Becky Schneider
May 25, 2015
Newsletter ArticleYou are a freshman, unsure of everything related to college and the future. You are a sophomore and wish someone would tell you what to do with your college education and guide you to a secure future. You are a junior or senior and the last thing you want to do is think about the future, a job and graduation. Wherever you are in your college career, the future can seem scary and unsure. Using classes, organizations and internships to help you make connections and decisions about potential careers will help make the future a less frightening thought.
As a college student, each opportunity should help guide your future and direct you towards a path of career success. Ryan Hrubes, a senior Agricultural Business major at Iowa State University, used his experiences to guide him to his future career. He had a simple four step method to help focus on what is important in order to find an ideal career upon graduation.
1. Get Involved. As a freshman try to join two or three organizations and do not be a passive member. Begin immediately on your personal development by volunteering for activities or committees. Decide what you like about each club and pick which ones to stay committed to through college. Take the time to notice what activities, committees or experiences you enjoy most and start thinking of careers or internships where you could have similar experiences. The same method can be used in classes. Pay special attention to what you enjoy and find an opportunity that allows you to keep utilizing those skills and lessons you have gained from classes.
2. Network. Meet people who are going to have an influence in your life for the entirety of your college career, such as faculty and staff. “The most important move I made as a freshman was going to see the career services director,” said Ryan. “It was my very first networking move and has opened many doors, and will continue to in the future.” Faculty and staff often have many contacts within industry, relaying your interests to them will help them know who to put you in contact with.
3. Try New Things. Internships are similar to a trial run of a full-time career. With six previous internships, Ryan has had the ability to try many sectors of the agriculture industry and explore multiple areas of a company. “In an internship you will see the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly of a career path in your eyes,” said Ryan. Be aware that an internship is what you make it and take responsibility for your own experience. Ask questions and seek opportunities that help you grow. While this may be uncomfortable, do not forget it is your future that you are guiding.
4. Try New Things, Again. While you may enjoy one experience and feel certain about your future career path, push yourself to reach outside your comfort zone and try different experiences. “I had two internships in the same sector of the agriculture industry and I was convinced it was the area I wanted to work,” said Ryan when asked about the most difficult challenge he faced in discovering his career path. “After a lot of thought I decided to try a different area within agriculture. Now my career direction has taken a different route and I have multiple opportunities available for my future not to mention a better understanding of agriculture.”
Classes are a good chance to develop technical skills and organizations are a great way to develop invaluable leadership and communication abilities. An internship will help you take those skills and try them out in various sectors of an industry. Jump in, meet people, try new things and do it all over again and not only will you find a job, but you will find a career that you enjoy and a future full of success.
Additional information on networking can be found on the AgCareers.com website or by email agcareers@agcareers.com.
