Calling All Employable Students!

All college students have one thing in common: they want a job when they graduate.  

 But not just any job- they want THE job.  They want the one that jump starts their career and takes them wherever it is that they want to go.  Unfortunately, many of college students are not sure where to look in order to find THE job.  In all actuality, they may not even be sure what field they want to enter.  

Never fear, fellow students, there is hope for those of us who are unsure what field we want to enter or where to look for our dream jobs!  There is an opportunity that comes here, to campus, in order to help you find what you are searching for.  Each fall, the College of Agriculture holds a Career Fair, in which representatives from different agricultural fields come to tell you about the opportunities their businesses can offer you as an employee.  These career fairs give students the opportunity to learn about many different industries, career options, and internship options all at the same time.  This semester, the fall College of Agriculture Career Fair will be held on Tuesday, October 23^rd, from 12:00-4:00 pm in the E.S. Good Barn.  All students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity!

Before you head out to the career fair, it is important to remember a few things.  You are an investment to an employer, and they will choose the best investment.  Prove you are that investment by following these tips:  Number 1: Dress to impress in business attire!  You will be meeting potential employers and it is important to make a great first impression. 

 Number 2: Do not forget your resume!  You could have a phenomenal conversation with an employer at the fair, but they may not remember you from among the crowd unless you give them something as a reminder.  This is where the resume comes in.  The employer will look at your resume after the career fair, and if they like what they see, it may lead to an interview or job/internship offer.   

Number 3: Get their contact information!  Follow up is extremely important when searching for a job.  After visiting the career fair, write an email to the companies you are interested in, and thank them for coming to the career fair.  Tell them what you liked about their company, and inquire about any open positions or internships that they may have.  

So, brush up your resume, iron your business attire, and write Tuesday, October 23^rd down in your agenda as the opportunity to find your career!  Maybe you'll see me from 12:00-4:00 pm at the E. S. Good Barn!

- Kendall

 Kendall, is a first year ambassador from Georgetown, Kentucky.  She is an Agricultural Education junior.  She is a student worker with the National Association of Agricultural Educators.  Kendall is immediate past Kentucky FFA President. 

A Homecoming for UKAg

School is officially in full swing and all the students are back to their busy lives. This past week has been no exception. Ag Roundup is the biggest event of the year for the College of Agriculture. Many of you are probably wondering what Ag Roundup is. Ag Roundup is a series of events hosted by the College of Agriculture Ag and HES Alumni Association that all include great food and socialization.  

UK President, Dr. Eli Capilouto, addressed students at Roundup. 

The event began on Wednesday with Staff Appreciation Day. Thursday was one of the biggest days of the week, with the Lexington Rotary Club and prospective students coming to campus for the day. Students were greeted by Ag Ambassadors who were able to answer questions and give tours of campus. Student speakers entertained the Rotary Club while lunch was served by the Block and Bridle club. Friday of Roundup week is Leadership Day. Legislative leaders, public officials and college leaders from around the state come to campus to enjoy the day with other leaders and students. Other events that occur during Ag Round Up include reunions for different majors within the College of Agriculture and HES, as well as an Ag Ambassador Reunion and AGR and Farmhouse Fraternities reunions.  Finally, Saturday is considered the ”Homecoming of the College of Agriculture.”   Alumni from the College of Ag and HES come to Lexington to enjoy a day of fellowship and fun with other College of Agriculture graduates and friends.

UK Ag Ambassadors enjoying the meal on Saturday.

Ag Roundup is a great time for staff, faculty, leaders and alumni to come together and reunite; but, it is also a great time for students to network and meet prospective employers. It is a time to sell yourself to alumni that might be interested in hiring you for a job one day. The UK Ag and HES Alumni Association does so much for students of the College of Agriculture, and this is a time for us to show our appreciation and learn from them and their journeys as past students. Ag Roundup is a hectic week for students involved, but it really pays off in the end because of the fun and memories made with other students and College alumni.

 

Kelsey, pictured on the left, is a first year ambassador from East Liberty, Ohio.  She is a Community & Leadership Development sophomore.  She is involved with UK Block & Bridle and is a UK 101 peer mentor.

UKAg Roundup: The Senior Perspective

UK's #SeeBlue Door of Opportunity

Throughout last week, a busy bustle stirred around the College of Agriculture as students, faculty, community leaders, and alumni gathered to celebrate our annual event, Roundup.  This event is a time for fellowship for those with a passion for the University of Kentucky and the College of Agriculture.  Reunions are held where memories will be shared and new students will enter our facilities to see where new memories will be made.   

As a senior this year, I have taken a step back to cherish each moment of this event and to soak up the prestige and family atmosphere that runs deep throughout the college.  Whether it be hanging out with a professor that was teaching me in a classroom setting earlier that morning, quizzing an alumni member to find out how campus has changed, spending quality time with my peers, or eating delicious food,  this is an experience and a place that I am so proud to say that I am a part of.  Being able to communicate with so many people that you may have never met before, but share the same since of pride with, creates an instant bond and is overall personally rewarding.  As students, we are so fortunate to have an opportunity such as this to network with others in a laid back and fun atmosphere.  I challenge each and every student within the college to participate in Roundup in the years to come and to reap the benefits whether small or large.   

Overall, I look forward to returning each year as an alumni member to reminisce and to sing the fight song just as I do now.  For others, I hope you get to experience the same feelings and excitements when it comes to the College of Agriculture that I do and always continue to SeeBlue.  Go CATS!    

  

Sara Kate is a senior studying Food Science.  She is from Hickman, KY.  Sara Kate is member of Alpha Delta Pi & an Ag Ambassador.   

  

It’s the Little Things

In life, there’s always something that keeps you from moving forward.  For me, it’s the little things.  Like writing this blog.  I sat down many times to write it, but I didn’t know what to write about.  Or going for a run.  I wanted to run, but I didn’t have any clean socks.  These are the little things that are easy to fix- but that keep me from progressing.  Word of advice:  Don’t get caught up on the little things!  I feel much better when I can accomplish the things that I want to get done.  

An easy way to prevent a halt in your work  is to be prepared.  Think ahead when you start something and take time to plan.  For example, as I was going to sit at my computer to write the blog I should have been thinking about what I was going to write about.  Or, when I put on my last pair of clean socks I should have thought about doing laundry and planned a time to do so.  Then I would have clean socks the next time I needed them.  

This can easily translate into school work.  To make sure that we are progressing in our classes and exams, we need to be prepared.  Make sure that you know when things are due and when you have exams.  A planner is a great way to keep track.  Study a little bit at a time, instead of cramming the night before.  I heard once that for every hour you are in the classroom you should study 2-3 hours outside the classroom.  Studying for a few minutes a day may seem insignificant, or a little thing, at the time but when you get to the day before the exam you will feel much more prepared and significantly less stressed!

As you are reading this, I hope you learn that the little things should not prevent you from moving forward.  But let’s be honest.  You’re probably not doing something right now because of a minor bump in the road!  Make your own list of your “small things” and don’t get bogged down this semester.  Let’s do this Wildcats!

Marissa 

 

Marissa is a seniors studying an individualized curriculum in Sustainable Agriculture.  She is from Morrow, Ohio.  Marissa is a member of the UK Sustainability Council & an Ag Ambassador.   Ambassador.   

Fall semester is underway- and there's lots to do!

It’s that wonderful time of year again!  Cars packed full of things, mom and dad eager to drop their child off, and students ready to start their journey full of independence and individuality.  The official new student move-in day for UK was Saturday, August 18.  Campus was buzzing with new students, parents, and returning students eager to help move-in the incoming freshman.   On Sunday, returning students moved into their dorms as well.  All in all, everyone is now settled into their apartments and dorms ready to start or continue their UK journey. 

Wednesday arrived and it was the first day of classes.  Campus was lively with students hustling to find their classes and relieved once they found their room and a seat.  It was great seeing friends and professors again, as well as meeting new students.

                One of the things I love about being back at school is football games.  It’s not a complete UK experience until you’ve attended a football game.  The aroma of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, playin’ corn hole, friends and families gathered, is an atmosphere you can’t resist! One of my favorite things about attending football games is standing in the student section.  I love being beside the band and shouting cheers at the top of your lungs.  The next morning, your ears will ring a little and you probably won’t have a voice, but it’s so worth it!

                Another great event in the College of Ag is the Student/Faculty/Staff Picnic being held next week as part of UK Ag Roundup.  It is for new and returning students and is free to attend.  It’s a great way to meet College of Ag students and you can meet your professors on a more personal level too.  There’s free food and there’s also a raffle with cool prizes you can win.  Last year I won a College of Ag sweatshirt and I wear it all the time!  Tickets for the picnic can be picked up in Ag North or Erikson Hall. 

                Once again, welcome back everyone!  I hope everyone has a fantastic semester. Go Big Blue!

 Erin is a sophomore majoring in Equine Science & Management.  She is from Cary, North Carolina.  Erin is an avid photographer and has future career plans of being an equine surgeon and horse racing photographer.  She is in her first year as a College of Agriculture Ambassador.