Throughout my college career, a few questions always lingered in my mind. What did I want to do after graduation? Would I find a job that would make me happy? And would I be any good at it? It’s overwhelming.
There are so many possibilities, and you can’t pick all of them. All you can do is learn everything you can, learn how to apply that information and take advantage of every opportunity you have at the present moment – all while walking the fine line of being productive and not being overwhelmed.
In college, we learn that it’s not just what we know that matters, and who we know can actually make a difference. My philosophy is that life is 49 percent what you know and 51 percent who you know. Experience has told me this is very true, especially in an industry like the dairy industry.
I was thrilled to be elected national president of the American Dairy Science Association – Student Affiliate Division my senior year at Washington State University. However, I didn’t realize how many doors it would open. Getting involved in a national organization is a very effective way to meet industry leaders from across the nation.
Some of the professors I worked with also proved to be amazing contacts. One in particular gave me a stellar recommendation for an internship with the local dairy checkoff organization since he was on their scientific advisory board. I found this out about a month after the internship started. The dairy industry is small, and everyone knows everyone else. You never know when someone will speak positively about your abilities – and you may not even know about it.
That internship helped me get my first job, which was my dream job at the time. The job posting said they were looking for someone with five to seven years of experience. I definitely didn’t have that, but I had very relevant experience doing the same work at their sister organization in another state. Apparently, that was enough. I almost didn’t apply though. I tend to follow the rules, and if I don’t think I fit a particular requirement, such as the five to seven years of required experience, I don’t apply. I wanted it so badly that I applied anyway.
Don’t let something like that stop you from applying for a job you think you’d excel at. You don’t have the job now, so really, nothing bad can happen. You may not get the first job you apply for, but you’ll find the perfect fit eventually when the time is right. Waiting is tough. It can be hard not to feel defeated, but do whatever you can to keep your spirits up. Employers want to hire enthusiastic, upbeat people. Just be yourself.
Networking is one of the most important things you can do in college outside of the classroom. Here are five tips to jump-start the school year and get a head start on your professional networking.
1. Get involved
Get involved on campus in clubs and activities of interest. Build your network and you’ll also make new friends. It’s also a good idea to get involved with state and national organizations. You’ll meet so many new people from various areas, and it will expand your horizons. The traveling component is fun too. It can be nerve-wracking to join something new or go to a conference you have never attended, but keep in mind it’s generally only like that the first time. After you meet people, you’ll look forward to going back and seeing them the next time (and then meeting even more people).
2. Develop leadership skills
Build your leadership skills by offering to chair a committee or even running for an office in one of your on-campus clubs. The ability to work with a wide array of personalities is a skill that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Learn it now.
3. Join activities that apply what you learn in the classroom
Find activities that complement what you’d like to do after graduation that have an industry component to them. Dairy Challenge is a great one if you are interested in almost any farm-related industry job, and since there are so many industry volunteers, judges and sponsors, it’s a great way to expand your network. Interested in research and academia? Find opportunities to present research papers at conferences where those in your sector would likely be. The American Dairy Science Association has a dairy production division and a dairy foods division with plenty of opportunities to present research as an undergrad or graduate student.
4. Attend conferences that fit your interests and participate
The trade show is a good opportunity to learn about various companies and make more connections. Meals and other events during the conference also offer opportunities to meet more people. Be prepared to discuss ideas that intrigued you from the conference speakers. Tailor your dress code to the conference or event. Your attire for World Dairy Expo’s trade show is very different than one involving business casual or business professional dress. If you’re not sure of the dress code, ask the conference coordinator prior.
5. Follow up
Whether you met someone at a conference, handed them a resume at a trade show or career fair, or had a great discussion with someone from your dream company, it’s important to follow up with them, especially if they don’t already have your contact information. Even if you did give them a card, so many cards are exchanged at these types of events that it’s essential to go above and beyond to stand out from the crowd. You can mention something you discussed and how you look forward to seeing them again at next year’s conference or how excited you are about a new product or program with that company. 
Kimmi Devaney is the agricultural marketing and industry development manager with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. She also writes an agricultural blog.
PHOTO 1: A group photo of the Washington State University Dairy Club during Kimmi Devaney’s last semester of college when she was club president.
PHOTO 2: Kimmi Devaney accepts the gavel as the 2009-2010 ADSA-SAD (American Dairy Science Association – Student Affiliate Division) national president from former president Emily Waggoner of Clemson University. Photos provided by Kimmi Devaney.
