University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Career Services is hosting the new Just-In-Time Fair, focused on helping students in all majors find summer internships, experiences and opportunities.
The Just-In-Time Fair will be held on 2-4 p.m. April 3, in Nebraska Union. Different from a typical career fair, students are encouraged to come as they are in between classes for this relaxed, casual event.
Having internships and experiences during summer break is an opportunity for students to build career skills and gain career experience without the constraints of a typical semester schedule. Last summer, Samantha Weeder, a sophomore agribusiness major received a merchandising internship with ADM. Weeder found the internship through familial connections and was able to gain hands-on experience that could not be gained in the classroom.
“They let me actually do hands-on merchandising,” Weeder said. “And so I was able to pick up the phone and talk to farmers. And I was able to actually make contracts, which is so cool. Overall, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever taken.”
With such a positive internship experience last summer, Weeder attended the fall career fair to search for other opportunities. Now awaiting the start of an internship with Corteva Agriscience, Weeder is hopeful to have more experiences and networking opportunities through this position.
“I’m hoping to gain more real-life experiences, because I’ve only worked on our farm all my life,” Weeder said. “So, I’m hoping to gain more professional skills. I’m hoping to gain a wider connection and people maybe a clearer path of what I wanted to do when I grow up.”
Now a peer career coach for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Weeder helps fellow students with their career development. Weeder recommends that students attend the Just-In-Time Fair if they are still looking for summer opportunities.
“Don’t be afraid to go out and jump into uncomfortable situations and embrace yourself,” Weeder said. “Keep working, keep asking questions, keep talking to your peers. And don’t be afraid to go out in those uncomfortable situations and throw yourself out there.”
To learn more about the event, including a list of employers attending, visit the Just-In-Time Fair webpage.
