Whether you’ve graduated earlier this year or are due next year, read on for five tips that will give you a head start before you enter the agricultural sector.
1. Attend the Oxford Farming Conference in January 2019 (2-4th Jan).
Get applying through your university to attend as a scholar, more information can be found here: https://www.ofc.org.uk/scholarships. Why? What you will learn is priceless which can be used in final exams as a reference point and the networking is 5 stars. Not to mention the setting at Oxford University and the amazing British produce served up over the course of the event.
2. Go to as many agricultural shows as possible
Start working your network within the enterprise you are interested in whether its arable or livestock and get to know as many of the businesses within them as possible. Here is a list of upcoming events for your diary:
- Crop Tec: 28-29th November 18, Peterborough
- Lamma: 8-9th January 19, Birmingham
- Dairy Tech: 6th February 19, Stoneleigh
3. Get as many interviews as you can, it’s all good experience
Even if you think you might not get the job, apply anyway! You never know, you might be suited for another role they have in the pipeline. Get your CV reviewed for free with these guys too: https://taylor-cvs.co.uk/#infostrip
4. If you have no idea what you want to do, apply or the MDS Scheme
The Management Development Services (MDS) scheme is a great way of trying four different roles in four different business over two years if you aren’t sure what you’d like to do as a career yet. Find out more here: https://www.mds-ltd.co.uk/
5. Remember it’s a small industry which can be a double-edged sword
Although the food and drink sector is the largest in the UK and employs around 400,000 people, you’ll soon discover that everyone knows everyone. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Don’t rest on your laurels when it comes to finding a job, everyone else will be looking for a job at the same time as you.
RW
