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I think it’s officially spring in Denver!  We’ve had warm sunny weather for a solid week, and just in time for the Rockies home opener!  I don’t think I’ve ever felt as American as I did staring at a flag half the size of the field, listening to the Air Force band play the National Anthem and watching “Top Gun” do a flyover the stadium with a frosty Coors in hand.  Plus the Rockies dominated the game – a perfect way to start the season.

I’ve only got one class this quarter, and then I graduate in June.  With all my free time (not having homework has been fantastic) I’m putting in more hours at my work study job and diligently searching for a job.  There aren’t many opportunities to work in agricultural trade in Denver, so I won’t be staying in town after graduation.  So far, I’ve applied to organizations as far away as the OECD in Paris and FairTrade in San Francisco, but the majority of the positions I’m looking at are located in the Midwest.  For example, the Institute for Agricultural Trade Policy (located in Minneapolis) is a think tank-type organization that performs research on issues like gender and trade, and suggests policy changes on issues like the Farm Bill.  Land O’ Lakes, also Minnesota-based, has close partnerships with USAID in promoting sustainable agriculture projects internationally.  I’m even hoping to use my degree in combination with my current job in pursuing a position as a director of international admissions.  I’m trying not to limit my options as I feel my degree will allow me to pursue careers in the private, public or non-profit sectors.

Since I’m kicking the applications into high gear I’ll be spending more time working with Mr. Musick on my interviewing and salary negotiation skills.  He’s already helped me tremendously with how to word requests for informational interviews, how to write an effective cover letter, and how to spruce up my resume.  At this point I’m prepared for my first rejections and excited for my first interview invitations!

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