What Did We Learn about Student Recruitment Amid the Pandemic

Erika Osmundson
January 11, 2021
Newsletter Article

Employers learned how to navigate NUMEROUS virtual platforms! Picking favorites and learning which ones didn’t work as well. Employers got creative looking for new ways to stand out among other employers at virtual career fairs and on campus. Employers did their best to be prepared and know their hiring needs for internships and full-time graduate hires, while still not quite being entirely sure of all of the specifics in many cases.

Primetime fall recruiting season has passed and amidst a pandemic what do we know and what did we learn about this crucial recruitment activity coming out the other side of the season? A lot!

Universities and colleges did their best to learn the ins and outs of their chosen platform and engage with their students. Encouraging and teaching their students to show up and how to be prepared for the digital experience. Career services staff and career counselors also navigated fluctuating and moving timelines as employers solidified needs.

For students, it was a time of uncertainty. Those not prepared to take part or engage with employers in such uncertain times - whether out of complacency or due to not wanting to commit to internships that were still undetermined to be in-person or virtual. For those that did participate, knowing how to connect virtually and not only demonstrate their value to the employer but assess the employer to understand if they would be a place they wanted to work, was a new undertaking.

Yes, it was a time of many firsts. The big takeaway though – the resiliency of all of the abovementioned parties. The resiliency and grace shown by all involved helped with the success of the fall recruitment season. AgCareers.com has heard many success stories and that hiring numbers look strong.

As we look to employer’s plans for internship experiences this summer, AgCareers.com is hearing that most employers are anticipating similar levels of interns as this past summer. Many employers have reported that they’ll host both virtual and in-person internships. It appears that this is heavily influenced by role and what the approach is for full-time employees at the organization. While some will be virtual, we learned this past summer that they can be very successful and that students need not be discouraged to consider a virtual option.

In a recent discussion with several career services staff at leading universities, we did hear that many students are still uncertain and delayed in their engagement. The hope is that after the winter break, students will return with more urgency as the approach of summer becomes a reality. These career counselors anticipate that fall recruitment extends significantly into the early spring semester.

AgCareers.com agrees that this could be a concern and has heard from employers that both internship and new graduate hires are still needed. Therefore, in conjunction with partner universities, we will be holding a US All Ag & Food Major Virtual Career Fair on February 2 from 9 to 3 Central. This is an opportunity for students and employers to connect and fill those remaining workforce needs. Employer participation is only $495 and offers access to students from across 20+ universities and colleges in the US. Students from any school with an interest in a career in agriculture or food can participate for free. Employers and students can both register for the event through CareerEco – click here.

For those in Canada, we’ll be hosting a Canadian All Ag & Food Major Virtual Career Fair through our Feed Your Future Campaign on January 28 from 9 to 4:30 Central. Employer participation is just $395 - Click to register. Students from schools across the country can participate at no cost – Click to register.

We know that this past year has changed how recruitment is being done. However, what remains is the need for talented young professionals entering agriculture and food. This industry has a multitude of rewarding career opportunities and a need for all career types. We, at AgCareers.com, look forward to continuing to support connections, not only through these upcoming virtual career fairs but beyond. If you have questions about how AgCareers.com can be of assistance to your recruitment efforts or questions about participating in one of the upcoming virtual career fairs, please email agcareers@agcareers.com. We wish you all the best in the upcoming year!