The annual spring College of Agriculture and Life Sciences career fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Memorial Union.

“The spring career fair is a great second chance for students as well as employers for internships, jobs, or even potential offers down the road,” said Mike Gaul, director of agriculture and life sciences career services. “Many companies are there hiring interns and full-time employees, others are there to continue garnering their campus presence.”

According to a press release, job placement within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been 97 percent or higher for 20 consecutive years, and about 65 percent of graduates stay in Iowa for their first jobs.

“The career fair has been a great resource for me because I have been able to find various opportunities that I might not have found otherwise as well as build connections within our industry,” said Kali Tuon, a sophomore in agronomy.

Both CALS students and the public will have the opportunity to be recruited for internships and jobs by 101 organizations. This is a smaller version of the fall career fair, which is the largest in the country.

“I’m looking forward to speaking with Corteva Agrisciences and Key Cooperative,” Tuon said.

There is a multitude of resources provided by Iowa State to help prepare for the career fair.

“Do your research on the companies, look over CyHire to see available opportunities,” Gaul said. “Doing your homework and knowing about who you are speaking to is a strong reflection of yourself. Develop your infomercial including your story and tie in your research on the company you are speaking with.”

Thursday will be devoted to interviews on campus at the Memorial Union.

“Many companies will stick around and interview the next day so you want to find out what companies these are ahead of time,” Gaul said. “At the fair, move action rather than just walking away from the booth, such as setting up an interview time.” 

Gaul also said that agriculture is a very close-knit industry and it is important to learn the art of networking and career fairs are the perfect opportunity to master one’s skills.

“Iowa State is unique in having a spring career fair and you don’t want to waste a single summer while you are here so don’t pass up these great opportunities that are coming your way,” Gaul said.

Internship and career opportunities will be available to students at the annual CALS spring career fair on Wednesday.