Shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders

By Ansley Daubenmier, Ohio State ATI student

During Ohio State ATI’s Night for Young Professionals, “Sowing Seeds for Success,” more than 100 students met, shook hands, and started discussions that may change their lives.

The Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio soybean farmers sponsored the Feb. 12 event, hosted by the Agricultural Communicators, Educators, and Leaders of Tomorrow (ACELT). The event’s goal was to prepare students for professions in agriculture by connecting them with professionals and providing career advice.

The night showed how crucial it is for students to network and get advice from those who have been there before they start working. The event organizers and sponsors wanted to help students understand what employers expect from them and boost their confidence in their career ambitions.

“Agriculture is an exciting and changing field that needs motivated young professionals to help lead the way,” said Jerry Bambauer, chairman of the Ohio Soybean Council from Auglaize County, in a message that was part of the event program.

Morgan Anderson, a news anchor and reporter for WDTN-TV and a former National and State FFA officer, was the keynote speaker of the event. Anderson talked about how she got her first job and told the students to be proactive, make connections, and be open to new opportunities.

After the keynote speech, students moved around to other breakout sessions led by experts in different fields of agriculture and natural resources. These seminars focused on getting ready for a job, what to expect at work, and how to prepare for interviews and internships.

Some of the themes discussed in breakout groups were what employers expect from new recruits, how to get a job, and how to be professional early in your career. Students asked questions and learn firsthand from people who work in the field right now. The ability to talk to professionals was extremely important to many attendees.

Rhylee Eichhorn, a first-year animal science major who focuses on animal industries, went to learn more about the kinds of jobs available and what is expected of them. Eichhorn added, “Night for Young Professionals was a great chance for me and our judging team to meet industry leaders and have dinner with them.

“We heard from Morgan Anderson, a former National and State FFA officer, about how she got her first job and went to breakout sessions that taught us what employers want from new hires and how to get through the interview process. The experience made me feel more ready for the future and motivated me to set new goals.”

Throughout the evening, conversations showed how important it is for students starting their careers to have ties in the business. Many people who attended the event gained a better understanding of what employers look for when hiring.

ACELT members put together the event so students can gain guidance and experiences they would not be able to get in a classroom. Their goal was to provide a place where students could ask questions, meet people, and feel confident about getting a job in agriculture. At the end of the night, students had new contacts, new ideas, and a clearer sense of what was coming up.

Night for Young Professionals helps ATI students get started on careers in agriculture through mentorship, networking, and professional advice. This also helps the industry in Ohio’s future.