The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech hosted its inaugural career fair in the fall of 2022. This landmark event provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with various employers and explore a breadth of intern and career possibilities. The department's commitment to student success was evident as participants engaged in conversations, made valuable connections, and laid the foundation for future internship and career prospects.

Virginia Tech student engaging with industry professionals at the 2022 Agricultural and Applied Economics Career Fair. Photo by Clark DeHart for Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech student engaging with industry professionals at the 2022 Agricultural and Applied Economics Career Fair. Photo by Clark DeHart for Virginia Tech.

For their first career fair, agricultural and applied economics had nearly 200 students and 30 companies in attendance, reaching the maximum capacity of the University Club venue. Employers included international companies, local companies, non-profits, and federal and state government agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the Virginia Department of Agriculture. 

Career fairs are a win for everyone involved – students, companies, and departments. Ryan Musselman, instructor, advised other programs considering hosting their first career fair to start small and build over time. "Just do it!" he exclaimed. He also suggests that organizers understand students' and companies' needs and desires to tailor the event accordingly. He noted that attracting a significant number of students may take time until they build an appreciation for the importance of the event.

Ryan emphasized the time required in the planning process, indicating they will start planning sooner next time. He underscored the significance of logistical planning, including avoiding scheduling conflicts with other campus events and student class schedules, selecting optimal days for recruiters, and choosing a venue that provides a positive employer experience. He suggested beginning by inviting alumni and companies hiring recent graduates. According to Ryan, organizers should invite more companies than the available space allows and, at least initially, plan for a 50 percent acceptance rate. 

The department will expand the career fair into a college-wide event based on last year's success. This expansion involves increasing the number of companies and attracting more students. Ryan advised learning from other departments or colleges that have successfully organized career fairs. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that valuable insights can be gleaned throughout the process and encouraged other programs to take the first step in their learning journey.

How students benefit

The career fair will support students in their career aspirations. The event paves the way for potential job opportunities after graduation by fostering meaningful connections and providing a platform for interaction. Students engage with potential employers, showcase their skills, and make valuable connections. The department emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and innovation, which are highly sought after by employers. The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics prepares students through resume-building exercises, interview practice, and communication training. Students are encouraged to highlight their passion for sustainable natural resource management, which is central to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences mission.

Virginia Tech student networking with an employer at the 2022 Agricultural and Applied Economics Career Fair. Photo by Clark DeHart for Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech student networking with an employer at the 2022 Agricultural and Applied Economics Career Fair. Photo by Clark DeHart for Virginia Tech.

Why bridge experiences

When asked why bridge experiences, Matthew T. “Matt” Holt, professor and department head, said “I had the sense from talking with graduating seniors during their exit interviews that we were not doing all that we could to help students explore career options and obtain valuable work-related experience. As a department fundamentally committed to student success, it did not take long for us to agree that experiential learning and career readiness for all of our students should be leading department priorities.” Matt was compelled by the research linking experiential learning with post-graduation placements. Students have improved job prospects, employers gain access to qualified talent, and departments and colleges can expand their corporate engagement. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

Join the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for the second annual career fair on Monday, October 23, 2023. Last year's event was a huge success with several prominent companies in attendance, including Cargill, Land O'Lakes, and Syngenta. 

Details on the career fair should be made available this summer.  

Written by Nidhi Chopdekar and Heather Bradford