AMES, Iowa — The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is one of the new organizations that has committed to recruit at Ag Career Day Oct. 19 at Iowa State University. "There's an interesting mix of companies travelling distances including Alaska Fish and Game; KWS SAAT AG, a plant breeding group out of Germany; and Cibus US LLC, a plant trait development firm from California," said Mike Gaul, director of career services for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State. Gaul said about 160 employers have signed up so far for the annual job fair and he expects the final number to range from 165 - 170. "We couldn't be more pleased with the turnout of diverse companies and organizations at the event," he said. "This year's event very well could be one of the largest the College has ever hosted." Despite the general economic picture, Gaul said the showing for Ag Career Day should be encouraging for students. "Plain and simple — this should reinforce to our students that they are held in high regards by employers. And more importantly, this is a great time to be in the agriculture and life sciences sectors" he added. The latest survey of recent College of Agriculture and Life Sciences graduates (those earning their bachelor's degrees in fall semester 2008 to summer 2009) found that 98.5 percent were employed, furthering their education or serving in the military. The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Purdue University released the report earlier this year projecting that 5 percent more college graduates in agriculture and related academic fields will be needed over the next five years compared to the jobs available from 2005-10. Ag Career Day takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center. It is open to Iowa State students, alumni and the general public. More information and a list of recruiting organizations is available online.
Iowa State Agriculture And Life Sciences Career Fair On Track to be One of Largest
October 4, 2010