- -   AGRICULTURAL CORE CURRICULUM  - -


(CLF1000)  Advanced Core Cluster:  AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

  (CLF1150)   Unit Title:  CAREERS IN AGRIBUSINESS

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  (CLF1152)   Topic:  PREPARING FOR A         Time             Year(s) 
                      CAREER IN AGRIBUSINESS  2 hours           3/4        
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         Topic Objectives:  Upon completion of this lesson the student will 
         be able to:

         Learning Outcome #:

           (A-1)  -  Describe how to prepare for a career in agribusiness.

           (A-3)  -  Develop a systematic approach for finding and getting 
                     a job in agribusiness.

         Special Materials and Equipment: 

         References: Smith, M., Underwood, J. M., & Bultmann, M. (1991).
                       CAREERS IN AGRIBUSINESS AND INDUSTRY (4th ed.).
                       Danville, IL: Interstate Publishers.

         Resources:  USDA Yearbook of Agriculture - 1986

         Evaluation: Completion of activity assignments

TOPIC PRESENTATION: PREPARING FOR A CAREER IN AGRIBUSINESS

A.  Preparing for a Career in Agribusiness

    1.  Careers in agribusiness generally require specialized training.

    2.  Careers are available for persons with a high school diploma through 
        the Associate, Master's and Ph.D. degrees.

    3.  Career planning entails:

        a.  Exploring a variety of careers to learn which careers are of 
            interest.

        b.  Obtaining information on the education and experience required for 
            employment in occupations of interest.

        c.  Assessing the availability of positions in occupations of 
            interest.

        d.  Matching one's skills, abilities, and interest with the 
            opportunities available.

    4.  A self-assessment might include the following questions:

        a.  Does selling a product or service interest you?

        b.  How comfortable are you in working with people?


        c.  Do you enjoy working in an office environment?

        d.  Would a job involving extensive travel appeal to you?

        e.  Do you enjoy solving problems?

        f.  Would you prefer a management position that involves production 
            agriculture?

        g.  How much additional training and education are you prepared to 
            undertake?

    5.  Most careers in agricultural business require a four-year college 
        degree.  Anyone considering a career in agribusiness should 
        take college preparatory classes.

        a.  Review four-year college curriculums and entrance requirements.

    6.  Employers look for experience as well as a college degree in selecting 
        employees.  Internships provide a means of exploring various careers 
        and gaining work experience.

    7.  Help in career planning is available from:

        a.  High school agriculture teachers

        b.  Colleges and universities

        c.  Agribusiness professionals

        d.  Career center counselors

B.  Finding a Job in Agribusiness

    1.  The major steps in finding a job are:

        a.  Contacting prospective employers

        b.  Obtaining information about the employers

        c.  Obtaining the names of the people doing the hiring

        d.  Preparing and submitting an application, resume, and letter of 
            application

        e.  Scheduling an informational meeting or interview

        f.  Following up and maintaining contact with prospective employers


    2.  Only about 15% of people acquire their jobs through ads in newspapers.  
        The primary ways of finding out about jobs include:

        a.  Making direct contact (telephone call or letter) with firms doing 
            business in your area of expertise.

        b.  Informing everyone you know that you are looking for a particular 
            kind of work.  It is particularly important to contact people 
            employed in the career area you are interested in.

        c.  Checking with instructors and school placement offices for job 
            referrals.

        d.  Registering with employment agencies that help people find jobs 
            (usually for a fee).

    3.  Follow up on employment leads as soon as you hear about them.

    4.  Become well informed about what the prospective employers do and what 
        they are looking for in an employee.

    5.  Tailor the resume and letter of application to the position being 
        applied for.

    6.  Meet with the prospective employer in person, even if only to find out 
        more about the firm and possible employment opportunities in the 
        future.

    7.  Follow up initial contact with an occasional phone call or letter. 

          __________________________________________________________
          ACTIVITY:  
                      
          1.  Have students complete a computerized career 
              assessment/interest survey.

          2.  Have each student profile an agribusiness occupation 
              he/she might be interested in.  The profile should 
              answer the following questions:

              a.  What do people in the occupation actually do?

              b.  Where do people in the occupation work 
                  (geographical areas, urban or rural, office or
                  field, etc.)?

              c.  What is the necessary level of education and
                  experience required for entry-level employment?

              Then schedule an interview with a person in the 
              occupation focusing on the above questions.
              Additionally, ask how the interviewee entered the 
              occupation.


          3.  Have each student develop a resume of his or
              her education and experience.

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12/12/91 EEZ/JA/ch


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