Career Day Information for Students

2024 Ag Sciences Career Day

When: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State University Park

Ag Sciences Career Day is your opportunity to meet with exhibitors about internships, further education, and full-time careers. 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 explore and find out for yourself what careers are available.

This career fair is open to any current Penn State student. Please be sure to bring your student ID with you, and enter through the Guest Entrance of the Bryce Jordan Center, across from the Jordan East lot.

Use the following list to help you prepare for Ag Sciences Career Day, as well as other career fairs. Contact Career Services 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 Jordan East lot.  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.

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 drop in appointments.  In-person and virtual appointments are available.

Plan your attire

Business professional attire is encouraged. Business casual attire is acceptable. Check out this resource from the National Association of Colleges and Employers for attire guidance. Nothing to wear? We can help! Visit the Professional Attire Closet for assistance selecting a free, professional outfit that is yours to keep.

Research attendees and strategize  

Familiarize yourself with the exhibitors you would like to visit using our searchable event site (coming soon). The site allows you to identify what majors each organization is seeking. Read each company description to learn the full scope of their organization. Visit the company websites, know what positions they have available, and prepare a list of questions. 

Craft your introduction

Feel confident by practicing your intro – be sure to include your name, class year, major(s), interest areas or experiences relevant to the employer. Remember, you don’t need to verbalize this all in one breath, but it helps to have some talking points prepared.

Update your Nittany Lion Careers account and online profiles

Prior to Career Day, please access Nittany Lion Careers and confirm the information in your student profile by September 17^th. This information will be used when you check in to the fair. In addition, be sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date.

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. Arrive early and take a moment to locate the organizations you wish to visit.

Visit the Student Help Desk

Have a question? Want to practice your introduction? Need an encouraging word? Visit the student help desk or any member of the student success crew for friendly assistance. Look for individuals wearing bright green “Student Success Crew” buttons.

Make a good first impression

Approach each exhibitor with a smile, firm handshake, eye contact, and strong vocal introduction. Remember, this is about what you can offer the organization – not the other way around.

Be courteous

If there is a line to speak to an organization, 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 to whom you spoke and interesting details from your discussion.  This will be helpful to you when you follow up with organizations after the fair.

Professional Portraits

Complimentary professional portraits will be available from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the fair. Plan a few moments of time to stop by for a headshot that you can use for all of your professional needs.

Have fun!

Preparing ahead of time will help you to make the most of the experience. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about careers, industry trends, and to visit with alumni.

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 to reiterate your interest in their organizations. Hand-written notes showcase extra effort, but sometimes you don’t have a direct mailing address for the specific representative. Professionally written, personal emails are also acceptable.

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, offer negotiations and more.

Participating Organizations

Participating Organizations in 2023