UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Finding internship and career opportunities in a tough job market can be daunting for college students, but Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences is trying to make it a little easier with its Ag Career Day.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Bryce Jordan Center.
"Students from the College of Agricultural Sciences are in demand," said Richard Rateau, career counselor in the college's Office for Undergraduate Education. "Ag Career Day gives agricultural businesses the chance to recruit and begin interviewing students for internships and full-time career positions."
Students can meet with as many as 200 representatives from more than 100 industry employers and higher education institutions from across the country. Ag Career Day is also an excellent networking opportunity for students to interact with industry representatives and discover firsthand the careers that are available.
Rateau said because a bachelor's degree in the ag sciences is a great foundation for acquiring another degree, several graduate and professional schools will be on hand with information. Present to meet with students will be representatives from the Penn State Dickinson School of Law, Penn State's Smeal College of Business, University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, Lock Haven University Physician Assistant Program and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Fully a quarter of the graduates from the College of Agricultural Sciences move on to graduate school, veterinary school, law school or other professional courses, Rateau noted.
"Even if students are not at the point in their academic career to begin seeking an internship or full-time employment, they are highly encouraged to attend," he said. "Speaking with industry representatives helps younger students to build personal communication skills and to investigate the qualifications and skills needed for future positions."
Companies scheduled to appear include large international organizations, national and regional organizations, and Pennsylvania and local businesses.
For more information, visit the Ag Career Day website or contact Rateau at 814-865-7522 or by email at rjr20@psu.edu.