little patience for tasks that are rote and, as they see it, meaningless. So, as a manager, you need to make their work fit into the big picture. The clearer you make it, the more productive they will be. Pre-empting the “why?” question by assigning tasks AND giving the big picture up front is a trick that top managers have learned.

Darren Griffith, a top sales manager at an auto insurance agency tells it this way, “When I give my Gen-Y sales reps a task, I let them know how it affects everyone of us here. For instance, I asked two of my reps to read through about 200 surveys and pull out all the written comments. I knew they’d ask why because it is such a boring task. So I just said right away – I told them ‘we need to find out if any of our customers are unhappy with anything we’ve done in our sales process. We need to go through those surveys to get those negative comments so that later we can all sit down as a team and figure out what we need to do better.’ That was just what they needed, and they got right on with the task.”

Reason #2: Significance “Why?”Employees from Generation Y are typically more than enthusiastic to do something when they know the reason behind why they need to do what they need to do. Their parents taught them that rules and instructions are important and good, but only if they make sense and fit the situation. They also taught them that every rule and instruction is an opportunity to learn more. For example, if one of their parents said to them, “Bedtime is at 9:00 P.M.” and, the kid asked “Why?” – they would not typically get the response (as most of us non-Gen Y-ers would have), “Because I said so.” They would more likely get an explanation of how the parent came up with the rule and why it is important. Further, the parent would actually have a “good” reason much of the time (from reading all of those research studies and parenting books and magazines that were so popular at the time). For example, the parent might say, “Because kids your age need at least 9 hours of sleep, and you have to get up at 6:00 A.M. - so 9 P.M. is the latest you can go to bed and get the required amount of sleep.”
That’s the reason this particular “Why?” can be more of a challenge. It forces us, as managers, to question the reasoning and significance behind what we want our workers to do and how we want them to do it. It becomes tricky when there are procedures or policies in our companies that we have absolutely no idea why they are in place and they don’t make a lot of sense to us either.

For example, it might be easy to discuss company dress codes if they make sense. Ricki Archer, the director of a tutoring company, told us, “I discuss dress code with my tutors right away. I tell them that we have a strict white collared shirt, khaki pants, and closed toe shoe policy. I explain that the white collared shirt and khakis identify our tutors no matter what school we go into, and the closed toe shoe means that we are teachers and not students. We have to look professional and separate ourselves from the kids that we teach. Our tutors are young- but they ‘get it’. After we talk about it, they understand that they need to look like grown-ups to get the respect of the parents, teachers, and students. I’ve never had to discuss it further with any of them.”
What is more difficult is when it makes less sense. However, we did find one manager that handled the “why?” particularly well. David Kim, a department manager at a research firm, had many employees question their dress code. “We have a ‘no shorts, no sandals, no jeans, and no t-shirts’ rule at our company. And some of our new hires asked me about why that policy was in place because they all work at computers in cubicles all day and clients don’t see them. I told them that, in all honesty, I had no idea. Realistically, we are isolated from the rest of the company physically – we are in a different building. And, it is just me, my assistant, and eighteen associates who crunch numbers and write reports all day. So, I told them that they had my blessing in trying to get the policy changed if that is what they wanted. They could research it, draft a new policy, and get a petition and signatures – whatever they needed. And I would take a representative with me and bring it up to corporate. But they couldn’t do it during work time. I had to stress that! I haven’t heard about it in a few weeks, but I know there are a bunch of them working on it.”

Unlike the Big Picture “Why?”, the Significance “Why?” can’t always be pre-empted. This is because this type of “Why?” often takes us by surprise. Things we wouldn’t naturally question get questioned. This type of questioning, as you may notice, is not always a bad thing. In fact, employees asking, “Why?” can bring about significant change and growth and help us to look beyond where we might normally look. In fact, where would Microsoft be without Bill Gates asking “Why?” Or where would Nike, or Apple, or Starbucks be? These companies did not just allow “Why?”, they embraced “Why?”

Summing up the TechniquesIn short, Generation Y asks “Why?” for two main reasons. And, as our top managers have shown, there are two good ways to turn the “Why?” to your advantage. First and foremost, anticipate that your Generation Y employees are going to want the Big Picture. By knowing this, you can pre-empt questions by providing details of how their work fits in with the work of other workers, the department, organization, or outside world. Make what they are doing meaningful and relevant. Creative managers have a knack for making every job important.

Second, understand that Generation Y workers want to know the Significance of what they are doing. If you can anticipate their questions, then certainly pre-empt them by providing the reason. But, because these are often unanticipated questions, give yourself time to respond or put the work back on them. If you don’t know the answer, it is fine to say, “I don’t know, but I can find out.” It is also more than OK to give them permission to search for the answer themselves, or to try to change things (with you guiding the process, of course).

With this knowledge in hand, maybe we can reduce our annoyance at that little three-letter word. It is not there to usurp your authority. It is not there to make your life miserable. “Why?” is being thrown at you because you have curious, inquisitive, and intelligent young workers who want to learn and grow through their work with you. You may not love it, but with these tools you can turn it to your advantage.
© 2009 www.agcareers.com

Job Interviews: Weird Answers

2009-07-23T12:28:00.002-05:00

Have you ever said something during a job interview, and after later reflection, felt pretty bad about it? Most of us, several hours after the interview, think about what was said and either hope that it wasn't misinterpreted or wish we would have said more.

Very few job interviews are perfect. Want to feel a little better? Read 43 weird things said in job interviews. At least you didn't say those things. Right?

For tips on interviewing, visit our webpage: http://cafnr.missouri.edu/career-services/interviews/. Also, feel free to schedule an appointment to talk about interview strategies!

National Statistics for the Class of 2009

2009-07-16T12:48:00.002-05:00

The National Association of Colleges and Employers surveyed college students between Feb. 19 and April 30 about their career outlook. Here are some of the findings:

19.7 percent of 2009 graduates had a job lined up. That compares with 26 percent of those graduating in 2008.
59 percent of 2009 graduates had started their job search at the time of the survey, compared with about two-thirds of the Class of 2008 and 64 percent of the Class of 2007.
About 27 percent of 2009 graduates reported plans to forego the job market in favor of graduate school. That compares with 24 percent of 2008 graduates.

The NACE Salary Survey, Summer 2009, reported an average starting salary for 2009 graduates of $49, 693 versus $49, 693 last year. For salary information for a specific major or career field, please contact CAFNR Career Services at 573-882-0088 or ChipmanS@missouri.edu.

Airport Etiquette

2009-07-13T13:09:00.003-05:00

I just learned that another of our very creative and bright alumni is blogging. I particularly love her article on airport etiquette and encourage anyone who ever flies to read it: http://thetravelingcowgirl.blogspot.com/.

And, CAFNR students, Melanie also happens to be one of our CAFNR Connections mentors. Obviously, she has great advice!

Social Media Pitfalls?

2009-07-13T09:21:00.003-05:00

We've all heard how important social networking can be to get a job, and especially so during this recession. However, check out the following blog for information about how DAMAGING online networking can be if misused: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1953-Workplace-Issues-Social-Media-Pitfalls/ sc_extcmp=JS_1953_advice&SiteId=cbmsn41953&ArticleID=1953&GT1=23000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=d50b16d017a7426eba4913a0f1aa6fe0-300534437-J6-5

2009-06-12T13:19:00.001-05:00

Go Beyond the Borders
By AgCareers.com

AgCareers.com believes that students have numerous opportunities to build powerful career portfolios throughout their higher education experiences. One of these opportunities is traveling abroad. The life lessons learned while students are visiting other countries are valuable for personal growth, as well as preparation for future career opportunities.

“As we see our population growing larger, more and more companies are looking beyond our borders for resources to grow and produce food, fiber, and fuel,” said Eric Spell, president of AgCareers.com. “This adds to the need for graduates who have first-hand knowledge of agricultural practices abroad, as agribusiness can be easily observed at various levels in all countries.”

Traveling abroad can present challenges for many students including: fear of traveling, the possibility of getting behind in their graduation schedule, and the lack of funds. To help offset the financial constraints; AgCareers.com has developed the Agribusiness Beyond the Borders Scholarship program.

“At AgCareers.com we see the importance of investing in the students who are willing to step outside their comfort zone and take advantage of work experiences abroad,” says Ashley Collins Education Coordinator with AgCareers.com.

The program provides three $1,000 scholarships for students currently studying in North America who are embarking on a study abroad experience. One scholarship is awarded to a student each term (fall, spring and summer) to be used for their study abroad trip in the following term.

Since the launch of the Agribusiness Beyond the Borders Scholarship Program in early 2009, AgCareers has had to opportunity to assist two students with trips to other countries. Matthew Groen, a rising junior at the University of Guelph majoring in Animal Science, traveled to Costa Rica for ten days during the Spring of 2009.

"I choose to go to Costa Rica to learn more about alternative agricultural practices,” Groen said. “In Costa Rica, I got to experience and learn a lot about organic production of coffee and many other fruits that we consume on a daily basis.”

He said the experience taught him how organic production practices affect not only his health, but the entire economy of developing countries.

This summer, Kristen Gossett, a senior at NC State University double majoring in Agriculture Extension and Communication, will spend one month in Australia. She was chosen as the recipient of the summer term scholarship.

Gossett shared her motivation behind choosing this opportunity in her scholarship essay, “This trip can only strengthen my expertise and experience in the field of agriculture, which I hope to work in one day. I had always hoped that I could bring something to my job that was different…that would stand out and bring more to the table. I think the experience of studying abroad can help me do that.”

Gossett added that, "Although studying abroad is an amazing opportunity, the cost is usually pretty high. It's great to have scholarship opportunities like the one through AgCareers.com to help offset some of that expense."

To apply for the Agribusiness Beyond the Borders Scholarship, students need to complete a simple online form and write a one and a half page essay about their trip and why they’ve chosen to travel abroad. Applications are due at various times throughout the year, depending on the dates of the trip. Applications are now being accepted for students going abroad in Fall 2009.

For more information about the Agribusiness Beyond the Borders Scholarship Program, and to apply, go to http://www.agcareers.com/scholarship_form.cfm.

Hyatt's Top 10 Must Do for Seniors

2009-06-12T13:05:00.003-05:00

As we all wait for the economy to improve (and we KNOW it will), Hyatt provides some excellent tips for everyone who searches for a position!

Recruiters Corner: Top 10 Must Do for Seniors

1. Stay Positive: The economy will turn around, its just a matter of time, it always does.
2. Be Flexible: Your ideal route may not be available right now; take what you can.
3. Differentiate Yourself: What is it about you that makes you better than the others?
4. Swallow Your Pride: Now is not the time to turn down great opportunities even though
they may not be exactly your ideal job out of college.
5. Get your foot in the door: Whether it is a line position or an internship, these opportunities
allow you to prove yourself to the company.
6. Expand your Relocation Preferences: The more open you are to relocation the more
opportunities will be available to you.
7. Take the Initiative: taking any opportunity the company offers shows dedication and true commitment.
8. College Degree vs. Experience: Even though you will have a college degree you must start
somewhere and you may not always start as a manager but that's OK.
9. Broaden Your Experiences: Now is the time to make yourself a more qualified candidate
for when things turn around.
10. NETWORK: This means creating new networks with those you have recently come into
contact with, and continuing those relationships you have already made with industry
leaders, professors, and peers.

To check out careers at Hyatt, visit: http://www.explorehyatt.jobs/index_flash.php

The Future of Hiring...Agriculture

2009-06-03T09:27:00.002-05:00

OK, so some of you may not be in your "dream" job. With news of the economy, more seniors turned to plan B this year: graduate school. Others were willing to accept a position that just a few months ago, they may have considered unacceptable. To all of you who identify with the difficulty of job "search and find" this year, take heart. There is good news.

The 2008 Agribusiness Job Report by AgCareers.com reports that 63% of their companies foresee retirements in the upcoming years that will create many new opportunities. Even better news, many companies are turning to college relations as a way to fill positions, as evidenced by an increase in the number of internship programs and entry-level leadership development programs.

So, what to do now? Use this time to hone your skills. Think about your ideal position. Find several job descriptions online; use websites like AgCareers.com to search for jobs that sound enjoyable and interesting. What can you do in your current job or in graduate school to prepare yourself better for that next position? Pursue those projects, tasks, classes and contacts that will ensure that your next position is close to, if not, ideal.

Highlighting a few other career BLOGS!

2009-05-15T10:18:00.003-05:00

As I surf the Net these days, I can find myself going to a wide variety of interesting, but ultimately useless, sites. Here, I've tried to link a few blogs that I find "spot-on" in terms of career advice:

The M.A.P. Maker: http://mapmaker.curtrosengren.com/. Great tips on goal setting and finding Meaning, Abundance, and Passion in your life/career. Here are a couple of great exercises I found here: Write a letter to yourself and then have it e-mailed back to you at a future date, using FutureMe.org. This takes care of my issue: writing the letter and then forgetting where I put it! I also like the list of positive words I found on this site.
Allison's Job Searching Blog. Great, straightforward advice in How Not to Find a Job , Tough Interview Questions, and other posts.
Personal Branding Blog. Written by several, this site has some good tips for standing out--positively--while seeking your next opportunity. I love the recent post The Demise of Job Boards and the Rise of People Searching.

Summer is Almost Here!

2009-05-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

As finals week wraps up, I am getting anxious to be done with the semester and start my internship with ADM! This summer I was placed in an internship several hours from home and also in a big city. Although I’ll be far away from my show lambs and rural Missouri, I am looking forward to a great new experience.

Being away from home, college, and friends for a summer internship can be challenging. But… what is the best part about a new home is that it is new. New people, new places, new friends, new opportunities.

The most important part about surviving a summer away is to get involved. Sometimes companies have social events that interns can attend. For example, ADM is participating in the Kansas City Corporate Challenge this summer. KCCC is a wide range of sporting activities in which companies all over Kansas City compete. They already asked me to represent the company and be on the golf team, soccer team, swim team, and even run the mile!

My participation in the sports events may be more amusing for bystanders than competitive for the team. But it will give me a chance to be involved. Find a club in the area near your internship. Or take a summer class at a college close by. Before you know it, summer will be gone! But the experiences from a summer internship you will take with you the rest of your life.

-Charlotte Jackson

Sophomore, Agricultural Education

2009-05-12T10:33:00.006-05:00

Professor Maria Rodriguez Alcala, Agricultural Economics, shared the following very helpful tips regarding a career in international development:

I recently attended the seminar by Douglas Casson Couts, Senior Advisor to the U.N. World Food Programme. He provided eight very helpful tips to those consiering a career in international development and specifically, one with the United Nations:

1. Find your passion. 90% of development type jobs = passion. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

2. Linked to the issue of finding your passion, ask yourself: Do you want to make a difference? If so, at what level, scale, how much hands on?

3. Do you see yourself more as an office or a field work person? This is key in planning strategically your minors, majors, internships, languages and study abroad programs to build your career.

4. Personal flexibility. How flexible are you? Flexibility not just in terms of moving around, but in accepting different work environment (i.e. different colleagues, different way of doing things, different accents, etc.).

U.S. Peace Corps experience is a great place to start to later get into the U.N. (basically the U.N. now is hiring from other institutions around the globe that will already provide the initial experience they need. Peace Corps is just one of them).
The U.N. itself offers a similar program as the Peace Corps, the U.N. Volunteers (http://www.unv.org/) . By the way, the assignments for these are from 1-2 years. However, there are some short-term assignments that are from 6 to 12 months long.
He also recommended the Peace Corps Master’s International program (http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.whyvol.eduben.mastersint).

5. Are you interested in long-term development or relief (emergency) type of jobs (90% of the World Food Program funds go to relief). It does matter to make this differentiation, the careers in each are very different worlds.

6. What specific major or courses should students choose? It DOES NOT matter. In the past they hired people with different specializations. Now that’s history; specialists are outsourced (i.e. hired as consultants for short-term periods to address a specific need or question). Most people in development jobs are generalists, they have a broad view of the world and issues we need to treat.

7. Education, basically two main things needed:

Master Degree. A MUST. Very, very few undergraduates are hired by the U.N. today.
Fluency (not just read and write, but involve in a conversation) in 2 U.N. languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, French, Russian). I asked him more about his recommendations, and here are some tips if you want to learn another language:
i. You first need some basics (i.e. levels 1,2 and perhaps 3 of college levels of any language, High School levels are not enough).
ii. You need to go to a foreign country and spend at least 2-3 months without ANY exposure to English. On this he recommended a program he himself used in Canada called the “immersion program” and he mentioned three countries where he knows the programs are good: Mexico, Guatemala and Canada (Quebec Province). You actually spend 2-3 months far from the main cities perhaps in the middle of nowhere where nobody speaks a word of English.

8. There is no luck. You create your way, and you need to be strategic early on. That’s why, the earlier you discover your passion, the better you can plan.

Finally Finals

2009-05-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

Finals week is here! As many of us are nervous about the upcoming exams, I share the feeling. This is my fourth time experiencing finals week at Mizzou. Although finals are supposed to be the roughest, toughest week of the year, it always seems to go smoothly for me.

So how do you survive the week? I think the most important part of the week is to actually study. Because there are no classes, there is nothing to motivate you get out the books! I set aside a certain number of hours each day to study during finals week. Sometimes if I procrastinate, I will find myself not studying until the day before, but most times I do a slow progression of studying throughout the entire week.

Secondly, take advantage of the “spoiling” the college and your family gives you during this week. If you live in a residential hall, oftentimes the floor will provide study snacks daily. It also is never a bad time to hint to your family how jealous you are of your roommate’s finals week care package.

Hang in there. One semester is almost down and only three more to go! This great college won’t give you any pressure you can’t handle, so take it all in stride.

CAFNR Career Services’s mission is to help students! Stop in for advice on any topic, whether it be schoolwork, time management, or career assistance.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

The meaning of two small words

2009-05-04T13:41:00.001-05:00

Earlier this year a freshman asked me to look over his resume. I was honored that he valued my knowledge and that he asked me to edit it. A few days after helping him make a few changes, I found an envelope he slid under my door. It was a thank you note! He appreciated my help so much that he wanted to say “thank you.” Saying thank you for such a small task took only a few minutes of his time, but it meant the world to me.

In today’s fast paced, technology-driven society, I often find myself forgetting to say “thank you” sometimes to the people who have helped me along the way. Sometimes my gratitude will come in the form of an email, but I have found that people appreciate a hand written note so much more than any sort of online message.

Here are a few times when I feel it is important to write a thank you note:

After an interview. Nothing makes a lasting impression on the future boss like a big thank you.
After someone writes a recommendation for you. They took special time to tell someone else how great you are. It’s important to let them know you appreciated it as well.\
To your family as a surprise. Nothing means more to Mom and Dad than a thank you just for raising you well.

All it takes are two small words. “Thank you” can bring a smile to someone’s face or it might even get you a job someday!

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

CAFNR graduate starts restaurant

2009-04-28T13:27:00.002-05:00

Hands-on experience in the Hotel and Restaurant Management department helped Brian Coley start his own restaurant at the age of 23.

A recent article in the Columbia Missourian features the young restauranteur's new venture, Coley’s American Bistro.

Jeffrey Guinn, a resident instructor in the hotel and restaurant management program at MU, had the chance to work closely with Coley as his teacher at MU.
“When it comes to food, Brian has a very creative imagination and comforting palate,” Guinn said. “He has the ability to put together complimenting and contrasting flavors and textures, resulting in wonderful plates.”

Click here to read more.

Double Your Dollar

2009-03-29T09:48:00.003-05:00

Welcome back from spring break! Spend a little too much money? Here's your chance to make up for spent bucks! Join us for a personal finance workshop featuring Lance Reynolds, a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.

We’ll discuss:

The power of investments & importance of starting early
How 401Ks/Roth IRAs work
Financial lingo: definitions you need to know
Practical budgeting
Avoiding the “debt trap”

Don’t be a fool, join us on April Fool’s Day!
Wednesday, April 1st, 5 p.m.
572 Bond Life Sciences Center
Shakespeare's pizza provided!!

Contact CAFNR Career Services if you've got questions. See you there!

Looking for a job?

2009-03-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

I wish each of you a happy spring break! We're taking a break from the blog until you return, but here's some important information in the meantime:

I’m sure you are aware of the economy and may be apprehensive as you prepare to graduate and think of future plans. Please know that positions are still available, especially in certain sectors. As you think about your future over the break, please let me know if CAFNR Career Services can assist you. We are glad to help with brainstorming possible employers, preparing marketing tools like résumés and interview strategies, and launching an effective job search that includes networking with alumni and friends. If you have chosen to pursue graduate school, we also have materials to help with personal statements and are glad to offer a review of statements.

Following are a couple of clips about the current economy—and what you can do about it:

No Jobs for the Class of 2009?http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/29178929#29178929

(Be sure to watch the entire video…you'll find some very good advice at the end.)

Please let me know if I can help.

-Stephanie Chipman
Director of CAFNR Career Services
chipmans@missouri.edu
573-882-0088

Find a job on HireMizzouTigers.com

2009-03-11T12:57:00.000-05:00

Check out this video to see how you can get a job.

This is just another example of how HireMizzouTigers.com can benefit you!

Question: What do you want to do?

2009-03-10T16:19:00.002-05:00

Yikes! The question you know they'll ask, but you're not prepared to answer. That's right, as soon as you meet them most employers want to know what you want to do. What happens when you find yourself stumbling around, ending with a jumbled response?

Don't get caught with a mumbling mess that sounds something like, "Well, I don't know what I want to do, but I love your company. I think I'd be a good fit for a lot of the positions you have to offer."

Instead, be honest and focused. You'll gain a lot more respect with something like this, "I can't pinpoint a job title, but I've looked at a few positions your company has to offer. I am most interested in the roles that would utilize my communication and organizational skills."

For more tips like this one, check out CAFNR Career Services in Ag Building 2-64.

The Thirst for Talent

2009-03-04T08:17:00.000-06:00

As the economy creates questions for job-hunting students and alums, we bring you another perspective on the situation. Marketing yourself is key, according to recruiter Michele Holton.

Today companies and individuals grapple with the impact of our current economic conditions. Companies are trying to balance their short term interests against their strategic, long term plans. They are making challenging decisions about their businesses and their people that they may not have had to reconcile in the previous boom times.

At the same time, individuals are struggling financially, rethinking their career choices and their expectations for the future. Added to this complexity are increasing talent shortages. The impending retirement of the Baby Boom Generation (if they can still afford to) is giving way to a new generation in the workplace that have varying expectations for their careers, their development and their relationship with their company.

For most companies, talent is the true differentiator in realizing business results. Having the right talent at the right time in the right role is imperative to success. Companies with the foresight, initiative and resources to invest in talent now, will prevail in the long term.

So what can you do now to find the right opportunity? Today, being clear about what your interests are, taking the initiative to seek out and review available opportunities, preparing for interactions with company representatives and being able to articulate your interest are all extremely important. I would also strongly suggest you pursue an internship or co-op either during or after your college career.

After a careful review, Monsanto made the decision to offer fewer of our intern/co-op and entry level roles for the upcoming year yet we still had nearly 350 openings across the US alone. Internships and co-ops are an important resource for building our pipeline of future talent. Students who access these opportunities have a first hand, realistic job preview and an opportunity to show their skills and experience the company’s culture. In our case, many of the students are converted to full time opportunities contingent upon strong performance.

When considering an internship, having a positive attitude with the flexibility to try a new location, engage diverse viewpoints along with a thirst for learning and exploration will greatly aid your success. As you begin working, an open dialog with your manager, along with a willingness to accept constructive criticism, can help ensure you fulfill your project and overall expectations. One simple behavior that can be overlooked in the quest to network and secure a full time opportunity is simply performing well in your current position by meeting the job expectations.

Also, attend the events the company provides to help you build your knowledge of the organization and your network. Besides demonstrating appreciation for the resources the company expends putting on these programs, these can be great informal ways for the company to get to know you and for you to show yourself outside of your work.

This is a hugely exciting time to be part of agriculture given the global needs related to sustainable food and energy. At Monsanto we are thrilled to be part of this and talent remains a top priority as we go forward. Click here for more information on internships, co-ops and opportunities at Monsanto.

Michele Holton is the University Relations and Employment Branding Lead at Monsanto.

Being Competitive in a TIGHT Job Market!

2009-03-02T12:20:00.003-06:00

Recession? A Changing Marketplace? Globalization?

Special Lecture by Rick Galbreath, President of Performance Growth Partners Inc.

7 p.m.

March 5, 2009

Monsanto Auditorium, Bond Life Sciences Center

Students graduating in the next few years will face more challenges in finding and being successful in their first job out of college than has been the case in decades. Richard “Rick” Galbreath, is an internationally published author, public speaker and consultant with 30 years of experience in helping people, and the organizations they work for, become wildly successful.

Rick will cover the following success strategies:

• Knowing what you really want
• Understanding that a change is about to happen
• Appreciating and developing those things you currently take for granted
• Specific issues you need to consider to ensure your early career is not derailed.

Sponsored by MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Sciences, Division of Animal Sciences and Career Services.

Time Rules

2009-02-23T09:07:00.000-06:00

It's Career Fair time for CAFNR students! Don't forget to stop by Reynolds Alumni Center on Wednesday, February 25 from noon to 4 p.m. First, check out this tips for making a great first impression:

Meeting folks in the professional world is often nerve-racking for me. Did you know the average attention span of a person is seven minutes long? It makes sense though—it’s almost as though we were trained for this attention span. Commercials on television happen every seven to eight minutes, and we tend to take advantage of the mental break. This short time frame can make a person even more nervous when meeting someone.

While at AFA (Agriculture Future of America) last November, I learned some great Time Rules from one of our speakers. Here is the ways we learned to make a lasting impression in regards to time, whether it is an interview or a longer presentation:

3 seconds—how long you have to make a first impression. Instinctive smiles, firm handshakes, and the initial presentation is what makes up a first impression.

30 seconds—how long you have to get ‘em or lose ‘em. After the first impression, the “elevator speech” has to be captivating and enthrall the listener. Otherwise, they’re gone.

7 minutes—average attention span. After the first seven minutes, it is up to you to keep interviewer or whoever listening.

30 minutes—when presenting, it is time to get the audience some physical movement. Any more sitting after a half hour and they will be bored.

90 minutes—mental breaktime. Change the topic, change the way of presenting, or just give the audience a break.

Although none of us are perfect, I now try to take these things into consideration when talking to anyone. Everyone says I love to talk, and now I can talk smart with these Time Rules.

For any kind of help with interviews, professional presentations, or any other speaking engagements, CAFNR Career Services is there for you! Just contact Stephanie Chipman for an appointment.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

Internships...YOU have to go get THEM!

2009-02-18T11:18:00.007-06:00

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

2009-02-16T13:45:00.002-06:00

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!

What a Break...Dairy Industry Scholars

2009-02-12T10:12:00.000-06:00

The Dairy Industry Scholars group in Fair Oaks, Indiana. From left to right: Deanna Karandish, Julie Niemeyer, Rachel Firle, and Charlotte Jackson.

Milk—much more than just a cow! When I had the privilege to travel over winter break with the Dairy Industry Scholars, I learned so much about the dairy industry. Growing up on a dairy farm, I thought I had a pretty diverse knowledge base about milk and other dairy products. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.

I applied for the Dairy Industry Scholars several months ago with the intent of networking with top notch industry leaders during the week long program. While the Dairy Industry Scholars has more of a food science focus than a production agriculture emphasis, I was intrigued with learning more about dairying on a different level.

I had an amazing experience learning through hands-on experiences with T.C. Jacoby and Company (sponsor of the program). We traveled to four states in one day! We tasted string cheese that melted in your mouth, went on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, and even watched a calf being born.

The application for the Dairy Industry Scholars is short and sweet—and the rewards are great. Applications are available in the fall through CAFNR Career Services. Apply and you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime!

Living Your Company’s Brand

2009-02-09T08:02:00.001-06:00

Gearing up for graduation so you can start that full-time job? You've learned how to network. Now read what Cody Cheetham has to say before you head to the office:

Think about the last time you had an important exam. Did you study or just wing it? How did you find the information you needed? Did you take notes from the lectures, read the book, or reach for a lifeline and phone-a-friend? Well, preparing for a new job is a lot like studying for an exam.

At this point, you’ve aced your interview, signed your acceptance letter, and gotten your new work wardrobe ready, but how much do you really know about your new employer? With so much information out there, where do you start?

A great starting point is your future company’s brand. Companies with a focused brand strategy filter all aspects of their business around their brand promise. Learning about your company’s brand before you decorate your new office is beneficial for a number of reasons:

1. A company’s brand reflects how they want others to perceive them. It’s the framework for managing clients, projects, and interacting as a group. A company’s brand shows you who they are and what they stand for, and can help you get a basic understanding of how you’ll fit.

2. Taking to heart the company’s brand values and promise makes you a more efficient and reputable employee. Asking questions, being knowledgeable on diverse aspects of the organization, and understanding the company org chart are all ways to help you tune in to your company’s brand (Hint: These are especially helpful if your company’s brand values and promise aren’t posted all over its website!).

3. Several Human Resources guides also suggest that as employees digest the company’s brand, success becomes a byproduct of their actions. In doing so, your actions are well-aligned with the company’s brand and goals, thus accelerating your work performance.

Authors of the book Brand from the Inside, Libby Sartain and Mark Schumann offer advice in understanding your company’s brand. They believe appreciating the company’s brand is a necessary part of professional development. This helps employees develop the skills necessary to deliver the company’s promise (a.k.a. results).

Each company’s brand is a sum of its employees’ personal brands . As part of your brand, you can proudly sport your Mizzou colors in the office. But before you pick out the perfect Tiger to decorate your desk, consider what questions you’ll ask, what parts of the company you could learn more about, and how to incorporate your company’s brand promise in your work.

Cody Cheetham recently joined the Adayana Branding and Communications team as a Communications Specialist. She graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and has prior experience in both Branding and Communications, including work with Red Bull North America and Suite Dreams Project, a not-for-profit charity in Indianapolis. Cody also represented her class as the student responder at their commencement ceremony last May.

All About Timing

2009-02-04T07:48:00.001-06:00

As a December graduate, I get a lot of questions from employers and younger students looking for advantages and disadvantages of finishing school early.

An advantage to early graduation can be a smaller financial burden. I saw an opportunity to pay for one less semester of tuition and really had trouble turning the idea down. I came in as a freshman with 19 hours of college credit, so I didn’t have to cram or anything to get it done.

Some people told me it would help me find a job because fewer people look for jobs in the winter. Others told me it would hinder my job search because fewer companies would be looking for new employees. As it turns out, neither side was right or wrong when I graduated nearly 50 days ago. With our economy, I found a lot of companies weren't hiring, regardless of the season.

Luckily I had considered grad school and since I was graduating in December, I felt it would be an easy transition to start the following January. This ended up working perfectly for the program I chose, Agriculture Education. Staring mid-year allows me to student teach the following spring and finish my masters in a year and a half.

All that said, there is still no right or wrong answer. Spoken like a true politician, I can easily say the best route depends on each student's individual situation. While graduating early can give you a jump start on your career and save you a few bucks, you do miss out on a little of the “college experience”.

Take time to consider your options and find out what fits best for you. Get advice from others, but listen to your personal needs and wants in life. Making this choice can be as personal as the decision you made when choosing a major.

-Taryn Dameron
Agricultural Education, graduate student
Agricultural Journalism, December 2008 graduate

To find out what education and experience you need to land your ideal career, consult the team at CAFNR Career Services. It's never too early to begin your career search!

Resources Galore!

2009-02-03T08:02:00.002-06:00

With a lot of recruiters heading to campus to meet CAFNR students, it’ll be time to practice handshakes and small talk. Before it’s time to dust off your business suit and shine your shoes, you need to take advantage of what CAFNR Career Services has to offer.

Sign-up for HireMizzouTigers.com today! Take some time to set up a profile and upload your resume so you can take full advantage of the resource that will help you connect with employers.

Already on HireMizzouTigers.com? Now’s the time to do some research on employers visiting campus February 25. Follow these instructions to see who’s registered for the fairs so far:

Login to HireMizzouTigers.com
Click on Career Fairs/Workshops (button along horizontal navigation bar at top of page)
Select 2009 Agriculture and Life Sciences Quest or 2009 Hospitality Fair
Click on button in middle of screen to find employers registered for the events
Select individual listings to learn more about each employer

Take it to the next level by searching for information about these companies on the Web. Not only will it help you determine your interest in the employer, but it will impress the recruiting staff when you have background knowledge about their organization.

Be sure to check back frequently, as companies continue registering for the events! Don't forget to mark your calendar to attend February 25!

Research: Leading Students to Success

2009-02-02T08:12:00.003-06:00

I’m sure everyone has noticed the fenced off field of crop plots which seems to be randomly and most inconveniently stuck in the middle of east campus. I would even assume most of you know this random plot is known as Sanborn Field and realize it has some real significance to our University.

However, I am willing to wager that not many students could give a really solid answer as to what that significance is. After some quick research I found the history of Sanborn Field is pretty cool. Now rather than cursing the extra walking distance as I trudge by it in the cold, I’ve developed a deeper understanding and respect for part of our university’s history. If you were fairly observant you might have seen the 100 years plaques set up around the field.

In fact Sanborn Field was put in place in 1888 only three years after the original Academic hall was constructed and only 18 years after we became the state’s land-grant university. This makes it the third oldest experimental field in our country and the oldest west of the Mississippi. Along the side of the field there is another sign which is positioned over plot 23. It was from this plot that Dr. Benjamin Duggar identified a golden mold which was later named streptomyces aureofaciens. This organism was responsible for the production of Aureomycin, one of the most popular antibiotics since Penicillin. Then in 1965 it was declared a National Historic Landmark solidifying its place on our campus.

Today, the field continues to serve as a test plot for soil treatments, erosion, and cropping systems and provides a valuable teaching resource for numerous CAFNR students each year. So the next time you walk by the College and Rollins intersection you will know why there is a field seemingly placed in the middle of campus and perhaps like me you have a greater respect for one of the pieces of history which has helped shape our great University.

-Christopher Perry
Junior, Animal Sciences

Visit CAFNR to learn more about resources available to students. It's time to take advantage of everything college has to offer!

Networking is Fun Again!

2009-01-30T10:02:00.002-06:00

If you would have told me as a freshman that I would be Facebook friends with my MU professors and employers from my summer internships, I would think you were out of your mind! But that is exactly what has happened. I guess you could say I've experienced networking at the cutting edge of technology.

When I came to college in 2005 I barely knew what Facebook was. More than 550 friends later it seems I can’t go a day, or even a few hours, without logging on to see what everyone is up to, and I know I’m not alone.

So how can students rely on social-networking sites to find mentors in the professional world? During my first internship I was scared to death to be caught on Facebook while at work until a fellow intern called it a “networking” opportunity. What was simply her way of justifying goofing off at work has now become a very acceptable means of communicating with fellow students and industry leaders.

I know you have heard it a thousand times before, but the key here is to be careful about what you put on your profile, or to only allow your professional contacts to see you limited profile. This applies to Facebook, MySpace or any other social networking tool. Just keep it professional.
Becoming friends with professors and industry professionals (or as I like to call them ‘potential employers’) can move you one step closer to bridging the gap between where you are, and those working where you want to be. Drop your ‘friends’ a line now and then to keep you on the top of their list when considering candidates for internships and full-time positions.

Any kind of networking you do is vital to making connections with people that can take your college learning experience far beyond the classroom. So take advantage of every opportunity, it may even be fun!

-Taryn Dameron
Agricultural Education, graduate student

Agricultural Journalism, December 2008 graduate

Stay tuned to the blog for a series of tips regarding Facebook Dos and Don'ts coming soon. Until then, visit CAFNR Career Services for any questions you have in your search for professional success!

The Power of Networking

2009-01-29T08:22:00.007-06:00

The employer series continues with Robin Kim's take on the importance of networking.

When I was in college, mentors and peers always talked about the importance of networking. I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people, but I remained skeptical. How important is networking, really? Some studies say that at least 60% of jobs are discovered through networking, and a recent study by Stanford University sociology professor Mark Granovetter cites that 70% of jobs are discovered through networking. 70 percent? Doesn’t that seem high?

As I look at my own team, the power of networking becomes more real. On our five-person Branding & Communications team here at Adayana, all of us found our jobs through networking. Two had worked with current Adayana team members in previous jobs; one had gone to high school with our recruiter’s husband and reconnected through Facebook; another’s relationships at Purdue University brought her to us; and I had known part of the Adayana team through my FFA experiences. Even outside our team, two of our five most recent new hires came through networking!

So we know that networking is important, but how does it happen? Successful networking depends on your personal brand, which is the perception others have of you based on their experiences with you. In Karl Speak’s book Be Your Own Brand, he says “a strong personal brand will help you succeed because it means you are communicating the sense of purpose, vision, and values that reflects and embodies the real you.” When your personal brand is developed consistently with everyone you meet, you can capitalize on the power of networking. Social networking vehicles such as Facebook and Linked In can simplify networking and increase the importance of consistency in your personal brand, for potential employers have more ways than ever to learn about you!

Networking begins from the first time you greet someone at a job fair and continues through your summer internship and how you maintain relationships with those you work. It includes the relationships you build with your classmates, or those you meet in leadership organizations such as FFA and AFA. Once you’re working in your first career, those mentors can serve a crucial role in securing future job opportunities. Even if you find your job through traditional methods, networking makes your professional life more fun as your business connections turn into friendships and professional meetings become like reunions. Networking is important, and it can be your strongest advantage to getting the job of your dreams. The relationships you’re building today, and those you’ve already built, may be more beneficial than you ever realized.

Robin Kim brings experience in communications and a passion for the agriculture industry to her role as a Supervisor of Branding & Communications Associate at ABG. She works with organizations to define and brand strategies and develop targeted marketing tactics, and her internal communications initiatives at ABG have earned Regional NAMA awards. Robin served as a National FFA Officer and earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business at Iowa State University, where she also minored in Journalism.

Summer Daze

2009-01-28T09:32:00.001-06:00

It may seem like a long ways off, but in internship terms summer is right around the corner. So how do find the right one?

I have been fairly lucky in this area because the internships have sort of found me. This isn’t always the case though. Of course there are always resources such as the Career Service Office and Career Fairs, but a good network of professionals in your field can help too.

When I say that my internships have “found me” I simply mean that all of my internships have come from and existing connection I had with someone in my field. When you work to build a reputation with people already doing the type of job you would like to have, they are more likely to think of you first when looking for an intern.

Making these connections is as simple as sending an email or showing interest in a current event that is affecting the industry you would like to be a part of. My role as a journalist made this easier because it was common for me to seek out professionals in the agriculture industry and ask them about their expertise. This creates a win-win situation. The student gets an answer to their question and the professional finds a potential future employee.

There are many ways to make these connections. Some obvious ones are going to Career Fairs or trade shows that you know the company you are interested in will have representatives at. The important thing to remember is to do your homework. Learn something about the company so you have something to talk to the representative about once you meet them. This can be particularly handy if you are looking for an internship outside of your major. They may not think that a person in your line of study could bring value to their company, but showing them you have an interest in the company and related issues can prove them otherwise.

The most important thing you learn from researching a company or internship will do is help you decide if it is the right one for you. Most students only have three summers to spend interning. That doesn’t leave much time to spend working somewhere that doesn’t suit you. So if do your homework and get to know professionals in your field, maybe the right internship will “find” you.

-Taryn Dameron

Agricultural Education, graduate student
Agricultural Journalism, December 2008 graduate

Don't miss the chance to make these important connections at the upcoming Career Fairs for Hospitality and Ag & Life Sciences on February 25. Visit CAFNR Career Services for more information!

Answer Carefully

2009-01-26T14:17:00.003-06:00

It seems like I always find myself in a bad location with lots of noise when I receive an important call. The best thing to do in those situations, as hard as it may be to resist, is not answer! I love to be known as prompt and easy to contact, but oftentimes it can result in an unprofessional impression if the person on the other end of the call cannot hear you.

For example, being in the Royal Ten this year has presented numerous opportunities for me. As I love to sing, one of those opportunities was a chance to sing the National Anthem at various events. The auditioning group told me they would call me and have me audition over the phone. Because I am so anxious to answer each and every semi-important phone call, I got myself in a jam with my audition. I actually was walking to class, and I ended up singing my National Anthem audition to a bush along the sidewalk!

On top of that, after working in an office this summer as well as now communicating with my boss via cell phone several times each week, I am always nervous when it comes to answering phones. I think everyone has had the awkward phone call before—not sure when to say goodbye, not sure when to answer, nervousness about the content of the conversation.

Well the other day I took a few minutes to google phone etiquette to help ease some of my anxieties, and I found some great techniques that made me feel more comfortable on the phone.

Here they are:

Answer promptly (before the third ring if possible).
Before picking up the receiver, discontinue any other conversation or activity such as eating, chewing gum, typing, etc that can be heard by the calling party.
Speak clearly and distinctly in a pleasant tone of voice.
Remember that you may be the first and only contact a person may have with your department, and that first impression will stay with the caller long after the call is completed.

Hopefully now I won’t ever have a bad experience like the one with the audition. CAFNR Career Services offers more advice for students in terms of phone etiquette also. Check out more helpful tips for phone etiquette here.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

Speaking of Mentors

2009-01-23T11:33:00.003-06:00

Reading the blog on the Importance of Having a Mentor made me look back over my college career for the people who have influenced me most. CAFNR has ample opportunities for students to seek out mentors such as the CAFNR Connections program, but I think most students would agree that some mentors seem to find you.

One of the most influential people in my college experience was Megan Cooper. Megan was a senior majoring in Ag Journalism when I was a freshman. She helped me decide what classes to take and which clubs to get involved with, as well as what activities to avoid. Megan went above and beyond what I asked of her and wanted nothing in return. I went to her for advice on classes and she volunteered advice on life.

As I think about all of the things I learned from Megan, it becomes clear that she had more to teach me than just how to survive the Journalism school, she was a role model for how to treat others and also how to look out for yourself.

I became a member of Sigma Alpha sorority my freshman year and was given another opportunity to watch Megan work. It impressed me how well she balanced professionalism with fun. She knew how to handle any task efficiently, but wanted to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves too.

After graduation, Megan continued to stay in contact with me during my summer internship that had me living far from home by myself. She called weekly to make sure I was doing okay and see that I was making a good impression.

Throughout the rest of my time in CAFNR, it has been impossible to forget the lessons that Megan taught me. Simply by watching her, I’ve learned the importance of looking out for others in need and always acting as a professional. Megan had no way of knowing that her simply actions would have such an impact on a scared freshman, and it is my hope that through attempting to emulate her kindness towards others I have made at least some small impact on those following in my footsteps.

-Taryn Dameron

Agricultural Education, graduate student

Agricultural Journalism, December 2008 graduate

Click here to find out how to take advantage of CAFNR Connections.

The Importance of Having a Mentor

2009-01-22T16:01:00.003-06:00

CAFNR students are back in the classroom, so it's time to get back into the world of blogging. We're excited to present Amy Jo Clark as the first author in our employer series.

In today’s professional world, new graduates are technically and tactically savvy, but they are often missing an important piece of the puzzle that previous working generations relied upon: the human connection. The reliance on technology, the ease of quick communication modes, and the trend of autonomous work styles have created the need for companies to implement organized mentoring programs to pinpoint rising leaders in their organizations and transfer crucial knowledge from one generation of workers to the next. By definition, a mentor is similar to a personal coach. Gaining a mentor can help a newbie understand how things function in her workspace, giving valuable insight on procedures and the idiosyncrasies that are applicable to that particular work environment. In addition to increasing employee retention and satisfaction, a mentoring relationship can catapult the one mentored into increased professional success. In fact, some human resource studies have shown that a mentored employee, on average, makes more money than her non-mentored counterparts.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 50 percent of federal employees and 70 percent of federal senior managers will be eligible to retire by 2010. Now more than ever, a seamless transfer of knowledge and corporate know-how are crucial for both businesses and individuals to thrive. Mentoring is key in cultivating leadership skills and transferring these types of critical competencies. Much like that amazing professor you remember from undergraduate school, a good mentor can be influential beyond just a work environment. Although a mentoring relationship is professional in nature, a truly good mentor is someone you will more than likely emulate on an ethical and personal level as well. Most often, it’s the employer/subordinate model that lends itself to a natural mentoring relationship. However, there are many other avenues one can take to obtain a mentor. While some companies offer built-in mentoring programs, others have sought out mentors through professional and trade entities, by networking at local and regional industry events, or through external training classes given by these types of organizations. Extending yourself beyond your daily work walls may prove to be the best way to get out and see what other people are doing in your industry, thereby increasing your chance to meet potential mentors. And expect to have more than one mentor during the course of your career, as they may vary as much as the work you’ll do.

For more information on setting up a mentoring program in your company, see http://www.ehow.com/how_2076455_set-up-company-mentoring-program.html

Amy Jo Clark brings communications consulting and management experience to her role as Communications Associate at ABG. For over 14 years, Amy Jo has been delivering communications solutions to clients in the pharmaceutical, financial, and information technology fields. She has been an Adjunct Professor of Communications at IUPUI in Indianapolis for four years and has developed curricula and learning deliverables in both university and corporate settings. Amy Jo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Rhetoric and Composition from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in Communications from Southern Polytechnic State University.

2008-12-30T08:24:00.002-06:00

Top 10 Career Types of 2008By AgCareers.com

2008 has been a year of changes for the agricultural industry. The economy alone has led to many changes in our industry, as we watched fuel cost and commodity prices quickly reach new levels! These changes led us to wonder what jobs were in the most demand during the year. So as in previous years, we developed a listing of the Top Ten Career Types posted during 2008. With our new format that we introduced late last year, we were also able to see what areas of our industry seemed to have the most activity in regards to job openings. To develop this list, we looked back at the number of jobs posted during the year and what career type and industry type was listed with each. Below are Top Ten Career Types and Industry Types of 2008.

Top 10 Industry Types

Agronomy
Crop Protection/Chemicals
Biotechnology
Equipment/Machinery
Grain
Seed
Dairy
Food/Hospitality
Beef
Feed

Top 10 Career Types

Sales
Management/Manager
Production
Marketing
Operations
Agronomist
Engineering
Research Scientist
Financial Services
Merchandiser/Trader/Broker

In looking back two years ago at our 2006 Top Ten Career list, we see some fluctuation but the majority of the careers that were in high demand have remained, only moving one or two places on the list. There are a few new careers on the list that tell the story of an industry changing to meet the demands of the changing population. Agricultural careers in Engineering, Research, Merchandising, and Trading all demonstrate an industry competing to stay ahead in developing products that are more economical and sustainable for our planet.

By combining the two lists, one can see abundant opportunities in agronomy sales, or as a district sales manager in the agronomic areas. Management positions in production and operations were also very popular in 2008. Looking at the research scientist arena, careers in plant breeding and food science were just a few of the positions frequently posted. Each year will bring exciting new career opportunities to our industry. We hope that you will continue to turn to AgCareers.com in 2009 as a source for discovering these exciting opportunities, or as your avenue to hire the perfect person for your career opening.

Please note: The information above is based on job postings throughout North America posted on AgCareers.com during 2008. AgCareers.com is the leading online job board and human resource service provider for agriculture, food, natural resources, and biotechnology.
If you are interested in posting an open position with AgCareers.com, please contact your Account Manager or the corporate office by phone at 800.929.8975 or by e-mail at agcareers@agcareers.com.

Dress for Success

2008-12-17T13:30:00.003-06:00

Interviews always bring about a difficult question: what am I going to wear? As a first impression happens in the first three seconds you meet someone, it is imperative to look the best possible at first glance. My mom has always told me what was best to wear to interviews, but oftentimes I like to spice what she says up with a trendier look. But what is professional and what is unprofessional?

Dressed for success! Charlotte with her two sisters and mom at the 2008 Celebration of Excellence. Charlotte received the 2008 Outstanding CAFNR Freshman award, recognizing her involvement in the college and community.

At the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference I attended in November, Sara Rogers (who works for the Mall of America) presented a workshop called “Providing Wardrobe Skills for Life.” Sara was so insightful and taught us how to change and update our wardrobes while on a budget. Here are some of her tips:

· Consider your lifestyle and all the hats you wear. As a college student walking on campus, I love having dressy flats for interviews so I do not have to worry about breaking a heel or ruining my heels for an on-campus interview.
· Select a base color. It is great to go with a more neutral color as a base such as navy, brown, or black. These colors look professional and are not flashy and too trendy. Then use the brighter colors to spruce up the final look (such as wearing a red or hot pink shirt under a black suit).
· Go back to basics for accessories/makeup. No big earrings, bulky necklaces, or heavy lipstick or eye makeup needs to be worn for an interview. However, pantyhose will a suit always smoothes lines and covers flaws. Being classy is of utmost importance to look sophisticated.

While these are just a few of Sara’s tips I learned and hope to apply, she has much more help available for the wardrobe-challenged at her website. Also, Stephanie Chipman with CAFNR Career Services can also help you with any questions you might have for interview attire and dressing for success.

-Charlotte Jackson

Sophomore, Agricultural Education

Money Matters

2008-12-08T11:11:00.001-06:00

I love money. Who doesn’t? As a college student though, sometimes finding spare change can be rather difficult. Student loans, part-time jobs, and worrying about where next month’s rent is coming from can be a stressful time. While at the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference, we heard from speakers about style advice in a professional place, but we also listened to Adam Carroll, CEO of National Financial Educators, on how to be smart with our money.

Adam told us a story about his I-Pod that he wanted so badly but didn’t want to spend the money to buy. Because technology changes so quickly, he decided he needed more of an investment than something that would depreciate so fast. Adam decided to buy a gumball machine. He stuck it in his friend’s store, and within a month he had paid for the cost of the gumball machine, plus earned enough money to buy his I-Pod.

It is funny how passive income can make such a difference. When looking to be wealthy someday, it is vital to save money and spend money wisely. Adam told us to pay ourselves first—to save 10% of what we make each month. I haven’t started yet, but maybe someday I’ll be rich by following this piece of advice!

Earning enough money to stay on track in college and keep my head above water is what matter the most to me. I can’t wait to get out and get a real job where I can begin doing what I love—and also make more than minimum wage. Money does matter for the success of a student, and it all starts in college.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

Live Like You're a Millionaire

2008-11-20T09:22:00.001-06:00

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

2008-11-18T16:04:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-11-17T13:34:00.003-06:00

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.

Interview today!

2008-11-13T12:40:00.004-06:00

Are you seeking a summer 2009 internship or a full-time position? Please be aware of the following opportunities to interview here on campus:

Wednesday, November 19
Steak n Shake: interviewing in 2-64 Ag Building for both Internship and Full-time Management opportunities. Please sign up on http://www.hiremizzoutigers.com/. Don’t have an account? Have questions about how to sign-up? Please contact us!

Thursday, November 20
Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers: interviewing in 2-64 Ag Building for the following full-time positions to start in January. ONLY interviewing December ’08 graduates. Sign up online at http://www.hiremizzoutigers.com/.

Grain origination. The role includes learning and utilizing grain trading methods including board of trade hedging, options, and a variety of other buying and hedging methods. The originator will communicate directly with our farmer and commercial accounts to buy and sell grain for Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers, Inc. This role will prepare a person to progress to more complex trading and manage grain or other commodity positions.

Operations Management. The candidate will work directly for our area operations managers to learn facility operations in grain and agronomic products. Our modern operation requires both mechanical and computer knowledge for successful managers. In addition our operations managers work directly with our farmer customers to meet their needs in a timely manner.

Additionally, if you missed the fall recruitment events and hope to get started on a search for full-time positions or internships, we are glad to meet with you individually. Please call or e-mail to schedule an appointment.

Be sure to check out these Interview Tips to prepare today! Call CAFNR Career Services for more information...573-882-0088.

What is My Passion?

2008-11-12T10:32:00.003-06:00

When I was five years old, I wanted to be a country music singer. I wanted to go to Nashville and be just like my American Idol—Leann Rimes. Ever since I can remember, I have been belting out Leann’s songs. But since that time as a young child many years ago, my goals for life have changed a little bit.

I wanted to be anything and everything in the world when I was a little girl. I dreamed of being an Olympic gymnast, a beautician, and now what I am pursuing today—an Agricultural Education major with an emphasis in Leadership—is much different.

Finding your passion is so important. The problem is… sometimes it changes. But change can be good. When I first began thinking of what to seriously do with my life, I decided I wanted to be music teacher. I have loved to sing for as long as I could remember, but in making this decision I forgot about the other thing I had loved for as long as I could remember: being on the farm.

Finally, as a sophomore in high school, I realized agriculture was for me. I had grown to appreciate that warm, family-like feeling that you can’t find anywhere else but in agriculture. It just took me finding what meant the most to me in life. I realized that I could not live one day without the scent of freshly cut hay, cow manure, or the milk barn. Agriculture is my passion—and I’m so glad I finally found it!

CAFNR Career Services can help you realize that agriculture is for you too…check out all the opportunities or stop by the office in 2-64 today.

-Charlotte Jackson

Sophomore, Agricultural Education

Top 20 Interview Mistakes

2008-11-11T12:30:00.006-06:00

It's that time of year. Employers are interviewing students for internships and full-time positions. Do you know what the top mistakes are so you can avoid a slip-up that could cost you the job?

Take a look at these to make sure you're not giving companies a reason to say goodbye:

Showing up late.
Being unprepared.
Answering questions with a "yes" or "no."
Fidgeting.
Speaking too quickly, quietly or loudly.
Avoiding eye contact.
Lying.
Not answering the question asked.
Telling too much.
Belittling past jobs.
Being inappropriately dressed.
Not asking company questions.
Not sending a thank-you note.
Not thanking the interviewer at the end.
Forgetting to bring copies of resume and references to interview.
Chewing gum, smoking or eating.
Allowing the cell phone to ring.
Interrupting the interviewer.
Talking too much.
Using qualifiers — I believe, perhaps, maybe, I think.

This list is also available on the CAFNR Career Services site. Need help resolving one of these problems? Now's the time to stop by Ag Building 2-64 to work on your interviewing skills!

When the Going Gets Tough

2008-11-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

So you've gotten to make your own choices, now it's time to find balance and motivation.

Often times when this time of year rolls around, studying has become a difficult venture. Midterm exams are over, and all those five page papers have already been turned in. It seems like it should be time to relax—but the next week only brings more homework and assignments that make those five page papers look simple. Then all the extra-curricular activities added on top of the homework can cause some serious stress. So how do you stay focused in college when the going gets tough?

Last year as a freshman, studying was so simple. I knew the reason I was at Mizzou—to learn as much as I could in my classes as well as outside my classes. I did this through getting involved as I could—I became president in one organization, officer in two others, and a member of one more. I pushed myself to the limits or way past my limits even sometimes. After being so worn and stressed with all my activities and homework, I got really sick last February. I had the flu; then I had an allergic reaction to the medicine the Student Health Center gave me. That incident taught me I needed to slow down.

This year in school, my priorities are different. Rather than being involved in everything, I am finding what I love and devoting myself to that. Some days I feel like I am still too busy, but living a full life is what I strive for. Studying is still a priority for me, but I have learned that staying up until the wee hours of the morning cramming for a test really doesn’t help that much. I feel as though in my second year of college, I am much more efficient and focused than I was last year as a freshman.

When the going gets tough—get going. College classes are difficult, but every student understands that. Just know your limitations, but still push them as far as classes are concerned. Don’t over-dedicate yourself to activities that only seem like they look good on a resume. Find what you love, and stick with it. When the going gets tough—get going.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

Agriculture—the Future of America

2008-11-05T12:30:00.001-06:00

Later this week, Kansas City will open its doors to young agriculturists from across the Midwest for the networking experience of a lifetime! I am so excited for the AFA Leadership Conference (Agriculture Future of America) which is going to have a whole different dimension for me this year. As an ambassador for the University of Missouri, I get to go in a day early and help with the whole setup and organization before the start of the conference.

This past summer, I applied to be a campus ambassador for MU because I really enjoyed my experiences at AFA last summer. Whether it was an etiquette dinner of six courses, learning good planning skills with the Franklin Covey system, or attending the career fair featuring hundreds of companies, AFA was awesome! I hadn’t run for the AFA Advisory Team because I had only been in Track 1 of the conference—and there were two other tracks I wanted to go through before I would feel prepared for that leadership position.

Being a campus ambassador was a happy medium. After applying and being accepted, my duties were to promote the AFA conference to all CAFNR students. I haven’t had the chance to promote the conference to the extent I originally wanted, but that has not put a damper on my enthusiasm for AFA. I will be traveling to Kansas City a day before AFA this week to help with the necessary preparations. I’m so excited!

I truly believe the future of America today is based in agriculture. Finding this love for me has been a difficult road… but at least I have found the road I’m meant to travel on. This week I get to share that with other young college students—and I can’t wait!

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

For information about leadership and professional opportunities like AFA, visit CAFNR Career Services in Ag Building 2-64 today!

The Choice is Yours

2008-11-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

College is much different than high school. Every homework assignment you do, every activity in which you participate, and every friend that you make is your choice. When it comes to college success, one important aspect is studying. Studying is quite an art—it takes motivation, learning how, when and where, and personal relationships with the professors to get the G.P.A. you desire. What you make of yourself—the choice is yours.

The most important part of studying it getting the motivation to actually go through with it. It takes intrinsic motivation to make sure you get all you wanted to finished by the deadline. No longer are your parents pushing you to move forward and take advantage of the opportunities presented—it is up to you. Due dates and homework assignments are all just a part of being a responsible college student.

Another aspect is that you have to learn how, when, and where the best place to study. I personally always study in my room at my desk—not on my bed or couch because I will fall asleep! I have found that my love for music does not allow me to study—instead I would rather sing along, so I have to shut it off. I also have to study for tests individually first—then with a group. It’s everything about studying and motivating yourself that each and every college student must learn.

Another key aspect of college success for me goes beyond studying. Each student should make a personal connection with their professors. It is essential to meet your professors so they know more than just your name. In some lectures that have 300 to 400 students, a face can just get lost in the crowd. If succeeding in class means something to you, then get to know the professors.
So, in order to be successful in college, one important aspect is studying. It is incredibly important to discover the motivation, learn how, when and where to study, and develop personal relationships with the professors to be the best you can in your college classes. Whatever you out of your college experience—the choice is yours.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

For guidance or help making this decision, come into see the friendly staff of CAFNR Career Services in Ag Building 2-64 today!

Eat Smarter

2008-11-03T08:00:00.002-06:00

I can’t think of a better way to convince you to learn better manners than by encouraging you to attend the Career Services Dining Etiquette lesson.

Following my freshman year of college, I interned with Monsanto Company in St. Louis. Since there weren’t many other 19-year-olds at the corporate office, I spent most of my lunches and company dinners at a table with 50-something aged men.

You would think that considering the competition, I would be the most well poised person there. Not so. At company dinners, I spent most of my time agonizing over which utensil to pick up next and whether or not I was holding my napkin properly, rather than focusing on the valuable networking opportunities in front of me. My worst slip up was one day at lunch.

All the ole men were discussing Missouri wines and decided to be nice and include the intern. Knowing I went to school in Columbia, they asked if I was familiar with the winery near there. Well I wasn't, but it seemed I had heard of something called Boone's Farm. Since Columbia was in Boone County I decided this must be what they were talking about. They were of course talking about Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport. When I responded they just sort of stared at me and then quickly, and graciously, changed the subject. About six months later I saw a bottle of Boone's Farm at a gas station and realized my mistake. Boy was I embarrassed!

I’m not saying the etiquette lesson will teach you about wine, but knowing your way around a table setting couldn’t hurt anything.

-Taryn Dameron

Senior, Agricultural Journalism

Don't miss the Etiquette Dinner on Wednesday, November 5th from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit CAFNR Career Services in Ag Building 2-64 for sign-up today!

Does your FUTURE need medical attention?

2008-10-30T12:28:00.003-05:00

Join CAFNR Career Services at the "Haunted Hospital" Open House.

Wednesday, October 31st

2-64 Ag Building

Refreshments: 9 to 11 a.m.

Treats ALL Day Long!

Don't miss your chance to get SPOOKTACULAR career advice from the attending doctors (a.k.a. Stephanie Chipman, herself!)

Oh Behave! Will You?

2008-10-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

Do you know how? Are you looking to build valuable connections with employers, mentors, and fellow students? Don't miss Networking Know-How on Wednesday, Oct. 29th, 5:30 p.m. in 154 Eckles Hall. Sponsored by the men of Alpha Gamma Sigma and Syngenta.

Questions? Contact CAFNR Career Services at 573-882-0088 in 2-64 Agriculture Building.

Employers Respond to National Economy

2008-10-23T13:10:00.009-05:00

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has released a special report on the Job Outlook for 2009.

The survey asked employers to share their hiring projections for the Class of 2009 as of October 17, 2008. These numbers were then compared to the same figures they had projected in August 2008.

So students, what does this mean to you? With the agriculture industry projecting a decrease of 14% for projected new hires, it's time to make sure you're at the top of your game.

Head to CAFNR Career Services to make sure you are at the top of the hiring list! Our team is here to help with resumes, interviews, and any of your professional needs!

Excitement is Stirring

2008-10-21T12:48:00.005-05:00

For each and every conference I attend, I always feel those pre-conference jitters. While it is not necessarily my nerves that are bothering me, most often I am just really excited as to the new people I will meet, the new experiences I will have, and what I will learn to help me grow as a person. Well once again, I am feeling that anxiousness for a big event.

Picture above: Charlotte enjoying volunteering in Colorado at the National Collegiate 4-H Conference last February.

On November 14 through 16, Mizzou Collegiate 4-H is hosting the North Central Regional (NCR) Collegiate 4-H Conference right here in Columbia! While this is an awesome opportunity for the club as a whole, it is a whole lot of work and responsibility that goes along with it. I personally have only helped plan two small conferences, and nothing on the same scale as the interstate interaction will be at the NCR Conference. After attending numerous conferences throughout my life, each one brings a unique memory to mind. So… the challenge is: how will the conference at Mizzou be remembered?

Luckily, in Mizzou Collegiate 4-H, we have some really outstanding members. With the help of three tri-coordinators, our members have worked diligently to find just the right combination of activities for the NCR Conference which we gave the theme “Welcome to the Jungle.” We will be visiting a variety of Columbia’s classics—everything from tasting Shakespeare’s Pizza to enjoying a pool party at the Mizzou Rec Center. As Collegiate 4-Hers, we also focus on community service. An entire morning of the conference will be dedicated to giving back to the community when we will be volunteering at the Central Missouri Food Bank.

So how will the NCR Collegiate 4-H Conference be remembered? For each participant it may vary. Hopefully they will be inspired by every conference activity, and therefore, grow as a person. That is what makes a conference memorable to me. I love meeting people. I love learning about anything and everything. I love the leadership trainings. However, if I am inspired by someone or something at a conference, my exciting experiences there will transfer into other activities and push me in all I do.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

Follow Through with Commitments!

2008-10-17T10:45:00.003-05:00

Coming off of our football team’s disappointing loss, I noticed a general lack of support for the team this week as fair-weather fans jumped off the bandwagon.

It made me think of the many times in my life where I’d had an encounter with fair-weather fans. You know the type, they jump in to show their face at the event you worked weeks to plan, or just show up to give the presentation you spent long nights preparing. It can be extremely frustrating, especially when you feel like they are receiving praise for your work.

The important thing to remember is those people are always going to be there and you can’t let them bother you. However, just like there are fair-weather fans all around us there are also those true fans that will stick with you through the “losing seasons” and always rally for you when it’s really needed. You have to learn to locate these true fans and surround yourself with them so you can lean on them when things aren’t going real well.

More importantly you need to be one of these true fans. Make it to appointments you scheduled regardless of how it inconveniences you, complete the projects you sign up for, and step up to bat when things are tough and the reward seems nonexistent. People notice a “true fan” and will speak highly of you when their opinion is asked, and it will be asked. Resumes and interviews are important, but they can be counterfeit.

It’s the references that people really value and will give you the biggest boost and the most opportunities down the road.

-Christopher Perry
Junior, Animal Sciences

Need help building references? Come to CAFNR Career Services in Ag Building 2-64 today!

John Brown & Dickinson Scholars

2008-10-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Looking for a chance to:

Meet potential agribusiness employers?
Experience challenges and opportunities in today's agribusiness industry?
Combine classroom lessons with real-life experiences?

Now's the time to apply for CAFNR's John Brown & Dickinson Scholars programs schedules for January 2009.

Jonathan Kaiser went through both programs as an undergraduate and this is what he had to say:

"I was eager for the opportunities that John Brown offered. Both programs are really about having new and unique experiences. It challenges students to step out of their comfort zones and into the business world where they can learn about the real world. This program is like no other, it puts students in touch with leading professionals."

Don't miss this opportunity! Turn in your cover letter, resume, and references to Ag Building 2-64 by noon on Tuesday, October 21st!

And the Job Search Continues

2008-10-15T10:00:00.005-05:00

As I am sure everyone knows by now, the CAFNR Career Fair was last Wenesday. Hopefully everyone made it out to take advantage of the many businesses looking to hire CAFNR students for internships and post-graduation employment.

I admit that I have not always been the best about making the most out of the opportunities the career fair offers, but since I graduate in December I decided maybe it was time to get serious about deciding what is next for me.

It was definately different going to a career fair looking for an actual career and not another internship. Don't get me wrong, internships are very important, but this was about finding a company that would fit me long-term, not just for the summer.

With that in mind, I did my homework and decided what companies I would talk to and how I would approach them. As an agricultural journalism student, I am interested in communications companies as well as general agriculture companies. I planned my personal sales pitch according to what company I was talking to and what type of job I may be able to do for them.

I talked with several advertising firms about using my communications background to work with them, and several other companies about using that same background, along with other experiences, to work in sales.

It can be hard for some companies to get past your major. They have an idea of what line of study will make someone work for their company. I have found this to be especially true with my agriculture journalism degree. Some companies think all I can do is write. While this is a definate strength of mine, it is not the only thing I have learned in the past four years.

The best solution I have found is to focus on telling them more about what skills I can bring to their company, and less about what classes I have taken. This can work for getting around steroetypes about any major. After all, I have found that more is learned outside of the classroom in college that insided. (Don't use this as a reason not to go to class, just include other experiences, too!)

With all of this in mind and a few resumes in hand, I was able to walk away from the career fair with several business cards and interveiw opportunities. I look forward to seeing where these connections might lead and will of course keep you up to date in the coming weeks.

I encourage anyone who went to the career fair to keep in mind that their work is not done when they walk out the doors. It has only begun. Follow up with the people you talked to, who knows what opportunities you might find!

-Taryn Dameron
Senior, Agricultural Journalism

Internship Central

2008-10-14T10:24:00.008-05:00

Last week, CAFNR Career Servi ces had an awesome opportunity for all CAFNR students—the career fair! I attended the career fair once again this year in pursuit of an internship. With more than 75 businesses present, the four-hour long career fair barely gave me time to speak with all the companies that interested me!

This past summer, I was taught the value of internships through hands-on experience at the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). As a freshman, many people are not looking for an internship right out of their first year; most students go back home the summer after their freshman year in college. I, however, was the exception.

As I am completing my undergraduate work in three years, I was anxious to get some real world experience. An internship was the perfect opportunity! After interviewing a couple times and receiving those dreaded rejection letters, I finally interviewed with MDA for a marketing internship. As soon as I walked in the doors of the office in Jefferson City, Mo., the warm feeling was convincing enough that I had found an awesome work environment.

The longer the summer wore on, the more I realized how much I loved working for MDA. Growing up on a conventional dairy farm, I was learning so much as I was immersed in marketing for farmers’ markets, organic producers, and agritourism operations. My work was a lot of fun as well—I got to travel and visit farmers’ markets across the state as well as the operations of several producers. Finally to top it all off, my boss as well as my other coworkers were great people with whom to work. When you can go to work every day excited about what you are doing that day, then the job is a great fit.

This summer I only hope I can find an internship as rewarding as the one last summer. The internship experience is so valuable in the career search. Real world experience is the only way to find out if you will like a job or not. Thanks to the help from career services in CAFNR, we all have a great opportunity to find an internship that may pave the way to our first job.

Above right: Charlotte Jackson, Bret Fahrmeier, Veronica Nigh, and Lane McConnell at the first ever farmers' market in the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Ag Education

Interested in an opportunity like this? It's never too late to stop by CAFNR Career Services or give us a call at 573-882-0088.

Looking for a Job?

2008-10-10T11:37:00.010-05:00

One of CAFNR’s greatest opportunities is the chance to secure a partime job within your major. Especially as an animal science student, I know there are an incredible number of jobs where you can learn more about your interests while outside of the classroom and better yet get paid to do it.

My freshman year I worked with the University Soybean Breeders. While I worked at South Farm and Bradford Research Farm, I gained firsthand knowledge of two of our University’s main agronomical research facilities. More importantly, I learned one of the methods by which new varieties of soybeans are bred, and gained a larger appreciation for the work that goes into it.

As I began preparing for my sophomore year of college I was interested in a job more directly related to animal science. All it took was a simple request to my advisor and he put me in contact with Dr. Randy Prather. A short interview later and I was working with Dr. Prather’s research team as a pig caretaker. Since working there I have gotten the chance to work with green pigs which glow florescent green under a black light, Cystic Fibrosis pigs which exhibit the same symptoms as humans and thus will serve as our first truly useful nonhuman model, pigs which produce the healthy Omega 3 fatty acids that are typically found in fish, as well as the pigs which could be the first step towards whole organ transplants into humans.

The most rewarding aspects of my job are reading about the research I’m helping with in magazine articles, and getting the chance to talk with fellow students about the exciting research projects the animal science division is conducting.

I would urge every student to pursue a job opportunity inside of your division or even just inside the college. Take advantage of this rare opportunity where the University will pay you to learn instead of the other way around.

-Chris Perry

Junior, Animal Sciences

Looking for valuable campus job like this? CAFNR Career Services is here to help. Stop by Ag Building 2-64 or call 573-882-0088 for help today!

More than 75 employers on campus TOMORROW!

2008-10-07T12:51:00.002-05:00

Starting the search for your summer internship or a full-time career? Tomorrow's CAFNR Career Fair is for you!

Stop by Reynolds Alumni Center from 12 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8th to see what employers have to offer. Dress to impress in professional attire, and be sure to bring copies of your resume to share with recruiters you're interested in working for!

See you at the fair!

Rippin’ the Resume

2008-10-02T09:05:00.004-05:00

It seems that when it’s time to turn in applications, every single one needs a resume attached. It also seems that a resume can never be perfect enough! October for me came quickly—and it has also come with many deadlines. Scholarships, applications for various awards, and new job opportunities take advantage of the new fiscal year as a great due date.

My roommate and I have been filling out many of the same applications the last few weeks. In preparation for the applications, I had the honor of ripping apart her resume! English has always been my favorite subject, but editing a resume goes beyond just looking at grammatical errors.

When revising your resume, the most important thing to remember is consistency! Consistency fixes so many problems. If margins are even and every single item is formatted the same, the resume will have a neat, attractive appearance. Even in the activities or accomplishments have little relevance to the job you're seeking, consistency with the presentation and organization will “wow” your reader.

The modern, up-to-date resume today has to grab the employer’s attention. On my resume, I actually have my name and heading in royal blue. The blue is not Legally Blonde’s resume on pink paper by any means, but it does add that little pizzazz which (hopefully) will cause an employer or scholarship critique to take a second look at it.

With the help of the CAFNR Career Services, I have worked on continuously on editing my resume. They can help you too—set up an appointment with Stephanie Chipman to get your resume ripped apart today!

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

The Power of an Internship...or Three!

2008-10-01T12:54:00.009-05:00

Last week I shared my thoughts on the importance of good interview skills. One of the places those good skills can take you is to a great internship.

As a CAFNR freshman it felt like everyone shoved the importance of internships down my throat....and they were right. Over the past three summers, I have had three very different internships, each with something unique to teach me.

My first summer was spent with Monsanto Company in St. Louis. This was quite a jump for a girl from a town of less than 400. While I did spend a small part of my summer scared to death, the bigger part of my time was spent learning invaluable lessons. My job was to travel to Monsanto test plots all across the county and photograph the effectiveness of different products. My travels took me all the way from Tennessee to Idaho and introduced me to a valuable network of agriculture professionals.

In my second summer of college, I shifted gears and went to work for Brownfield Radio Network in Jefferson City. I was hired as a Promotions intern, but the Promotions Coordinator took a different job a week after I arrived, so I basically took over her role until a new coordinator was hired 5 months later. My work at Brownfield included planning and assisting with promotional events the network put on such as showmanship contests at state fairs and 4-H youth awards. I also updated the web pages about these events and conducted interviews to with participants. Brownfield also provided me the opportunity to contribute to the daily news program by writing and broadcasting some stories of my own. I was offered an extension on my internship and stayed with Brownfield through the fall semester. This experience exposed me to a whole new side of ag journalism and taught me a wide variety of skills that I know I will continue to use throughout my career.

This summer I worked here in Columbia with Cummins Consulting. My primary responsibility was to help coordinate the judging for the American Ag Editors Association annual critique contest. This experience exposed me to many different aspects of farm publications and concluded with a trip to Florida for the awards ceremony where I met many of the leaders in agriculture journalism.

All of my internships have been in very different fields of my degree program, but share the commonality that they prepared me to make a decision of where I want to go with my future in agriculture journalism.

-Taryn Dameron

Senior, Agricultural Journalism

Looking for valuable internships like Taryn's? CAFNR Career Services is here to help. Ask CAFNR students about their experiences at the Internship Panel TONIGHT, October 1st at 5 p.m. in 154 Eckles! Need an alternative? Don't miss the Career Fair on Wednesday, October 8th to find your summer internship!

Internships 101

2008-09-29T13:36:00.004-05:00

Started thinking about your summer plans? It's never too early to start looking for internships. According to a NACE Survey, 95 percent of college students have an internship before they graduate.

So what do you need to know? Join past CAFNR Interns to find out how to find the internship of your dreams.

Internship Panel
Wednesday, October 1st
5 p.m.
154 Eckles

The past interns will cover these areas and MORE!

Biotechnology and research
Animal and plant sciences
Agricultural communications
Sales and marketing
Education
Ag engineering.

Enjoy complimentary refeshments...and no need to dress up! It's a comfortable way to learn about your future! For more information, call CAFNR Career Services at 573-882-0088.

Small Achievement, Big Impact

2008-09-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

CAFNR junior Kelin Kruse at Twilight Festival teaching children how to “milk a cow.” The college's organizations taught area families about agriculture.

It is CAFNR Week! After several successful events including Skit Night, Great Grill-Off, and Mud Volleyball, we can all tell that the CAFNR Week ball has started rolling. However, in the heart of CAFNR Week competition, sometimes it is important to step back and observe the real reason for all the week’s events. What is important? Is it winning the Super Farmer Contest? Or having the most attendance the CAFNR Week speaker? The CAFNR Week achievements that are the most important are the small ones that have the greatest impact.

I realized this myself last week at the first event of CAFNR Week—Twilight Festival. As the Agricultural Education Society’s Program Development Chair, one of my duties is to organize the educational activities for the club. Growing up on a dairy farm, I always hold that particular part of agriculture close to my heart. Realizing that many children in the Columbia area do not know much about Missouri’s top industry, I decided I had to come up with a spectacular idea for the Twilight Festival this year.

As I brainstormed educational activities, I decided to make a display of how milk gets from cow to carton. But really that was not enough, so I printed coloring sheets for the kids to take home. Yet, I still was not satisfied. My degree is in Agricultural Education for a reason! I want to educate people, and my ideas for Twilight Festival were lacking in creativity thus far. I did not want the activity to be boring so the Columbia’s kids would not think highly of agriculture. So… finally by the suggestion of my roommate, I added a “milk a cow” simulation with rubber gloves, and I also got chocolate and white milk half-pints donated by Central Dairy to hand out.

Sometimes when I’m stumped like I was with my Twilight Festival idea, I feel like I can never make an impact. Why do I do what I do? Although the milk display at Twilight Festival was a fun activity for all involved, fun is not all I (and all those present) got out of it. It is much more than that—the knowledge that through this minor achievement of mine, I made a small impact on someone who came to Twilight Festival that evening.

That small impact has a rippling effect. It starts small, but hopefully one child I taught about agriculture can pass it on to a friend or two. And they will pass it on to another friend or two. From that one night—which was a small achievement in my book—I know I made a big impact somewhere in the world.

-Charlotte Jackson
Sophomore, Agricultural Education

If you're stumped with your plans for the future, CAFNR Career Services is here to help. Set up an appointment with Stephanie Chipman to discuss the endless opportunities available for CAFNR students!

Interview Experts

2008-09-24T12:20:00.001-05:00

Expectations. Life is full of them and it is up to us to rise up and meet them or let them pass by. Those expectations seem to be especially daunting when you reach that long-anticipated final year of college. Here I am: expected to either get a job, or go to grad school, find a house, pay off those student loans and basically grow up. But how does one fulfill all of these expectations?

As I start my senior year I am finding that one way to get started is by talking. Talking to the right people and asking and answering the right questions. Yes, I’m talking about interviews. Whether it is for your dream job, graduate school or a spot in CAFNR history as CAFNR Week queen (or king), every interview is important and you have to have the right tools to be successful.

Luckily for CAFNR Students, the resources to find those tools are never very far away. You can start by asking those around you. I have received invaluable knowledge over the past few years simply by talking to those who have been there before. Older students and college professors have more than likely been through the experiences that you are preparing for, and can give practical tips on how to put your best self out there.

Another great place to turn is to CAFNR Career Services. The name pretty much says it all. The office is filled with people trained to help get you where you want to go, and like I said, this starts with great interviewing skills. The website offers advice on how to dress for an interview, what not to do, how to handle different types of interviews and more.

Everyone here in CAFNR already knows that our students are the cream of the crop, now you all you need to know is how to make sure everyone else knows it too!

For additional resources, visit the website, stop by Ag Building 2-64 or call 573-882-0088 today!

CALLING all students...

2008-09-24T09:00:00.026-05:00

Are you looking for a job or internship?
Submitting your resume?
Leaving your cell number for employers to call?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, take a look at the tips below to ensure you get a call!

DOs:

Do answer unknown numbers professionally. Example: Hi, this is John.

Do have a brief, and informative voicemail message. Example: You've reached Molly. I can't answer my phone right now. Leave a message and I'll call you back.

DON'Ts:
Don't have caller tunes blaring while the recruiter waits for you to pick-up the call.

Don't have a rude greeting. Example: This is Tom. If you think it's important, leave a message. If not, I don't plan to call you back.

Don't answer the phone in loud surroundings like at a party, bar, or basketball game. Solution: let it hit your voicemail and listen to the message. Then you can call back when you're in an uninterrupted environment.

We found a cool quiz that will test how savvy you are with cell phone etiquette. Try it out today!

Have more questions? Get out your cell phone and call CAFNR Career Services at 573-882-0088.

Meet the blogger: Taryn Dameron

2008-09-23T12:20:00.020-05:00

Meet Taryn Dameron. She is a senior majoring in Agricultural Journalism with a minor in

Agricultural Economics.

Taryn got her start in agriculture long before becoming a CAFNR student. She grew up on her family’s cow/calf and row crop farm in Chilhowee, Mo. Her experiences there gave her the appreciation and passion for agriculture that lead her to pursue a degree in the field here at Mizzou.

Taryn has been an active member of CAFNR since starting school here in the fall of 2005. She joined Sigma Alpha, a professional women’s agricultural sorority as a freshman and has served as the groups Professional Development Chair and Vice President. Taryn has been a proud member of CAFNR Student Council since 2005, representing her class and as Development Co-Chair in 2007 and Reporter in 2008. She has also served as Community Service Chair for Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow in 2006 and on the Fundraising Committee for CAFNR Week 2007.

Follow the blog to see what advice Taryn has to offer as she completes her last semester as an undergraduate here at Mizzou.

Want more advice? Stop by CAFNR Career Services in Ag Building 2-64 today!

Getting Those Priorities Straight...

2008-09-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

It’s about this time in the school year when people start feeling overwhelmed. So take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Between the schoolwork, the first week of tests, meetings for various groups, and work, it can often feel like you never stop running.

When I’m trying to balance my schedule, and maintain what sanity I have left, I try to set some priorities for my time. My first time commitment is class. I can’t really cut back on schoolwork or studying, unless I’m ready to get a swift kick out of college.

My second required commitment is work. That income is handy to cover rent expenses and help keep the loans at bay. Lastly, I have time for organizations and I have total control to commit as much or as little time as I want.

That said, I think it is incredibly important to stay involved in at least a couple of organizations. Where else can you expand your career opportunities, build your resume, and meet new friends with similar interests?

Choosing these organizations to join can be a big decision. When I'm looking for a group I try to be selfish and ask myself which organization I'll gain the most from. Why be selfish? Because, if I really enjoy an organization and can see the benefits I’m receiving, then I will be more likely to give my full effort.

So how do you reach the full benefits of organization? By stepping into a leadership position, whether that is an office, committee member, or volunteer. I've learned that limiting the number of organizations I join, allows me to dedicate more time to each one. Focusing my efforts leads to more benefits not only for me personally, but for the organization as well.

Just remember, college is supposed to be a fun, learning experience. So join a few organizations. You'll come to find activities outside the classroom are usually the best learning experiences. Just make sure you don't overdo it. By choosing activities wisely, and using time-management techniques like Charlotte suggested, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy college once in a while.

Are You Ready?

2008-09-19T11:00:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it's already the middle of September! As this semester is flying by, sometimes I wonder if I am ready for the curveballs life will throw. This fall, I am very privileged to have the opportunity to share with you all some of the challenges and opportunities I will be facing in regards to my personal career development. I hope I can share some of the tips I follow as I am living college life in preparation for life after college.

This past week, I have come to realize how important study habits are in the success of a college student. I live by my planner (I have started using a Tiger Guide since I started college) which has every appointment, phone call, and errand I have to do.

It seems like this year as a sophomore, studying has come to be somewhat of a struggle! I continue to get my readings and assignments done on time, but last year I had my study times very defined and structured. All the structure has disappeared this year! Now I'm working on getting that back. I think the key to college success—which leads to success later in a career—is having a good structure with the priorities in order.

Structure also makes me much calmer and less anxious. Right now, my random lists and sticky notes are definitely affecting my lifestyle! The best part about having all the tasks written down is that once they are crossed off and finished, I'm able to enjoy my time relaxing with family and friends. Worrying only causes grey hair—and I certainly don’t want any of that yet!

Watch for more posts from me as the semester continues. Each of us, as a student of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, has the opportunity for career success. All we have to do is be ready when the opportunity arises. Are you ready?

Meet the blogger: Christopher Perry

2008-09-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

Meet Christopher Perry. He's a junior at the University of Missouri majoring in Animal Science with Vet School as his ultimate goal.

Here's what Chris has to say:

"I grew up on our family farm in Bethel (Northeast), Missouri. We raise purebred hogs and cattle, as well as row crops of corn, soybeans, and wheat. Interested in farming, but not sure about my focus, I entered MU looking at a balanced class load between Animal Science and Agronomy classes. After working for a year with the Soybean Breeders at MU I learned livestock was definitely my forte. My sophomore year I set the goal of going to Vet School. I took a job with Dr. Randall Prather and became the boar technician (you’ll have to ask me if you don’t know what that means) while aiding with the breeding. Needing to rack up a few shadowing hours I worked for a veterinarian most of the summer, and after loving every minute of it knew Vet School was for me. I am currently still working with Dr. Prather and am involved in the Block and Bridle and Christian Campus House organizations, as well as serving on the CAFNR Ambassadors and Animal Science Representatives."

Check back to see what Christopher is up to this semester and learn from his advice. Be sure to leave comments or ask questions if you'd like more information.

As always, visit CAFNR Career Services for your professional development needs!

Meet the blogger: Charlotte Jackson

2008-09-17T13:29:00.001-05:00

Meet Charlotte Jackson. She's majoring in Agricultural Education-Leadership and Communication emphasis, with a minor in Agricultural Economics.

Charlotte started her Mizzou career last fall and has hit the ground running. She's active in campus activities including serving as president of Mizzou Collegiate 4-H, program development chair for Agricultural Education Society, and education chair for Mizzou Collegiate Cattlewomen. She's also a member of the CAFNR Student Development Board and is the secretary of Missouri State 4-H Council.

In her free time, Charlotte works part-time at the Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development and Tiger Garden Florist Shop at the University of Missouri.

Charlotte shows her passion for agriculture through all her responsibilities and still enjoys 4-H and FFA. She continues to show her livestock at the Missouri State Fair as well as numerous county and district fairs. She loves to be outdoors and visit her family and friends in northeast Missouri as much as possible!

Learn from Charlotte as she blogs about her experiences, including first-hand advice from professional opportunities this fall as she travels to events including the American Royal and AFA!

It's Game Time!

2008-09-17T12:33:00.005-05:00

With the excitement of new classes and a new football season, CAFNR Career Services is getting in the spirit by kicking-off a new student blog.

The goal? To provide you with insight from students JUST LIKE YOU! Have you ever asked:

What IS the Career Fair?
Will I have to wear a suit/tie/heels?
How do I introduce myself to potential employers?
How can I get an internship?

Well, you're in luck! Several CAFNR students will be sharing their experiences and highlighting any advice they have to offer! Stay tuned for more...

Don't worry, CAFNR Career Services is still available in 2-64 of the Ag Building. If you've got specific questions, our door is always open. Email chipmans@missouri.edu or call 882-0088 to set-up an appointment.

As always, Career Services offers resume reviews...and what better time than NOW to get ready for the Career Fair?

2007-11-13T10:56:00.001-06:00

Looking for great statistics on workplace flexibility and the legalities of flexible workplace? Check out the following site: http://www.worklifelaw.org/Reports.html.

Gender and Pay Equity

2007-10-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

Recently, I spoke to the Women in Natural Resources group about pay inequities. I was glad to learn that these women were enlightened and realistic about how gender issues play out in the workplace. We discussed the following article that addresses the persistent pay gap, with women earning less than men even after controlling variables like education level and type, job type, and experience: Behind the Pay Gap, published by the American Association of University Women.

If you haven't checked out this article yet, do so! Gender inequities are unfair to everyone, and we all have an obligation to be aware they exist and advocate when possible for equality.

Are you "resume-ready?"

2007-09-10T12:22:00.000-05:00

CAFNR Career Day is just around the corner--Wednesday, September 26th. Be sure your resume is ready to impress employers!

Eighty-four students attended the Resumes 101 program last Wednesday sponsored by Bartlett & Co. and Alpha Gamma Rho; that leaves just over 1,900 of you who may still have questions.

What can you do between now and Career Day to make sure your resume gets the interviews?

Request an online resume critique from one of over 20 professionals through CAFNR Career Services. Simply send your resume to ChipmanS@missouri.edu with "Request online review" in the subject line.
Schedule an appointment for a review in CAFNR Career Services by calling 573-882-0088.
Walk-in to the MU Career Center (lower level of MU Success Center) for advice and a review.
Review the CAFNR web on resumes. Also check out the following article on CareerBuilder.com: Why Your Resume Annoys Employers.

Salary Savvy: Here are some resources!

2007-09-10T08:49:00.000-05:00

Many students are already coming in to my office, asking questions about entry level salaries. In this market, a number of seniors already have offers, primarily from their internship employers. A couple of good places to gather information on entry level salaries include the following:

Mizzou's Desination Survey--See what former MU graduates earned as entry-level salaries by major.

A number of colleague in agricultural colleges provide the following data for their May 2007 graduates: http://www.cafnr.missouri.edu/career-services/salary-results.xls

Once you know what an average salary for your major and job function are, you can more accurately determine your market value based on your experience (related internships and other jobs), relevant coursework and other qualifications.

In addition to knowing what your market value is, negotiation strategy is also important. For good tips on this process check out the following link: http://business.missouri.edu/336/default.aspx.

If you are in a position to negotiate and need some help, don't hesitate making an appointment with CAFNR Career Services. Good luck!

Stephanie

2007-08-30T16:25:00.000-05:00

By: Katie Allen

Starting a job search early helps a student land his or her ideal position after graduation. Want proof?

As part of a National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey earlier this year, 71 percent of graduating college students surveyed either planned to or already had begun looking for a job after graduation. Of those students, 79 percent had already submitted a job application and 51.2 percent had accepted a job offer.

For those graduating next spring, nine months may seem like a long time from now. As a senior that is graduating then, I can’t even believe how fast three years as an undergrad have gone by. Graduation will be here before I know it. And December grads have even less time.
CAFNR Career Services is a great resource to use as a student and alum. The CAFNR Career Fair on Wednesday, September 26 at the MU Student Recreation Center is a great opportunity to meet employers and find a position that fits you. Over 60 employers have registered for the CAFNR Career Fair, and even more are signing up to attend every day. Many recruiters are even interviewing for full-time and internship positions on campus the following day, September 27.

I encourage all CAFNR students to take advantage of the opportunity and visit the CAFNR Career Fair. If you need help getting your resume ready or tips on interviewing, feel free to stop by the CAFNR Career Services Office at 2-64 Ag Building to use the resources available or call 573-882-0088 to make an appointment to have your resume reviewed in the office. Starting early gives you time to find a position that really fits YOU!

2007-08-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Hey, Seniors, things are looking good! Those of you who haven't yet made it to the senior year, the market for internships is also good! NACE's Job Outlook 2008 Fall Preview Survey shows that again this year employers are planning to hire more new college grads--in fact, this early survey shows a hiring increase of 16% over last year.

What does this mean? You need to take advantage of the market by starting early and working steadily on your job search.

Anyone with specific examples of the strong market for graduates from CAFNR? How about advice on how to take advantage of the expected increase in new graduate hiring?

Turn up the HEAT!

2007-08-17T09:29:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know some of you who find yourselves engulfed in the heat wave are saying, "What?!" But seriously, this is an exciting time to be in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. CAFNR Careers are hot!

I challenge anyone to pick up a current newspaper or news magazine and NOT find at least one article related to the majors in CAFNR. From biofuels to the safety of our food to medical research to the environment, career opportunities abound. I just returned from a conference last week where employers discussed how to attract the best and brightest to their open positions.

I want to emphasize how badly we need not just employees, but true leaders in our industries. I want MU CAFNR to set the standards.

Watch the following video to get my message:
http://www.simpletruths.com/a.aspx?mo=ttwd&t=2&af=132

As we prepare for CAFNR Career Day on September 26th and a very active fall recruiting season, we need to turn up the heat.

2007-08-14T08:57:00.001-05:00

This will be fun! Welcome back to the students, we missed you! - Jane

2007-07-31T14:31:00.000-05:00

This is going to be fun. WHat a great way to communicate with students and hopefully get them involved.