High school students in northeast Nebraska got a hands-on look at career opportunities Tuesday during the Career and Ag Leadership Day in Tekamah.
The event included 30 students from eight different schools in District Three FFA. It was hosted by Jadyn Fleischman, a graduate student completing her master’s in applied science with an emphasis in leadership.
The day began with a keynote from Dr. Tom Field from the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program and included resume workshops, an internship panel, and a “career speed dating” session where students met one-on-one with employers across the agriculture industry, from trades and welding to positions requiring advanced degrees like veterinarians.
Fleischman said the event was designed to give students insight into both workforce and further education paths. “Having the opportunity to just see what’s out there… What are jobs that you didn’t know existed?” she said.
She emphasized the value of networking for students entering the workforce.
“At the end of the day, if that’s all they got out of it is one connection… that’s ultimately going to lead them to the next place in life,” Fleischman said.
The event is part of Fleischman’s master’s program and builds on her experience with the Nebraska Agriculture Youth Council. She credited her mentors and connections for making the day possible.