EasternIowaFarmer_Fall2023

AG IN THE CLASSROOM
those majoring in agriculture at Iowa
State, internships are at the center of their
academic programs.
It is expected that you start doing internships
as early as your freshman year, and
if you find a company that you like, maybe
extend that internship into a second or even
third summer.
Once you graduate, there is a good
chance that you already have a job waiting
for you and because you spent time
interning, you are already acquainted with
the location and surrounding community,
making the transition easier.
If you are the parent of a high school
student and are looking to give them an
advantage, a job shadow can be a valuable
tool in helping them figure out college
majors. Most businesses in agriculture are
willing to open their doors to any student
who is curious about a future career, offering
them the chance to try the job before
they “buy it” with college tuition money.
These job shadows are also an opportunity
to ask questions about the type of
work performed, the hours expected, and
both the positive and negative aspects of
the position.
Job shadows are especially helpful for
students who are struggling to pin down
what they are good at or may enjoy. As
an educator, the questions “What are you
good at?” and “What do you like to do?”
are often met with “IDK” or “I don’t
know” if they are feeling particularly talkative.
While this is a frustrating response,
it is the perfect interlude to talking about
job shadows. Once you make a job shadow
suggestion that they don’t like, they tend
to become more vocal about what they do
like or might be interested in. A win for
both parties.
When looking for opportunities in the
community, don’t forget to point kids
toward small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Students could find a summer job opportunity
that gives them the chance to play
a larger role in decision-making. That role
may be appealing, and their help can be
valuable in limited-staffed situations.
It is also worth having a conversation
about your own careers in agriculture or
the careers of close friends and family
members. While your child may know in
a vague sense what you do, they may not
have an in-depth understanding of your
roles and responsibilities. Chances are you
also know people in agriculture already
who have careers your child may like. A
quick email or text message is sometimes
all it takes to get them real-world experience
in agriculture.
A final note on the topic: If you are a
business professional reading this, do not
hesitate to market internships or job shadow
opportunities directly to students; or,
if that is not possible, create a “Day in the
Life Of…” video that could be easily accessed
from your social media or YouTube
accounts. Students think about their futures
more than we adults often give them credit
for, and if businesses take steps to make
themselves appealing to students, they
just might find their next dedicated employee.
n
Since 1972, the Breedens
have been selling Iowa’s
leading hay equipment
Let Bob and Calvin
help you with all
your baling needs.
Bob Breeden
Josh Breeden
Jordan Breeden
Calvin Breeden
Register for the L.E.A.D. 563-686-4242 Academy to grow
breedensales.com • email: c4balers@netins.net
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17047 167th Ave.
Maquoketa, Iowa 52060
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