Jump Start & Set Yourself Apart in an Agriculture Career

• University of Mount Olive
• June 07, 2022
• Newsletter Article

A report by Purdue University says that employer demand will exceed the supply of graduates in agriculture-related fields with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

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Growth in agriculture-related careers is on the rise. A report by Purdue University says that employer demand will exceed the supply of graduates in agriculture-related fields with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Approximately 59,400 job openings are available annually, yet employer demand will be higher than the number of graduates in ag-related fields (National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 2020). So, if you are considering a degree in agriculture, now is the time!  With the growing need for employees to fill agricultural related careers, agricultural graduates are sure to have excellent job opportunities and security!

 

Likely your next question is, how do I select the best university or college for my future aspirations? Ask yourself the question, “What do I want to do in my career?”  Do you want a career in farm management, agricultural education, working with livestock, or conducting research in a lab setting or in the field?  Then, you should do your research to determine which universities offer degree options to prepare you for your career goals. You can also use a career search engine, such as AgCareers.com, to explore occupations and organizations that you are interested in working with.

 

When looking at various universities, take the time to do some research.

 

• What experience does the faculty at the institution have?
• What are degree programs offered at the university?
• Is there a diversity of degree programs available?
• Are there facilities that support practical or applied learning experiences? The classroom experience is essential, but applied learning truly allows insight into a real-world experience, shedding light on what your chosen area of study may be like.
• Does the institution require internships as part of the curriculum? Are students eligible for internships and are they readily available? We all know nothing is better than hands-on experience and really seeing what the job requires!
• Do the classes offered lead to industry certifications that can help you in building your resume while in school? This helps bolster the knowledge and experience you will gain in your degree program and will help you stand out in a sea of applicants.
• Are faculty engaged with students? Do faculty assist students with submitting articles for blogs and other industry publications?  These are great resume builders and networking opportunities to gain recognition in the industry.
• Do faculty advise and take part in collegiate clubs and activities? Are students encouraged to participate and attend conventions and competitions? These are outstanding networking opportunities and an effective way to meet potential employers.
• Is the chosen degree program flexible enough for you to take courses outside the degree to ensure foundational knowledge across various fields of agriculture?
   

Taking the time to investigate these questions and more should be important to you to help determine your career path. The University of Mount Olive (UMO) can answer all these questions and affords you the opportunity to set yourself apart in the growing field of agriculture! 

 

UMO is the only private university in North Carolina offering both online and seated degrees in Agribusiness and Agricultural Communication and Leadership. Additional degrees offered in a fully seated format include Agricultural Education, Animal Science, Agricultural Production Systems, Plant Science, Veterinary Bioscience (Pre-Vet), Environmental and Natural Resources, Ecological and Environmental Sciences, and Biotechnology. UMO offers a wide range of degrees in agriculture and related fields.

 

Students receive the personal attention they deserve in small classes, but also have a plethora of opportunities to get involved and gain real-world experience through internships and applied learning. Internships are a part of every degree program offered in agriculture at UMO. Each of UMO’s three student farms are designed to support all degree programs through hands-on applied learning opportunities. At UMO, we believe the best way to determine if your chosen career path is right for you - is to do it! Our facilities and curriculum will allow you to immerse yourself and know for sure the right direction for you.

 

Networking opportunities abound through five agriculturally focused collegiate clubs. Students learn to advocate for agriculture and work together as a team to provide service to the greater community. Faculty support and encourage students to attend, present and participate in state, regional, and national conventions, and industry-driven competitions.

 

Faculty in the School of Agricultural and Biological Sciences have a combined 500 years of experience, all with industry experience and recognition in their chosen fields.  Courses taught within degree programs offer multiple industry certifications earned by students as a component of the classes taken.

 

Lastly, UMO offers convenient and affordable degree programs in both seated and online formats, allowing students to find the best format fit for their lifestyles. 

 

DO THE RESEARCH AND COME SEE WHAT UMO HAS TO OFFER!

 

Financial aid is available.  Classes are filling up for the fall 2022 start, so do not delay.  For a complete list of degree options at the University of Mount Olive, visit www.umo.edu/degrees.