Grads look for next step

“This is the best time to be in the industry,” third-year University of Adelaide agriculture student Tom Carr said.

Mr Carr is also a member of the Adelaide University Agricultural Students’ Association committee, which has spent the past year building confidence even further.

AUASA president Jordy Kitschke said the association committee began the year with a goal to develop young people within the industry.

They did this with two “small” nights this year aimed at providing information for ag students, before turning their attention to the association’s inaugural Growing the Future event, held last month.

This, held instead of the conventional careers night, invited special panellists from throughout the country to discuss the future of ag, while also providing networking opportunities for the students with industry representatives.

Mr Kitschke said the event had been a success, with strong support from industry.

“It says something about how badly industry wants to get in touch with young people,” he said.

“It’s pretty rare to come out as a graduate and have people fight for you.”

Mr Kitschke said planning the event had a steep learning process, but the committee was proud of the result.

“We had four good panellists on every panel so we knew nothing could go wrong,” he said.

Committee member Edwina Cockburn, Wirrabara, said the night was a way to showcase the options available in the industry.

Mr Carr said the committee also had a goal to bring the degrees closer together – creating connections between those in the first, second and third years of the course.

“We’ve tried to get everyone a bit more linked up and get to know people more, which has boosted morale,” he said.

Ms Cockburn said this had the benefit of allowing first-year students to get advice from older students, as well as building networks. 

The committee members believe their work has paid off with the highest-ever numbers at the annual general meeting and a strong committee for next year.