One of Cal Poly’s largest student-run career fairs brought students face to face with agriculture industry employers during the annual Ag Showcase on Jan. 22 and 23 at the Farm Shop, Building 9.
Hosted by the Agribusiness Management Club and the National Agri-Marketing Association, the two-day event featured more than 85 agriculture-related companies offering internships and full-time positions, according to the Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The showcase ran from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day and was open to students of all majors.
Companies represented a wide range of sectors, including agribusiness, marketing, sustainability, food production and agricultural technology. Organizers said the event was designed to help students explore career paths while allowing employers to recruit Cal Poly talent.
Natalie Ebanks, an agriculture communications senior and Ag Showcase chair, said planning for the event began months in advance.
“I started in June and pretty much planned it all the way up until now,” Ebanks said.
Ebanks said recruiting companies was one of the biggest challenges this year, requiring extensive outreach.
“I think I sent over 100 emails trying to encourage companies to come,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Ebanks said she enjoys the fast pace of organizing the event.
“I love the chaos, believe it or not,” Ebanks said. “I love the fast-paced environment.”
For many students, the showcase serves as a critical networking opportunity. Olivia Pimentel, a Cal Poly alumna who graduated in March 2025, said she found her current job through the Ag Showcase.
“I went last year, and that’s how I found Driscoll’s, and that’s how I got my job,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel, who works as a retail sales coordinator for Driscoll’s, said the event is valuable for students beyond agriculture-focused majors.
“I was majoring in nutrition, so a little bit of a different role going into ag sales,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to have this open to all majors.”
Several employers echoed that sentiment, noting they look for a wide range of skills and interests. Pimentel said her company recruits for positions in sales, marketing, research and development, nursery operations and full-time roles.
The showcase also included an industry social on Jan. 21 at the Madonna Inn, giving company representatives and students additional time to connect outside the career fair setting. Student attendance at the social was limited to juniors and seniors.
In addition to recruitment, the Ag Showcase serves as a major fundraiser for student scholarships. Registration fees from the 2025 event generated more than $80,000 for end-of-year scholarships, according to ABM and NAMA organizers.
Ebanks encouraged students to participate regardless of where they are in their job search.
“Definitely come and hand out your resume, even if you’re not looking for something,” Ebanks said. “Once a company has your resume, it’s in their system, and they’re going to see you.”
The Ag Showcase is held annually. Updates about future events will be shared through the ABM and NAMA Cal Poly Instagram accounts. More information is available at their website.