| |
|
| |
STUDENTS
IN AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
TENNESSEE ARE MANAGING LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS, LEARNING, AND
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
THAT GO FAR BEYOND BUILDING A RÉSUMÉ. |
| |
|
Students in biosystems engineering have belonged
to the American Association of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) for
decades, but a capstone class for seniors is now integrating career
preparation with a national engineering competition.
It’s “the closest thing we can give them to real life
job experience before going out into the real world,” says
Dr. William Hart, associate professor. Some students in the two-semester
design course develop a quarter-scale working tractor. The students
are given a strict timeline, and they must submit a report to
“upper management” to sell their idea. They also recruit
corporate sponsorship and give an oral presentation to a dozen
or so seasoned engineers. The students have been among the top
four teams in the international competition four of the past five
years.
Students in animal science have participated in Block and Bridle
club since 1947. The tradition includes everything from helping
high school 4-H and FFA members learn to show and judge livestock
to doing odd jobs for senior citizens and giving inner-city children
hands-on experience with animal agriculture.
“Companies can train you to do the work they want you to
do,” advisor Greg Upchurch says. “But if you’re
not a good person to work with, if you’re not easy to get
along with, you can’t get a job. These clubs and judging
team activities build kids.”
Student members of the National Agricultural Marketing Association
(NAMA) put together a total marketing plan for a new product sold
to or by farmers, such as this year’s biodegradable twine
and wrap for hay bales. They define the market, target customers,
evaluate competition, and come up with a plan of action including
everything from a competitive price to contingencies to implement
if goals are not met.
All of this is very real-world, says Dr. John Riley, professor
in agricultural economics.
Professionals judge an executive summary and a 20-minute presentation
from each team. In the three years it has competed, the university
has advanced to first runner up in the competition. Students can
earn scholarships at the event and make contacts to land future
employment.
The event exemplifies what co-curricular experiences are all about—helping
students connect their present to the future, and prepare for
the careers and lives that await them.
Explore the diversity of student clubs and organizations at www.agriculture.utk.edu/faq/faq12.htm.
|
