Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Agricultural Industry Roundtable
By Libby Felts, Corner Post Staff

Internships are key to a college student’s successful job search agreed 13 representatives from nine agribusiness companies at an industry roundtable last week on Oct. 7, 2004, and hosted by the Ag Econ Club.

Representatives gathered at the University of Missouri - Columbia campus to discuss job-hunting strategies with agricultural students.
Work experience that relates to a student’s major is key, said professionals from companies like Missouri Farm Bureau, Cargill

Meat Solutions and Premium Standard Farms. Internships shorten the time spent on-the-job training. This helps make a recruit more valuable to companies as well as exposing the students to a professional atmosphere.

Other important qualities for students looking for employment are written and oral communication skills, leadership skills and a definite plan for the future.

Most representatives agreed that study abroad experience is not essential unless students can explain how they benefited from the experience and what they will bring to the job from the experience.

Some qualities are often overlooked by students but closely scrutinized by employers. Representatives suggested having a strong handshake, good manners and being assertive. Students should make sure a potential employer knows they want the job.

back to archive