In our recent virtual series, campus partners came together to help students step into the agricultural industry. Through three interactive workshops filled with real-world advice and expert insight, students built connections, explored career paths, and gained the confidence
Thank You to Our Campus Partners
This series wouldn’t have been possible without the generous time, insight, and collaboration of our campus partners. A special thank-you to:
- Dr. Caleb Stair – UF Lecturer, Food and Resource Economics
- Kelli Brew – Program Coordinator, Field & Fork
- David Cohen – MBA Candidate, Class of 2026
- James Agan – Program Coordinator, Brown Center for Leadership & Service
- Savannah Stephens – Vice President, Agricultural Operations Management Club
- Tyler Davies – Undergraduate Student, Agricultural Education and Communication
- Carla Ruffer – Program Coordinator, Thomson Earth Systems Institute
- Cassidy Dossin – Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County
- Dina Liebowitz – Director, Plant Science Program
- Bryan Gutierrez – Sr. Process Engineer, Costa Farms
- David Crawley – Director, SWCA Environmental Consultants
Your stories, strategies, and encouragement helped students see what’s possible and how to get there.
See below for key takeaways and next steps:
🌱 Session 1: Cultivating Connections: Grow Your Professional Brand & Network with Purpose
Key Takeaways:
- Networking at UF can lead to opportunities such as leading a featured article and connecting with sustainability leaders through a common interest of community gardens.
- Getting involved in a student organization is incredibly beneficial, professionals appreciate genuine curiosity
- Informational Interviews lead to life-changing career decisions and provided advice on preparing for and delivering elevator pitches
Workshop recording: Cultivating Connections
🚜 Session 2: From the classroom to the field: Interview tips & CALS Expo Success
Key Takeaways:
- Taking the time to research and learn about companies builds confidence and makes a memorable impression.
- The art of follow up after interactions matter.
- Self-reflection is important to recognize personal motivations and strengths for interviews.
Workshop recording: From the Classroom to the field
🌻 Session 3: Ready, Set, Intern: Planting the seeds for Internship Success in Ag & Natural Resources
Key Takeaways:
- To discover one’s true interest and career goals, take time to explore at career fairs and networking events.
- Any experience such as student organizations, part-time jobs, and volunteering is valuable and highlights transferable skills.
- To make the most of your time as an intern, ask insightful questions and seek feedback from supervisors.
Workshop recording: Ready, Set, Intern.
Bonus Voices: Insight from Panelists Behind the Scenes
While two of our invited panelists weren’t able to join the live conversations, their impact still resonated. They generously shared reflections and advice that extend the learning beyond the sessions
James Agan, Program Coordinator, Brown Center for Leadership & Service: A proud first-generation graduate of the University of Florida with a B.A. in Business Administration, who is passionate about developing future leaders and strengthening communities through service.
“Take the time to get to know their professional work so you can relate and connect with them over their actual mission.”
“My most memorable networking experience was during my AmeriCorps In-Service Training. Meeting VISTA members from across the country and sharing the specifics of our work made this niche field feel much broader. I was inspired by connecting with similarly passioned individuals doing great work, and it confirmed for me that I was exactly where I should be professionally.”
“Active listening is key. This helps you practice critical thinking skills where you can quickly relate your experiences to their needs, which builds connection.”
“Put yourself out there, especially earlier on. It is much better to network when you don’t have an immediate need than when you do. By being proactive, you will feel a lot more comfortable when the opportunities arise.”
David Cohen: A current MBA Candidate who started his career as a lab pack chemist, driving a truck and picking up hazardous waste from retail stores. Fast forward a few years, he is consulting for Fortune 500s and leading sustainability projects for cities. Every month, he also co-hosts a Sustainability and EHS Professionals meetup here in Gainesville.
“Learn the basics: mission, values, goals, and recent action plans. I once had a student at a career fair reference a sustainability pilot project I led at the City of Gainesville, and it immediately showed me they had done their homework and cared about the same things we did.”
“Informational interviews are a powerful way for students to learn directly from alumni, peers, and professionals in the field. The best questions are often simple: “What do you wish you had known when you were in my position?” or “What skills do you use most in your job that you did not learn in school?”
“Take professional photos and use a polished headshot on LinkedIn. Get into the habit of posting, it does not have to be perfect, you will get better with practice. I have seen students land internships simply because they shared their class project or posted about an event they attended.”
Keep Growing with Us
Career readiness doesn’t end with a workshop, it’s a journey, there are powerful tools and communities ready to support you.
- The Environment, Design, Manufacturing & Agriculture (EDMA) Community Page on Gator Network is your space to: Post ideas and questions about careers in Ag & Natural Resources, share upcoming events, opportunities, and resources, and connect with alumni who’ve walked the path before you.
- Use the LinkedIn Guide for Ag Leaders to build a profile that reflects your values and your story with confidence and clarity
- Keep learning, Keep asking: Every conversation, every connection, every question is a chance to grow. Explore internships, attend expos, reach out to alumni, and reflect on what matters to you. Your career path is uniquely yours and you don’t have to walk it alone.
