Ag Sciences Career Day

2020 Ag Sciences Career Day

When: September 29, 2020, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Where: Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State University Park

Ag Sciences Career Day is your opportunity to meet with organizational representatives about internships, full-time careers, and further education. Whether you are a first-year student, planning your graduation in the very near future, or somewhere in between in your academic career, you owe it to yourself to attend. This is also a networking opportunity to visit with company representatives and find out for yourself what careers are available.

Participating Organizations

• Students: See Exhibitor Search Tool for Students (Coming Soon!)
• Employers: Exhibitor registration will open soon! Please contact us at AgCareerDay@psu.edu if you have any questions.

Preparing for Career Day

Please be sure to bring your student ID with you, and enter through the Guest Entrance of the Bryce Jordan Center.

Use the following list to help you prepare for Ag Sciences Career Day, as well as other career fairs. Consult a career adviser if you have questions about preparing for a career fair or making the most of the experience.

Before Career Day

• Know the Basics- Students should enter through the Guest Entrance of the Bryce Jordan Center, across from the commuter lot #44. Bring your student ID as you will need it to swipe in to gain entrance. Backpacks are permitted but strongly discouraged. There will be NO backpack check at the event. If you plan to bring your backpack, you must carry it with you as bags may not be left unattended in the BJC. Bags may be subject to security screening.
• Update your profile - Prior to Career Day, please access Nittany Lion Careers and confirm the information in your student profile. This information will be used to generate the information on your name tag at Career Day. If you don't complete your profile prior to September 29^th, your name badge will not display your major.
• Refine your resume - There are multiple opportunities to have your resume reviewed ahead of Ag Sciences Career Day. The Bank of America Career Services Center offers daily walk-in resume reviews. In addition, the College of Ag Sciences will host a Resume Blitz on a date to be determined, to polish your resume and receive last minute tips.
• Plan your attire - Make sure you have a business professional outfit for the fair. Check out this resource from the National Association of Colleges and Employers for attire guidance. Did you know that complimentary professional attire is available to students? Check out the Professional Attire Closet in the Bank of America Career Services Center.
• Research attendees and strategize - Familiarize yourself with the exhibitors you would like to visit, using our searchable event site (coming soon!). Visit the company websites, know what positions they have available and prepare a list of questions. *Be sure to take notes from this site, or print pages of interest to you.
• Practice your elevator speech - Practice your introduction - be sure to include your name, class year, major(s), interest areas or experiences relevant to the employer and questions to keep the conversation moving.

During Career Day

• Be aware of additional security measures - All guests entering the Bryce Jordan Center will need to enter through metal detectors. Please plan accordingly and allow additional time to comply with these security measures.
• Map your route - You will be provided with an exhibitor map at registration. Locate the organizations you want to see and know your reasons for visiting each employer. If you can, arrive early for the day to maximize your time.
• Make a good first impression - Approach each exhibitor with a smile, firm handshake, eye contact and strong vocal introduction. If there is a line, maintain a respectful distance as a courtesy to the student in front of you.
• Write it down - Take detailed notes after each conversation. Record the name of the person you spoke with and interesting details from your discussion. This will be helpful to you when you follow up with employers after the fair.
• Say cheese! - Don't miss the chance to stop by the photography area to receive a complimentary professional headshot between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Take advantage of the opportunity - Your resume, research, elevator script and thoughtful questions will help you showcase the value that you can bring to the organizations. Have fun, and enjoy the process of learning about different employers and career paths.

After Career Day

• Stay organized - Build upon your notes - create a spreadsheet with the employers, contacts, important dates and necessary action steps.
• Say thank you - Send thank you notes after the fair (preferably within 48 hours) to thank recruiters for their time and reiterate interest in their organizations. Hand-written notes are best, but formal, tailored emails are better than no notes at all.
• Follow directions and connect with Career Services - Know what each organization expects from you and follow their application instructions. Consult with a career services professional about following up with employers, strengthening your applications, preparing for interviews, negotiations and more.