Student organization spotlight: The Agricultural Systems Technology Club

Iowa State University boasts many student organizations that provide opportunities to develop professionally and create projects that educate, entertain, compete, and build community. The Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) Club within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering hosts events for students to gain experience in the field, connect with industry professionals, and do hands-on work with machines, building skills for future careers.

“We do industry tours each spring and fall to connect with career opportunities and observe what a job in the field might look like,” says club president Caelen Engelbrecht, a senior in agricultural systems technology. “We also all go down to Louisville, Kentucky for the National Machinery Show. We get to see all the new and old farm machinery and see how we might be able to implement that in our careers.”

The club connects with industry leaders throughout these events and invites them to speak at club meetings. The club also participates in service projects in the Ames community, where they improve their hard skills by working on machinery.

“In the fall we service snow blowers to ensure our community members have working machines before winter. In early April, we service lawnmowers in time for spring,” says Engelbrecht. “People in the Ames community can either drop their machines off, or we will come pick up their equipment. It’s a good fundraiser for us because we don’t have dues, so that is how we generate funding for club activities.”

This spring, Lawnmower Service Days are April 4 and 5, on the west side of Sukup Hall. For more information, visit the event sign-up.

Students work with machines through club activities, and also polish soft skills to develop their network of industry professionals.

“Interacting, being personable, public speaking, and networking are a few soft skills I’ve learned through AST activities. They set you up for real-life business opportunities with industry speakers that come in,” says Englebrecht.

The club is open to students of all class levels and majors interested in agricultural systems technology. It meets every other Tuesday, this semester in SICTR 2206. Event updates and more information are available on the AST Club’s social media page. To get involved, attend a meeting or email caelan9@iastate.edu.