Tips and Tools

A how-to guide to kick-start your professional development journey.

Ag Sciences students have a host of career services to help them discover job and internship opportunities and be better prepared to secure a position. Visit a Career Services office at one of Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses. Take advantage of resources at the Bank of America Career Services Center at University Park. Or, consult with the college's Office of Experiential Learning and Career Services in the Agricultural Administration Building.

Résumés and cover letters

Make a strong first impression with your writing.

Grab employer attention by showing the real you. Keep in mind these simple rules:

1. Make letters and résumés no more than one page each.
2. Customize every letter. Draw connections from your experiences and knowledge to match the job description.
3. Use strong, descriptive language to tell the story of you. Avoid the use of generic lists.
4. Proofread. Proofread. Proofread.

Helpful links:

• Penn State Career Guide
• Penn State Career Services
• Agriculture Future of America (AFA) and AgCareers.com "Navigating the Job Search Process" (YouTube Video Series)

Interview prep

Interview with confidence: know before you go.

Your prospective employer will be impressed if you are well prepared. Consider these tips:

1. Do research on the company and individuals you will meet.
2. Don't wing it! Practice with a friend or mentor ahead of time.
3. Come ready to ask thoughtful questions (not related to compensation).

Helpful links:

• Penn State Career Guide
• Penn State Career Services/Interviews
• Agriculture Future of America (AFA) and AgCareers.com "Navigating the Job Search Process" (YouTube Video Series)

First Impressions

Your entrance and exit strategy? Get noticed.

Making a good first impression is key when meeting people who can influence your future. Here's how:

1. Plan ahead. Familiarize yourself with the guest list. Share your business card and collect cards from those you meet.
2. Follow up afterward. Help people remember you.
3. Have your "elevator speech" ready. You have 30 seconds to tell someone about YOU. Make it count.
4. Dress professionally. Be appropriately attired even at a casual event.
5. Smile!

Helpful links:

• Penn State Ag Sciences Dress for Success Guide
• Penn State Career Guide
• Penn State Career Services/Dress for Success
• AgCareers.com Dress for Success (Males)
• AgCareers.com Dress for Success (Females)

Negotiations and offers

They want you for the job! Now what?

Congratulations! You've been offered a job. What to do? Say "thank you," ask for a reasonable amount of time to consider it, then do your research. Salary. Benefits. Cost of living. Work environment. Fit. Consider it all. Ask someone in Career Services to help you evaluate and compare these factors to similar jobs. If you plan to negotiate, your Career Services professional can help you strategize. 

Helpful links:

• Penn State Job Offers and Negotiation
• AgCareers.com Dos and Don'ts