The Joys of Teaching: I Got the Job!

One of the greatest thrills a professor can have is when one of his students or advisees gets a job. This just recently happened when one of my teaching assistants accepted an offer with a lending institution.

In a very tight job market, what differentiated this student from others?

• First, he was a good solid student who attended class and actively participated in class.

• Second, he sought the extra assignment. He never gave up asking me about teaching assistant opportunities.

• Third, he experienced internships and cooperative education programs both inside and outside the USA to broaden his horizons.

• Fourth, he had good table manners, i.e. very helpful with people, never afraid to ask a question but could make a decision.

• Fifth, he aggressively sought the job opportunity. He also followed through with the organization thanking them and keeping in touch.

• He was in his early 20s going on 30. I firmly believe that his responsibilities early in life have led to his overall maturity.

• I could depend on him. As someone has said, "Ninety percent of success in life is just showing up!"

• Hopefully, you have someone from the younger generation you can share this list with as they seek employment in a tight marketplace.

  I will get a couple weeks off from traveling to relax this year. Look for a new column the first week of January. I wish you all a great holiday season!

  My e-mail address is:sullylab@vt.edu

  Editors' note: Dave Kohl, Soybean Digest Trends Editor, is an ag economist at Virginia Tech. He recently completed a sabbatical working with the Royal Bank of Canada. He is now back at Virginia Tech with his academic appointment, which is teaching, extension, and applied research.

  To see Dave Kohl's previous road warrior adventures type Dave Kohl in the Search blank at the top of the page.

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