2 Ways to Use AgExplorer.FFA.org on Your Job Search

Job Seekers Benefit from Free Resource

• Nicole Ward Beckley
• June 28, 2022
• Newsletter Article

In 2020, there were 874 million people employed in agriculture (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO], 2021). That's 27% of the global workforce. A multitude of work opportunities in agriculture is available. But how do you find a job that's right for you?

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When looking for work, the search can be overwhelming with all the options and redundancies across online platforms. Sometimes it is challenging to gauge your career readiness when hunting for a new line of work or a job. Rather than sifting through job postings, what if you could instead develop a clear understanding of your career path? What if you could map out your trajectory with meaningful focus?

 

Through a strategic partnership with FFA and AgCareers.com, you can experience a comprehensive, customized job search via AgExplorer.FFA.org. AgExplorer is a free, interactive resource available to job seekers everywhere. You no longer have to narrow your thought process to a job title or role; instead, you can discover a wide range of opportunities. All education and skill levels are represented across the careers included on the site. No cost, commitment or registration is needed to use AgExplorer.

 

Here are two ways that you can find work through AgExplorer.FFA.org.

 

1. Explore careers in nine focus areas of agriculture, food, and natural resources.

Each focus area has been informed by industry needs and requirements. Within the focus areas, there are career spotlights where you can search for potential professions, narrowing it down with optional filters such as indoor/outdoor work, pay, education requirements, and outlook.

For example, if working with or caring for animals is your ideal career, you can explore the Animal Systems Career Focus Area. From there, you can dive into career profiles for everything from beekeeper to zoologist. Within the profiles are details about employment responsibilities, required education or training, income data, job markets, related professional organizations, similar careers and real-time available jobs in that field. You can go from exploring to applying at your own pace.

 

2. Use the interactive Career Finder to learn about what might be a good fit for you.

By answering 13 questions in a gamified quiz, you can find out what careers might work for you. The questions encompass your education goals, interests and skills, and career aspirations. As you progress through the Career Finder, it identifies your strengths, roles you gravitate to, work style and preferences, top skills, personal goals, and communication tendencies. Once you have completed the assessment, you receive several personalized career suggestions. Then, you are provided the opportunity to learn more about each one.

 

Finding Your Future in Agriculture

Job seekers need to keep in mind that previous experience in agriculture is not necessarily a prerequisite for jobs in the industry. Megan McGrady, senior education consultant with the National FFA Organization, explains, "Just because you didn't come from an agriculture background doesn't mean there is not a place for you in agriculture. There are a lot of options out there that may not be obvious for job seekers, and AgExplorer can help you find your place."

 

For example, here are some nontraditional ag-related options found on AgExplorer on the Virtual Field Trips section of the site.

• Artists who work in the automotive manufacturing industry creating designs for the production of trucks used in agricultural settings and operations.
• Brand managers who develop strategic marketing campaigns for promoting food product lines.
• Handlers and packers are needed for the distribution of a variety of products.

With their free resource, FFA makes it possible for anyone at any phase of life to discover their future in agriculture. Visit AgExplorer.FFA.org now to find yours.

 

 

Source:

FAO. 2021. World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2021. Rome.