The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) staff and coordinators of the 30th Annual Student Career Days believe that Bob Callaway would be proud. Callaway was the educator and visionary behind the first Student Career Days (SCD) in 1977, which was created out of a challenge between Ohio State University, Michigan State University and Mississippi State University. “It’s amazing to think this has been going on for 30 years,” said Jen Buck, former SCD participant and co-chair of this year’s event held at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. “If Bob Callaway were here today, I know he’d say ‘I never dreamed this event would grow so big.’”
Indeed, though attendance was down just slightly this year due to the event’s location, Student Career Days has grown tremendously in the last three decades years. This year, more than 50 schools participated in the milestone 30th event. Supporting their students were dozens of faculty members and industry representatives who offered words of advice to participants at Friday’s opening ceremonies. For many members of the industry, a competitive and sporting atmosphere was top of mind.
“Every year, I love this event more and more,” said SCD chair Jim McCutcheon. “Being here in the midst of the 2002 Olympic Park really gets me thinking about the Olympic ideals and how the Student Career Days really are your Olympics. By participating in the competitive events of the next few days and the career fair this afternoon, you’re walking into an opportunity for a gold medal and an opportunity to start the next phase of your life.”
In his true SCD fashion, McCutcheon encouraged students to put away their fears, shake lots of hands, meet and network with new people and let out a hearty “Boo-yah!” for every personal or team success.
Meanwhile, PLANET President John Gibson had his own sports analogy to share with SCD attendees. “We’re right in the middle of March Madness and I see so many comparisons between the NCAA basketball teams we’re all following and the spirit of Student Career Days,” he said. “We’ve got schools coming together from all over the country, there will be teamwork, Cinderella stories and maybe even some heartbreak, but what’s important is that everyone participating in Student Career Days this week is the cream of the crop and we in the industry are very proud of you.”
Also getting students geared up during the opening “pep rally” was STIHL National Training Manager John Keeler, speaking on behalf of the SCD platinum sponsor. “As we go through life, we must choose roads to travel and the industry, with the road to your future is here this week,” he said. “One of Brigham Young University’s most recognizable graduates is San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Steve Young, who once said ‘Principle is competing against yourself. It's about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before.’ I hope during these events you’ll take those words to heart and know that this industry supports and treasures you as the new torchbearers of our success.”
