If you’re preparing to enter today’s workforce, knowing table etiquette, self-presentation and professionalism skills may help you be more successful. Recognizing an opportunity to help Ohio FFA members develop these skills, Zane Trace FFA advisor Jennifer Johnston helped organize Ag Professionalism Day, a networking event held last October.
At the beginning of the event, participating FFA members received a “Passport to Professionalism” pamphlet to keep track of everything they learned. In addition to engaging in a workshop led by 2023-24 Ohio FFA State President Luke Jennings, members heard presentations from community and industry leaders about topics such as table etiquette, holding a conversation with others and the importance of networking.
Throughout the event, industry professionals and community leaders shared tips and encouragement with attendees.
“I didn’t realize how accessible [networking] is,” says Zane Trace FFA member Lily Rose. “All you need to have is a firm handshake and look somebody in the eye.”
Since participants were all upperclassmen preparing for their futures, one of the key takeaways from the event was how to make a good first impression.
“Because of the generation we’re growing up in, manners aren’t spoken about as much as they used to be,” says Zane Trace FFA member Cora Pelletier. “It was a nice refresher on how to act around other adults and how to boost your self-confidence.”
Carrying Life Skills Into the Future
Throughout the event, Rose, Pelletier and other participants were able to network with agricultural leaders who represent organizations they could work for in the future. “Making these connections provides you with a better chance of going into a career path related to agriculture,” Pelletier adds.
Chloe Wills, Southeastern-Ross FFA Chapter president and high school senior, says the event was beneficial as she begins applying to colleges. She was also able to share the skills she learned at Ag Professionalism Day with the rest of her chapter.
“We’ve never done this event before, so when the Zane Trace FFA advisor reached out to our advisor, we were all in,” Wills says.
From Rose’s perspective, FFA chapters should consider hosting events like this in the future. “It helps a lot,” she says. “Although you may not know it now, you’re going to use [the information] later without realizing it.”
What Comes Next?
As you prepare for the future, explore a collection of helpful online resources at ffa.org/resource_tag/professionalism/.
