In today’s economy, students are given gloomy messages about the post-graduation job outlook, but the 150 employers at Tuesday’s Ag Career Day indicate that hope remains for those seeking a future internship or job.

“I would hope that it sends a strong message to our students that ‘amongst all the doom and gloom, look who’s coming to campus to recruit you,’” said Mike Gaul, director of career placement for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ agriculture career services department.

Gaul said the size of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ career day, the largest of its kind in the country, helps bring in employers and students.

“It helps immensely in terms of businesses, and it helps immensely in terms of recruiting students as well,” Gaul said.

The caliber of the students who attend the career day is important too.

“We know that there is high quality students that graduate from Iowa State University with the ag-type background, and they’ve always been a great fit for us,” said Matt Tripp, product manager at John Deere’s Waterloo location.

Tripp said John Deere has “a great relationship with Iowa State” and has been attending the event for many years.

“We’re primarily focusing on interns, but we also have discussions with full-time people for future employment,” Tripp said.

Tripp said John Deere evaluates candidates from several universities before deciding whom to interview from the final pool of candidates. Last year, Tripp said, four interns were from Iowa State.

To be included in the list of potential interns and employees, Tripp said strong academics, campus activities and involvement and past work experience is a must.

Britney Heim, sophomore in agriculture and life sciences education, said she returned to this year’s career day to look for an internship.

“I would like to do something in marketing or public relations,” she said.

Last year Heim found a summer internship with Picket Fence Creamery in Woodward at the career day.

“Last year, I wanted something close to Ames. This year, I’m looking more at the programs and what they have to offer me,” she said.

Besides finding an internship that suits a student’s interests, Heim said the event is a great way to network.

“Even if something doesn’t work out, it’s just a good way to get your name out there and talk to a future employer,” Heim said.

Alan Wedemeyer, seed manager at Monsanto’s biotech research farm in Dayton, said companies should take part in the career day.

“It’s an excellent source of knowledge, enthusiasm and young talent,” Wedemeyer said. “You’re on a more personal level than you are just on a Web site or a pamphlet or anything.”

Wedemeyer said his company was looking for potential employees to fill part-time, full-time and internship positions.

For students to be ahead of other job seekers, Wedemeyer said students should not only be excited about the company, but also about the career.

Tuesday’s Ag Career Day was the first time Joel Boender, sophomore in agronomy, took part in the event. Boender said he was looking for a summer internship, possibly as a seed sales representative.

To prepare, Boender asked a professor and some of his friends to look over his resume.

“It seems quite large,” Boender said of the spread of employers at the career fair. “There’s a lot of job opportunities available, and they’re pretty open and willing to talk to people.”

Boender said opportunities like the career day seem more beneficial than searching the “Help Wanted” section.

“It gives them a face-to-face contact,” Boender said. “They’ll tell you more in detail what their company’s about.”

Gaul agreed.

“Its all about face time,” Gaul said. “It’s all about effectively selling yourself and promoting your strengths to them in the hopes of landing employment.”