Thinking back to when I was gearing up to head to college some years ago, I knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture. But I really didn't know the huge career field I was choosing by first deciding to be in ag!
According to the American Farm Bureau’s Educating about Agriculture web site, agriculture generates around 22 million jobs in the U.S., and most are located off of farms. In fact, fewer than 2 million Americans are actively engaged in farming. Today's farmers are efficient enough to produce 16 percent of the world's food supply, freeing the rest of us to pursue other occupations and career paths.
Careers in agriculture range from food science to animal nutrition to financial analysis to agronomy to chemistry to communications to engineers to tourism – and the list goes on and on! Food scientists and engineers will be in the greatest demand in the agricultural job market in the upcoming years, according to a Purdue-USDA study. Marketing and sales positions will comprise the next largest group of job openings.
Our state’s very own College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Nebraska prides themselves in that ninety-six percent of CASNR graduates receive a job offer within six months of graduation. They can guarantee this for every student if they follow the Ensuring Your Future program. This program allows students to take full advantage of academic programs, faculty advisers, services and opportunities that the College and University provide. It also emphasizes the importance of academics, involvement and experience in their personal and professional development.
Below is a list of resources for finding a career in agriculture. By sharing this information about careers in agriculture with youth you know, we can help educate and encourage students to find their career in the ag industry.
Resources for Finding a Career in Agriculture
The National FFA Organization has a career search which offers general job information, career information, educational requirements, suggested high school/collegiate courses, skills required, job availability and locations, and working conditions: FFA Career Explorer
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL offers 28 academic degrees programs and two pre-professional programs, from Agribusiness to Professional Golf Management. Check out the list here: Academic Programs.
A resource listing sources of information for careers in: Agribusiness Management, Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications, Building Construction Management, Agriscience, Resource Development and Management, Parks, Recreations, and Tourism Resources, Packaging, Horticulture, Forestry, Food Science, and Fisheries/Wildlife: AgDay.org Educational Resources - Careers in Ag
A list of powerpoint presentations on numerous ag careers, along with detailed definitions: Ag Education - Careers in Agriculture
A resource to explore careers in Agriculture, Aquaculture and Forestry with the following links to job descriptions, which include information such as daily activities, skill requirements, salary and training required. Agriculture Career Guide
No comments:
Post a Comment