The Memorial Union will be filled Tuesday morning with ag students and companies for the annual Ag Career Fair.

The fair is part of this year’s Ag Week, and is the largest event.

With more than 130 companies representing a wide variety of agriculture-related jobs, it will be the biggest Ag Career Fair Iowa State has had in more than a decade, said Michael Gaul, director of agriculture career services.

“This year’s fair will be the largest ag career fair in the nation,” Gaul said.

He said the number and the diversity of companies that participate strengthens the national reputation of Iowa State’s agriculture program.

“[The Ag Career Fair] is reflective of the quality of our program and the students we have here,” Gaul said.

Lorilee Schultz, president of the Ag Student Council, one of the groups sponsoring the fair, said all ag students should be involved with the fair because of the opportunities it provides.

“With the large numbers, you get a great cross section of companies with diverse company opportunities,” said Schultz, junior in agricultural business.

She said the Ag Council helped promote the event, by handing out promotional fliers.

“We think it’s important to get involved and contribute to something that’s this important to ag students,” Schultz said.

Along with the diversity in companies and focus on ag studies, the companies represented also offer various prospects nationally and internationally.

Eric Pitzen, vice president of the council, said although many agriculture students he knows want to stay regional, the companies at the fair offer opportunities beyond the Midwest.

“There are a lot of international opportunities with Pioneer and John Deere because more and more they are going global,” said Pitzen, junior in horticulture.

There are also many local businesses and companies that have branches represented from all over the nation, he said.

“There are a lot of companies that come from quite a distance to recruit,” he said.

Although not all ag-related majors are required to do internships, Pitzen recommended ag students take one.

“Internships are good opportunities to get familiarized with the company and jobs students want to do,” he said.

“The more you interact with others, the more you know what they’re looking for and what you want to do in the future,” Pitzen said.

Sarah Mullen, senior in dairy science, said she will be attending this years’ fair for job opportunities, recommending the career fair to every ag student.

“The career fair is probably the best place to find career opportunities, hand out resumes and get information about companies,” Mullen said.

Through attending the fair the past four years, Mullen said she has gained much more confidence talking to representatives and has learned to research companies before attending.

“One of the best reasons to go is to practice communication,” Mullen said.

Ag Career Day begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 3 p.m.