UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In a continuing effort to help its students secure internships, jobs and advanced-degree opportunities in their fields, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will host scores of company and graduate-school recruiters at its annual Ag Career Day.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.
"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 more than 250 representatives from at least 125 industry employers and higher education institutions from across the country. Rateau said Ag Career Day is an excellent networking opportunity for students to interact with industry professionals and discover firsthand the careers that are available.
Also present to meet with students at Ag Career Day will be representatives from Penn State Law, the Penn State Smeal College of Business, and the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton School of Veterinary Medicine, because a bachelor's degree in the agricultural sciences is a great foundation for acquiring another degree, according to Rateau.
Fully a quarter of the graduates from the College of Agricultural Sciences move on to graduate school, veterinary school, law school or other professional programs, 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.