Career exploration becomes career advice

Before he even stepped on campus, Ross Cady (agricultural business, international agriculture) was focused on the end result of his college career – getting a job. As a first generation student from Illinois, he knew Iowa State was the place to learn about the industry he was passionate about, agriculture. Knowing that the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) could boast that 98% of students were fully employed or in professional school within six (6) months of graduation was all he needed to see to seal the deal.

As a new student, Ross took advantage of meaningful experiences for his resume and attended the career fair hosted by CALS Career Services with 250 companies. After internships at places like Bayer Crop Science, he was ready to help make sure others had the same kind of help. In Agricultural Business Club, Ross chaired the committee that hosted a mixer event before the Career Fair to help students network with employers and he was another set of eyes on resumes of his fellow Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity members to make sure they were as perfect as possible. In the end, he not only helped his peers, but Ross continued to add to his own resume. He practiced editing skills, networking, project management, problem solving, and public speaking.

CALS Career Services is available for resume review, interview preparation, connections to companies, and advice on job or internship offers. Clubs, organizations, and even classes, also offer opportunities to review resumes and connections with alumni in the industry.  Working together, CALS  Career Services teaming up with students like Ross create a network to help you find that all-important first job.