For many juniors in the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) like myself, building an Angus résumé is of the most important parts of their Angus membership. A junior’s journey often begins quietly, with a single show, a first contest, or the decision to attend an NJAA event. Over time those moments become the foundation for scholarships, leadership roles and future opportunities far beyond the show ring.

The Bronze and Silver Awards serve as early awards in that journey. They encourage juniors to look back on their involvement from the shows, contents, ways they served their state associations and document them for points. Completing the Bronze Award often marks the first time a member sees their experiences organized in one place. The Silver Award goes deeper, asking them to reflect on leadership, community service, and personal development. Together, these awards help juniors build a structured record of their accomplishments while also giving them a great tool to put on their résumé for scholarships.

Conferences add another layer of depth to your résumé, and as a junior board member, I highly recommend going to both at least once. Raising the Bar is one of the most sought-after opportunities in the NJAA, accepting only fifty juniors each year. Because of that, applications fill quickly, and I encourage members to apply as soon as registration opens. The Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference follows a similar process, with a simple online application through the American Angus Association. I attended both conferences; each was different from the last, and helped prepare me for future leadership roles. 

For some juniors, the most meaningful growth comes when they begin giving back. Serving as a mentor in the Angus Mentoring Program (AMP) allows older members to guide younger ones through their NJAA shows. It is a chance to lead by example, to offer encouragement, and to be the person that once mentored you. I have been in AMP as a leader and participant; it is truly a great program that should be mentioned on your résumé if you get the chance to be a part of it.