Connections are made at CAFNR Career Fair
By Erin Meyers

CAFNR students made connections with potential employers at the CAFNR Career Fair Tuesday morning, Sept. 27, in Memorial Union’s Stotler Lounge.

Dressed in business suits, the students spoke with representatives from 54 agriculture related businesses. Some of the companies in attendance included Applebee’s International, Inc., Red Roof Inns, Golden Harvest Seeds and Rhea and Kaiser Advertising, Inc. 

While some representatives were looking for potential employees, many other companies were informing students of multiple internships. According to Mary Czarnecki, representing Osborn and Barr Communications, a full-service advertising agency, the company is looking for five students to participate in a ten week internship. 

“We’re looking for someone who will take the initiative to work on extra projects and many different ones as well,” Czarnecki said.

While many of the companies put an emphasis on experience in their field, the Army Health Care Team is willing to hire recent college graduates.

Presently the Team is looking for students with a PhD in entomology, or pest control.  According to Lakishia Cheefus, a representative of the team, only three colleges have this major available to students. Along with MU, the team recruits prospective employees at Texas A&M and Kansas State. 

Employers aren’t only looking for the correct credentials; employees are looking for the students who possess the right characteristics.

According to Thuan Nguyen, a representative for Houlihans restaurants, “We are looking for employees who are dynamic and who smile. Interpersonal skills are crucial. Those aren’t things you can learn in the classroom.”

While all representatives acknowledged that grades are important, many were quick to emphasize the role that actual experience and portfolios play in scheduling an interview.

“Grades are a big factor, but you need to possess a certain personality you can’t be taught,” Nguyen said. 

Companies stayed on campus after the career fair for lunch and a roundtable discussion. Several companies also hosted on-campus interviews Tuesday and Wednesday. Others will be coming back later in the semester.    

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