Third-year agricultural science students gained an incredible insight into the industry while networking with industry leaders in the first meetup of the "Plant the Seed of your Career '' Mentoring program at Waite Campus late last month.
Organised by the Adelaide University Agricultural Students Association's president James Easter, vice president Alex Newbold, and facilitated by Spectra Coaching, 20 third-year students were paired by an industry panel with one of the 29 mentors that applied for the program.
The program aims to give these students a head start on their careers by expanding their networks and providing one on one time with an industry leader, including agronomists, researchers, consultants, scientists, sales reps, policy directors, horticulturalists and agribusiness managers.
AUASA president and mentee James Easter said having 29 industry leaders apply to be mentors goes to show how much the industry was screaming out for young, enthusiastic people.
Students were required to submit an application form about themselves and a professional 60-second video, simulating a job interview, on why they'd be suitable for the program.
Students then participated in a workshop on the fundamentals of being a mentee and were joined by the mentors from far and wide for introductions.
Following this, a speed dating style session was held where every student could discuss their career aspirations and experiences with each mentor.
Third-year student Daniel Pring said it was a great opportunity to meet industry professionals and to get an insight into the future of ag.
Fellow student Sabrina Lawrence said she was pleased she applied for the program.
"I've already met up with my mentor since the event and have organised work experience for the holidays," she said.
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Another student, Anton Traeger said he was looking forward to the chance to learn more.
"I'm really looking forward to driving around in the ute with my mentor and asking him all the questions I can," he said.
"He's already organised what we're doing and where we're visiting when I go with him."
This is the program's third year running with an increase to 40 people involved from 22 in its debut 2020.
The next step of the program is for mentees and mentors to meet twice a month, organise work experience together, attend industry events and a check-in session in July and a graduation ceremony in October.
