Date of Award

1-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Heather Crandall

Second Advisor

Dr. Kristina Morehouse

Abstract

Are students and young adults looking to enter the agriculture industry, adequately prepared for such a career? There is continuous research being done on what the job market is looking for from college graduates each year. Addressing the job market as a whole has value, but is the expectations the same within a specific industry or sector? This research is based around what best prepares an individual for work within the agriculture industry. The research was completed using online surveys of individuals currently working within the agriculture industry, as well as phone interviews with human resource professionals or company managers of agriculture industries. The research focused on discovering the more valuable socialization aspects a high school or college student can do in order to prepare themselves for a career within the agriculture industry. Although not getting as large of a response as hoped for, the results of this pilot study were valuable and allowed for the development of an initial college and high school student guidebook titled the Agriculture Career Readiness Handbook. There were also some unexpected results that points future research to be directed a little differently. Continued research in this area as well as some paths that were discovered from this initial research are highly recommended to offer greater understanding of the agriculture industry to students, as well as faculty, education institutions, and even business owners.

Comments

All rights reserved.

Download

Share

COinS