Careers & Professional Development

One of every six jobs in the United States has a connection to food or agricultural science and industry, which encompasses the production, processing, distribution, and marketing of food, feed, and fiber and the management of our natural resources. While some of our graduates are finding new opportunities in production agriculture, most take positions with agribusinesses, the food industry, or government agencies. About two-thirds of our graduates secure employment in a field related to their major within three months of graduation. Our graduates have gone on to work as:

• crop consultants
• landscape contractors
• greenhouse operators
• foresters
• financial managers
• sales or technical representatives
• plant or animal breeders
• product developers
• regulatory officials
• quality assurance and packaging specialists

Success in today’s rapidly changing world requires the ability to analyze information, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and explore new technologies. Graduates and corporate recruiters often say that an agricultural education provides such a broad background in science and business that many first-time job seekers have a much wider range of opportunities than those in more narrowly focused fields. That same broad background also can help new employees advance within a company that has several divisions or a variety of products.

Each year, industry representatives meet our students at the Agribusiness and Industries Career Fair. The event gives you a chance to talk with prospective employers and learn about internship and career opportunities.

For more information about Careers through the College of Agricultural Sciences, please see the Careers website.