The goal of the USDA info session is to familiarize students with the various job opportunities within USDA. With 17 different agencies and a budget over $200 billion, USDA is one of the largest and most influential government departments. There is a wide-range of career pathways, which can be exciting and also daunting for students considering pursuing a USDA job. This info session will break it down so it’s easier for students to understand the inner workings and find their niche in the Department of Agriculture.

Based on “Model Congress” and “Model UN,” NextGen students will participate in “Model USDA”: a simulation engagement to provide students with insights on the work that USDA does and training on how to do it, with particular emphasis on leadership skills and policy development. Students will take on the roles of Secretary, senior advisor, administrator, chief of staff, press aide, budget officer, HR director, tribal liaison office staff and more. Through role playing on specific and timely issues before USDA (e.g. preparation of the annual budget submission, competition, food procurement, food safety outbreak), students will act out real life job functions in a simulated atmosphere.

This workshop will provide students with all the dos and don’ts of applying for federal employment through USAjobs.gov. After attending, students will be able to confidently navigate the expansive website and have more success in their search for internships and/or job opportunities.

To ensure NextGen students are fluent in climate science, an annual virtual symposium on climate and food will be held, inclusive of providing an online “toolbox” of accessible and reusable resources and a tutorial on how to use them.

• Climate Change symposium information

NextGen scholarship recipients will have access to exclusive career counseling to ensure they are adequately supported and prepared to enter the workforce upon completion of their studies.