Students have an opportunity for personal and career development at the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Science’s annual two-day career fair today, Oct. 1 and Thursday, Oct. 2

Students can explore different industries related to agriculture, build relationships with employers and find an internship, part-time job or full- time job at the fair.

The event will host over 115 employers from across the country at Club 71 in the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days. 

Students at all levels and majors are encouraged to attend the fair. Becky Pistulka, assistant director of employer engagement in the Office of Career Development, said students should begin networking now. She added that employers look forward to meeting students as freshmen, so they can hire them as seniors.

Mary Christensen, a professional academic adviser for the CAFES, said students can prepare for when they are ready to start a serious job search by attending the career fair early in their college careers. 

Students can develop professional skills essential to any career, such as interviewing, listening and communication, according to senior agricultural systems technology major Kyle Hagen. He got two internships through the career fair, with one leading to a full- time job after graduation.

Pistulka encouraged students to get their resumes reviewed before the career fair.

 “(Recruiters) use (resumes) to take notes, review candidates at the end of the day, share with colleagues or determine who they’d like to interview afterward,” Christensen said.

Students can make appointments with the Office of Career Development to review their resume. According to Pistulka, their career coaches are specially trained in reviewing resumes and keep up to date on current trends.

The Office of Career Development on Main Street in the Student Union, also offers online resume resources such as resume templates tailored to various programs, a resume checklist and a resume review platform called “VMock.” The platform gives students advice to improve their resumes, Pistulka said.

“Speaking with a recruiter is almost like an interview itself, so students should practice and get comfortable answering questions about themselves,” Pistulka said. She encourages students to either practice with a friend or come into the Office of Career Development to practice with a career coach.

Interviews can be discussed with recruiters at the fair. Several recruiters will be holding interviews on campus on Thursday and Friday. 

Christensen said employers encourage students to dress professionally while attending the career fair because it better reflects their potential and makes a stronger first impression.

Students who need a professional dress outfit can use the Office of Career Development’s professional clothing closet at their office. The room contains professional dress clothing donated by community members. Students can come in, try on clothes and take a free outfit each year, Pistulka said.

To find resources on resumes, interview skills, professional dress and other career essentials, students can visit SDSU’s page on Handshake or the Office of Career Development.

Handshake also offers a preview of the event, including a list of participating businesses and which days they are attending.

“Log in to Handshake and explore the events section,” Christensen said. “Taking just a few minutes to learn about companies before the fair can help you make a lasting impression with informed, thoughtful questions.”

Pistulka also advises students to “Write down your top 10 [employers], and then kind of rank them. Who would be the company that you most want to talk to, and don’t talk to them first. Start with number five or six.”

Students can build confidence by talking to tables that aren’t their first choice, Christensen said.

Hagen encourages students to, “not let the thought of failure restrict you from trying something new. This career fair is one of several nerve-racking experiences you will face as a college student because you are truly paving your own path for the next four years.”

Shelby Brosh, a sophomore agronomy major, got a summer internship with StateLine Cooperative at the career fair. She encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity the event offers.

“Don’t let your nerves hold you back,” Brosh said. “Show up, and give it your all. You might be surprised by what you gain. just by being there.”