How to Find Careers in Agriculture
When many people think of agriculture they imagine farmers plowing their fields, but the reality is more complex. Agricultural work covers a range of careers, from traditional farming in cattle and crops, business management, marketing,advertising, research and food processing.
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Instructions
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Take a career proficiency test or personality test, such as the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. Identifying your unique strengths and weaknesses will help you identify which of the many agricultural careers is best for you.
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Take a job at a local farm or food processing center to learn the day-to-day details of the agriculture business. Many small farms are run by older farmers who often need help with physical labor. The pay is usually minimum-wage, but you can gain valuable experience, learn more about the agricultural industry and narrow down your interests.
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Attend a university that has a good reputation for its agricultural science and business departments, such as Oklahoma State University or the University of Florida. Set up an appointment with one of the college advisers to discuss the agriculture degrees the university offers. You can also take agricultural courses as electives and get a degree in a field such as business or biology. Consider universities that offer the new master's degrees in agribusiness. Even though you may not need a master's degree, offering such a degree shows the school takes agriculture seriously.
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Get to know the agricultural business during and after school (see Resources). Nurture relationships with agribusiness leaders and government officials in the region. They will provide valuable advice and business connections, even employment offers. Become familiar with agricultural companies and the local government agriculture department. Read agricultural reports and other literature. Subscribe to the regional agriculture magazines and journals. Attend job fairs, seminars and conferences to gain contacts with fellow professionals, advice and business opportunities. An ambitious networker who takes all these steps could make applying for a job a mere formality, since a few employers may already trust him.
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Tips & Warnings
Another source for finding out the different types of agricultural careers available is the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a detailed career handbook available from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Farmer image by Benjamin Huseman from Fotolia.com
