The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), in partnership with the Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB), hosted a free career development webinar titled “First Impressions Matter: Building a Standout Resume.”

A resume is more than a list of experiences—it’s your introduction to future employers. This interactive session provided participants with actionable strategies to elevate their resumes, tailor applications to specific roles, and integrate AI tools effectively while maintaining authenticity.

Featured Speakers

🌱 Dr. Rishi R. Masalia – “Level Up Your Application Toolbox”
Plant scientist, startup founder, and biotech executive, Dr. Masalia shared strategies for crafting impactful resumes and cover letters that resonate across industries.

🤖 Lasse Palomaki – “Leveraging AI to Optimize Jobseekers’ Resumes”
Associate Director of Career Services for Alumni at Elon University and founder of The Strategic Student LLC, Palomaki demonstrated how AI can support resume development while keeping the human voice central.

Moderators: Dr. Deepika Chauhan and Dr. Ian Curtis

This webinar was part of CAST’s ongoing commitment to support students, early-career professionals, and members of the agricultural science community in developing practical skills for professional growth.