By Elle Ruffner, junior in agricultural and life sciences education
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is committed to helping students turn their academic experiences into meaningful careers. The CALS Career Day will take place on Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center. This event brings together hundreds of employers and thousands of students each year. This is more than just a chance to meet prospective employers; it is the combination of preparation, professional development and career exploration designed to ensure students are confident and ready to succeed.
For many students, Career Day is their first major career networking event while in college, and Iowa State provides a full set of resources to help students make the most of their experience. Programs such as the Freshman Resume Workshop give new students an early start in creating professional documents highlighting their experiences, while resume reviews throughout the semester offer personalized feedback and guidance. Nora Pickhinke, a freshman in agricultural business, credits this workshop for helping her better understand “how to format a resume and understand what professionals are looking for.”
Professional preparation goes beyond resumes. The CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program offers a variety of ways for students to refine their skills in preparation for Career Day. Events like “Styled for Success” and the Business Attire Pop-Up Shop help students feel confident and experienced on Career Day through budget-friendly options. Students can also have their professional headshots taken at Career Day to use for LinkedIn profiles and online portfolios, enhancing their professional presence online.
Furthermore, students can also attend industry speaker presentations that provide insights into career paths, employer expectations and the skills needed to stand out. CALS Career Services staff are available for one-on-one support with mock interviews, cover letter feedback, job search guidance and career counseling. Appointments can be scheduled with Career Services on CyHire, allowing students to receive personalized advice tailored to their goals.
CALS offers a wide range of majors, each with numerous internship opportunities, from agronomy and crop science to curriculum development and extension, as well as agricultural policy, food industry experiences, and beyond. Having a broad range of companies available at the Career Day ensures students can find an experience aligned with their career goals. These efforts have contributed to strong outcomes for Iowa State graduates, with 97% of CALS students having been placed into their first career choice for over 20 years.
The CALS Career Day and associated professional development resources showcase Iowa State’s commitment to individual student success. By taking advantage of the opportunities presented by Iowa State, students enter the CALS Career Day ready to meet employers and prepared to take the necessary steps to launch their careers.