CFANS students: Start the semester strong with career fairs, prep sessions, mentorship and more

September 12, 2023
Student Life
1200x500 Students walking on the St. Paul campus

Welcome to the new academic year, CFANS students! There are many opportunities to start your year strong with networking, career exploration, and connecting with your CFANS community.

Want to know how to get started with faculty-sponsored research?

Register to be part of Think Like a Researcher, an online, free, mini-course. Think Like a Researcher is designed to help you become comfortable with the research skills and tools needed to get started with faculty-sponsored research. Register to get access to a mini-Canvas course. Watch faculty and student panels, complete short activities and learn how to get started on your research journey. Open to all colleges and majors. It takes 2-3 hours to complete on your own schedule. Register by September 19.

Register and prepare for career fairs

Career Fair Prep Session
Sept. 19, 5-6pm | 32A McNeal Hall

Learn everything you need to know about the Ag, Food, Business Career Fair and ask an employer any questions before the big day. Enjoy pizza and a free padfolio for all attendees!
 
Ag, Food, Business Career Fair
Sept. 20, 1-4pm | North Star Ballroom, St. Paul Student Center
 
Connect with 50 organizations for full-time opportunities and internships. Students can get a free headshot with a professional photographer during the fair.
 
 

Get a taste of CFANS at the Homecoming Sampler

Friday, September 29 | 5–7:30pm
Front lawn of Folwell Hall

Celebrate the beginning of the academic year at the CFANS Sampler and Homecoming Parade Party to view the parade and catch up with CFANS students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Enjoy complimentary barbeque sandwiches, a cash bar, yard games, and premium viewing of the parade. Register in advance by September 22.

CFANS Policy Engagement Program

Interested in agriculture, food and natural resource policy and learning more about how it's created? Apply for the 2023-24 CFANS Policy Engagement Program (PEP).

Topics span the policy, political, and advocacy spectrum. PEP Fellows have the unique opportunity to meet and work with lobbyists, state agency leaders, elected officials, issue advocates, and citizen ambassadors. Apply by September 25 at: z.umn.edu/cfanspepapp.

Earn credit for your internship/professional experience for Fall 2023

If you have an internship or professional experience ready for Fall 2023 and want to earn academic credit for it see registration instructions for CFANS 3096: Making the Most of Your Professional Experience and for CFAN 2096: Reflecting on Your Professional Experience. Career & Internship Services offers resources for how to find an internship/professional experience, including remote options. Contact Mari Ruddy with questions at mmruddy@umn.edu.

Get matched with a mentor in your field

Looking for career guidance or professional advice? Join the CFANS Mentor Program to be matched with an industry professional or alumni in a career field that interests you. Connect with your mentor once a month and learn about real-world applications of your major. Apply by October 2 at: z.umn.edu/mentor. 

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers financial awards ($1,800 stipend/$300 supplies) to undergraduate students for research, scholarly or creative projects undertaken in partnership with a faculty member. It encourages students to conduct research and pursue academic interests outside of their regular courses by employing them to work on special research projects.

UROP research proposals are reviewed by the CFANS Undergraduate Research Programs Committee and are judged both on the quality of the proposed project and the educational benefit to the student; awards are not based on financial need.

Not sure where to start? These resources can help you look for research ideas:

Apply by October 9 to be considered for Spring 2024 UROP projects.

Drop-in advising is back!

Need quick help from an academic advisor? Visit our "Virtual Support Room" and ask to connect with an advisor. Virtual Advising Drop-ins are for quick, 10-15 minute questions you may want to ask any advisor without needing an appointment. For example, a quick review of classes or your class schedule, APAS review, petition questions, campus resource guidance, etc. Find the "Virtual Support Room" at z.umn.edu/CFANSacademicadvising to check in for drop-in advising, make an appointment with an advisor or get general help. The Virtual Support Room is open M-F, 8am-4pm. Students can also contact their advisor directly to set up a virtual meeting or phone call. 

Get connected with the CFANS Undergraduate Student Board

Calling undergraduate students interested in improving and fostering conversation between students, faculty, organizations, and staff in CFANS to be a part of the CFANS Undergraduate Student Board. The board hosts five meetings per semester where they plan events such as walking in the homecoming parade, Borealis Night of Excellence, and CFANS Networking Night. They also discuss CFANS-related topics such as talking with some of the designers for the new student center, and introducing board members to CFANS staff and faculty. Please complete this Google Form to be added to their mailing list!