illinois agricultural leadership program growmark stem...

Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program GROWMARK STEM EVENT

Job Interview Career Development Event Curriculum

Purpose of the Event The Job Interview Career Development Event is designed for the participants to develop, practice and demonstrate skills needed in seeking employment in the agricultural industry. Each part of the event simulates “real world” activities that will be used by real world employers.

Career Development Event Employment Opportunity Categories – See Attached Job Descriptions Marketing Intern Agronomy Intern Precision Technology Intern

A. General Information

1. Participationa) This Career Development Event is open to any high school student. There will be 3 participants perteam, one participant per employment category.

2. Registrationa) Registration will be the email submission of each participant’s cover letter, resume, and three letters ofreferences for each corresponding category. b) Entries are to be received via email by November 2, 2015 to [email protected]. No lateentries accepted. c) The preferred method for email submission of each participant’s cover letter, resume and three letters ofreferences is Adobe PDF format combined in one document per participant. However, multiple PDF files will be accepted per participant.

3. Equipmenta) Students are expected to bring the following items to the event:

Writing Utensils Blank paper Resume Cover letter List of references Portfolio Cover (may only contain the previous list of items)

4.Miscellaneousa) Professional attire or Official Dress is required for the event.b) Each component of the event will be timed.c) Each participant’s cover letter, resume and application will be the result of his or her own efforts.

5. Scoring & Awardsa) Participants will be scored in their each individual employment category, then the three participants scoreswill be added to determine the total team placing. There will not be individual placing.

B. Career Development Event Format 1. The event is developed to help participants in their current job search (for SAE projects, part-‐time and full-‐time employment). Therefore, the cover letter, resume, and references submitted by the participants must reflect their current skills and abilities and must be targeted to an agriculturally related job for which they would like to apply. In other words, participants cannot develop a fictitious resume for a fictitious job. Instead, they are expected to target the resume towards a real job for which they can qualify. C. Career Development Event Divisions 1. Due in Advance by November 2, 2015 – Email submissions only – [email protected]

The preferred method for email submission of each participant’s cover letter, resume and three letters of references is Adobe PDF format combined in one document per participant. However, multiple PDF files will be accepted per participant.

A. Cover Letter (100 points) i. Single spaced 8 ½” x 11” letter of intent. ii. The letter is to be addressed to: Aubrey Freitag, Sr Manager GROWMARK Talent Acquisition

1701 Towanda Ave Bloomington, IL 61701

iii. Cover letter must be received by email to [email protected] by November 2, 2015. No late entries will be accepted. iv. In addition to email submission, participants are required to bring one copy printed on white resume paper to the event.

B. Resume (200 points) i. Resume is to be typed 8 ½” x 11” not to exceed two pages total. ii. Resume must be non-‐fictitious and based upon their work history. iii. Students are to submit three letters of reference. One of the letters of reference must be from your local farm bureau or a GROWMARK Member Company (see section F for reference links). iv. Resume and three cover letters must be received by email to [email protected] by November 2, 2015. No late entries will be accepted. v. In addition to email submission, participants are required to bring one copy of the resume printed on white resume paper and one printed copy of each of the three letters of reference to the event.

2. Completed at the CDE Site – After Arrival The following will be completed in this order: A. Application (100 points)

i. Students will complete a job application prior to the personal interview. No social security number will be required. ii. Approved equipment listed may be used while completing the application.


iii. Participants will have 45 minutes to complete the application.

B. Personal Interview (500 points)

i. The personal interview will consist of an interview lasting approximately 15 minutes per participant. ii. The personal interview will be evaluated by a panel of judges.

C. Follow-‐up Letter (100 points)

i. Participants will submit a follow-‐up letter after the personal interview. Letters will be handwritten. ii. The follow-‐up letter is to be addressed to the interviewing judge (business card will be available), and should be a response to their personal interview. iii. The approved equipment listed may be used while composing the follow-‐up letter.


iv. No sample follow-‐up letters may be used. v. The participant will have 45 minutes to complete this part of the event.

D. Scoring 1. The scoring will be:

Cover Letter – 100 points Resume – 200 points Application – 100 points Personal Interview – 500 points Follow-‐up Letter – 100 points Total points possible -‐ 1000 points

E. Tiebreakers 1. The tiebreakers will be:

1st Tiebreaker -‐ Personal Interview 2nd Tiebreaker -‐ Follow-‐up letter 3rd Tiebreaker – Resume

F. Letters of Reference Links

County Farm Bureau contacts: http://www.ilfb.org/county-‐information.aspx

GROWMARK Companies: http://www.growmark.com/brands-‐services/Pages/FS-‐Companies.aspx

G. For any questions or clarification, please contact:

Email [email protected] or call Julie Wankel (217) 502-‐2903.

Cover Letter Scorecard Possible Score

Format

Spacing 5

Appropriate font 5

Paragraph justification (left) 5

Addressed correctly 5

Limited to one page 5

Used correct paper 5

Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling 20

Content

Identified position sought 5

Interest in position 5

Where learned of job 5

Appropriately conveyed contact information 5

Employability 10

Identified next steps 5

Meshed with resume and references 5

General Appearances

Overall impression 5

Readability and flow 5

Total 100

Job Interview CDE Scoring GuidelinesGROWMARK STEM EVENT

Illinois Agriculrutral Leadership Program

Resume Scorecard Possible Score

Format

Appropriate Font 2

Structure 2

Limited to two Pages 4

Used Correct paper 2

Content

Contact information conveyed 25

Position sought or employment objective 25

Identified education or relevant coursework 25

Identified relevant experience & skills 25

Identified achievements & honors 25

Mentioned/had references 25


General Appearances


Readability and flow 15

Total 200

Illinois Agriculrutral Leadership ProgramGROWMARK STEM EVENT

Job Interview CDE Scoring Guidelines

Application Scorecard Possible Score

Consistent with Resume

Name 10

Education 10

Experience 10

Other Information 10

Reference 10

Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling

Capitalization when appropriate 6

Abbreviations when appropriate 6

Punctuation 6

Spelling 6

Grammar 6

Form Completed

Finished in allotted time 5

"N/A" indicated where appropriate 5

Overall impression

Spacing 5

Consistency 5

Total 100



Personal Interview Scorecard Possible Score

Appearance

Professional dress 25

Appropriately groomed/neat 25

First Impression

Greeting 25

Introduction 25

Body Language 25

Responses to Questions

Knowledge relayed 30

Abilities described & matched resume 20

Accurate 20

Cogent and organized 20

Shared appropriate experiences 20

Quality of Information 20

Consistent Responses 20

Communication Skills

Persuasive 20

Proper grammar 15

Enunciation 15

Approprate volume 15

Concise, avoided rambling 15

Confident 20

Sincere 15

Poise 20

Discretion/tact 15

Overall impression

Posed appropriate questions to employer 25

Clarified next steps 25

Appropriate thanks and exit 25

Total 500



Follow-Up Letter Scorecard Possible Score

Format

Directed to appropriate person 5

Address/salutation appropriate 5

Level of formality appropriate 5

Content

Expressed appreciation 10

Appropriate level of reiteration of qualities 10

Re-expressed interest 10

Provisions for follow-up stated 10



Legible (including signature) 10

Appropriate length 5

Total 100

GROWMARK STEM EVENT Job Interview CDE Scoring Guidelines

Illinois Agriculrutral Leadership Program

Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program

GROWMARK STEM EVENT Agronomy Job Description

Job Description:

GROWMARK is a regional cooperative with annual sales of $10.1 billion (FY 2013 data) providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services in more than 40 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK is ranked fifth on the NCB Co-op 100 listing of the nation’s 100 highest revenue-earning cooperative businesses. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. GROWMARK is large enough to offer solid career opportunities, but small enough to provide a family-oriented, welcoming environment and great benefits.

Summer Agronomy Internship Under the direction of Sales/Marketing Manager, trains and assists with general Agronomy functions. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS May train and assist with:

• Assist Agronomy Sales Specialists with crop scouting, soil sampling, and field agronomic problem solving

• Generate written reports and present them to supervisor and/or customer • Use integrated pest management techniques to determine treatment thresholds • Overview of ordering, receiving and inventory control • Assist with facility/equipment maintenance and repair • Learn the features and benefits of all agronomy products and services, assist with over-

the-counter sales, and assist with product delivery to customers. • Learn to perform warehouse and agronomy plant operations. • When applicable may cooperate with sales manager during one on one farmer strategy

meetings OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

• Performs all other duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS

• Must be pursuing an agriculture-related degree at a 4-year university, with a status of at least a second semester junior or first semester senior in good academic standing at the time the internship begins.

• Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. • Must be able to travel independently and overnight when necessary.

Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program GROWMARK STEM EVENT

Marketing/Communications Job Description

Job Description:

GROWMARK is a regional cooperative with annual sales of $10.1 billion (FY 2013 data) providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services in more than 40 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK is ranked fifth on the NCB Co-op 100 listing of the nation’s 100 highest revenue-earning cooperative businesses. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. GROWMARK is large enough to offer solid career opportunities, but small enough to provide a family-oriented, welcoming environment and great benefits. Summer Marketing Communications Internship PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT Under the direction of the Marketing Manager, trains and assists with general Marketing function, including planning/creating marketing communications materials that support foundation campaigns and strategic objectives, and to provide project support to the Brand Strategy and Marketing Communications department. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS May train to:

• Develop materials to merchandise Brand Strategy & Marketing Communications programs to System marketers. Promotes/monitors use of the materials/programs.

• Coordinate assigned exhibit and activity details at outdoor farm shows. • Support internal events including Agronomy and Seed summer meetings for FS

Company Staff. Develop/send pre-event communications, process registrations, and coordinate details with facility.

• Collaborate with product division staff to plan and create marketing communications materials. Manage schedules/budgets for assigned projects.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS • Creates marketing communication materials for use by members, retail divisions, and

subsidiaries. • Writes for a wide variety of advertising projects. • Composes correspondence/reports. Supports other division administrative duties as

needed. • Represents GROWMARK in a professional manner at events. • Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program,

Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

• Performs all other duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS

• Must be pursuing a Marketing or Communications Degree at a 4 year university, with a status of at least a second semester junior or first semester senior in good academic standing at the time the internship begins.

• Basic understanding of brand, marketing, and communication principles. • Proven oral and written communications and customer service skills. • Demonstrated planning, organization, problem-solving, and project management skills. • Demonstrated advertising copywriting skills and ability to use the Internet as a

communication tool. • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint).

• Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. • Must be able to travel independently and overnight when necessary.

Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program

GROWMARK STEM EVENT Precision Technology Job Description

Job Description:

GROWMARK is a regional cooperative with annual sales of $10.1 billion (FY 2013 data) providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services in more than 40 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK is ranked fifth on the NCB Co-op 100 listing of the nation’s 100 highest revenue-earning cooperative businesses. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. GROWMARK is large enough to offer solid career opportunities, but small enough to provide a family-oriented, welcoming environment and great benefits.

Precision Ag Specialist Internship

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT Under the direction of a Precision Ag Specialist (PAS) manager, trains and assists with Precision Ag products retailed by GROWMARK or member companies as well as Precision Ag products incorporated in custom application equipment. The Precision Ag Specialist Intern will assist with functions as Customer Service Representatives on all Precision Ag equipment. The ideal candidate will possess strong troubleshooting techniques, excellent communication and documentation skills. The PAS intern will play a vital role in the conservation and development of the Precision Ag Department at GROWMARK or member companies. The individual in this position will possess the knowledge of precision farming products including but not limited to auto steer, product control, boom height control, hydraulic and electrical schematics, as well as working knowledge of various types of data management programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following

1. Deliver world class customer service, exceeding the customer’s expectations with every interaction. Effectively communicating technical phone support to internal and external customers.

2. Travel on need basis to customer, internal or external, site to perform on-site technical support. 3. Work cross functionally with other departments to improve the customer experience as it relates

to precision equipment. Provide timely feedback to the company regarding precision opportunities and/or customer concerns.

4. Seeking out opportunities to increase sales and generate revenue, working directly with sales and marketing departments.

5. Self-starter finds work to be completed, discusses with team, executes. Pursues growth and learning capitalizing on training and benchmarking opportunities.

6. Participates in customer feedback programs gathering information from customers regarding service and expectations.

7. Handle customer situations as they arise in a professional manner pursuant to GROWMARK code of conduct. Provides excellent documentation on phone logs and related electronic communication.

8. Update and maintain current precision product documentation. 9. Participate in customer trainings as well as local trade shows. 10. Stay current on new technologies, products, trends, and challenges in order to make informed

recommendations to growers. 11. May travel to remote locations which at times may require an overnight stay. 12. May be asked to help physically work on equipment as skillset allows during certain times of the

year. 13. This position may require extended work hours during peak season, typically spring and fall in

North America.

14. Meet with farmers and producers to promote the program and document initial priorities, problems, needs, wants, and expectations.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be pursuing an Associates or bachelor degree in relevant area. Experience in customer service/GNSS/farming a plus.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to excel in a fast-paced and evolving environment. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. As a member of a team this person should possess solid interpersonal skills, flexibility, and organization accompanied with a strong desire to succeed.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, electrical wiring schematics, hydraulic schematics. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Ability to perform PC functions including spreadsheet formulas and functions, queries, tables, merges special reports, etc. Use of business systems such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Abilities include time management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities, strong customer orientation, strong team player and a commitment to company values. Must have a valid driver’s license and keep it in good standing.

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