Almost 140 employers will fill the Great Hall and Campanile Room of the Memorial Union from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today for Agriculture Career Day.

“This is the kickoff to the internship season,” said Mike Gaul, director of career placement for Agriculture Career Services. “A lot of companies will be interviewing here.”

The event is designed to give students information about the agriculture field.

“Ag Career Day is a great opportunity for students to find out about careers in agriculture,” Erin Cumings, Ag Career Day Committee Coordinator, said.

The event formerly has been in November, said Cumings, senior in agricultural business.

“By moving it to October, there is more time for interviews and internship opportunities,” she said.

The committee tries to cater to every major within the College of Agriculture, and some majors are more represented than others, Gaul said.

“The food industry is still very strong, and a lot of horticulture companies will be there as well,” he said. “We will see a fair number of seed companies and swine companies, too.”

All ISU students are encouraged to attend Ag Career Day.

“It’s open to all students at Iowa State in agriculture or any other major,” Gaul said.

Image is everything for students who attend Career Day, Gaul said. “Business casual or business attire is a good idea.”

Gaul said students should go to the fair early in the day.

“Employers tend to be a little more enthusiastic towards the beginning of the day,” he said. “Do strategic planning and see who the companies are, what they are looking for, what opportunities they have available and if and where they will be doing interviews.”

Students should know who they want to talk to, Cumings said. “Target companies you are most interested in or relate to what you want to do,” she said.

Last year, more than 1,300 students participated in Ag Career Day, Gaul said. He said he expects to see as many or more this year.

“It represents the quality of students and the great ag program we have here at Iowa State,” he said.