For some of us, the road to a degree in agriculture is just beginning. For others, myself
included, we are reaching the point where our degree is in sight but the question remains,
what will we do with it? Where do we want to work? What do we want to do with our degree?
I know I have spent many hours staring at a screen, typing in various jobs with the words
“Ranch” or “Cattle” in the title. If all goes according to plan, most of us will graduate and
begin looking for work with the intent of finding that dream job someday. The only obstacle
after graduation is to actually figure out what we want to do.
The first step in finding a career in agriculture is to narrow down what field you could
see yourself enjoying. Agriculture encompasses an extraordinarily wide array of positions and
potential careers. You don’t have to necessarily narrow down a future career but by finding
something you enjoy; it will allow you to get a foot in the door. After choosing an industry to
go into, do some research on companies that have established themselves by doing what you
want to do. Make a list of these companies and begin researching them.
It may even be beneficial to reach out to some of them, asking if they could give you
more information about what they do. This could answer questions you may have and could
lead to employment opportunities in the future. After all, it’s not what you know, it’s who you
know. Another important step that sometimes opens doors is internships. Doing internships for
companies you are interested in is a great way to learn what you do and don’t like. As well it
lets potential employers see your work ethic first hand and could result a job right after
graduation.
Agriculture is the most unique and diverse industry in the world. From Accounting
to Rodeo and everything in between, Agriculture offers so much in the way of employment,
all you have to do is get out there and look.
-Carson Averill
