It's an exciting time to be in agriculture with an abundance of career opportunities ahead. That's the report Don Marshall, director of academic programs for SDSU's College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, shares as spring graduation culminates for students.

"We've seen a strong market for ag jobs in the last decade, and that trend is expected to continue," indicates Marshall. He credits the optimistic ag outlook to the world's growing population.

Marshall notes that the global population is projected to expand to more than 9 billion people by the middle of this century - meaning 2.3 billion people will be added to the planet over the next four decades.

As a result, Marshall explains there is growing need for food and the myriad of products, research, and industry related to agriculture, which also means career growth for the ag sector.

That uptick is already being seen. Marshall cites a USDA outlook report that forecasts 5% more college graduates with expertise in agricultural and food systems, renewable energy, and the environment will be needed from 2010 to 2015 compared to the five years previous.

Specifically, the USDA study projects there will be an estimated 54,400 annual openings nationally for individuals with college degrees related to food, renewable energy, and environmental specialties between 2010 and 2015. Seventy-four percent of the jobs are expected in business and science occupations; 15% in agriculture and forestry production; and 11% in education, communication, and governmental services.

The same report projects that there will only be approximately 53,500 qualified graduates available each year. Resulting in job growth out-pacing college graduates, and putting individuals with ag-related degrees and experience in demand, says Marshall.

What's Hot?

Marshall says that while employment opportunities in general have weakened during the recent economic downturn, agriculture has held up better than most sectors.

"Many of the traditional career areas, such as agronomy, livestock, feed, natural resources, food and dairy processing, and financial institutions, are still in demand, but there are also new career areas that are growing," says Marshall. As examples he cites careers in food safety, agro security, biofuels, genetic technology, precision farming, and technical support emerging for the future.

The USDA report pinpoints a few career fields that will particularly be seeking employees in the future as well. They include:

Marshall adds that as the global population and need for food grows, it could also create increasing challenges related to land and resource use, environmental management, animal welfare and keeping rural communities viable. "Agriculture will face complex issues, and those issues will create careers in and of themselves. We will need people in those career areas who can provide leadership for agriculture and rural communities," he says.

Preparing for the Future

To assist students in preparing for the ag career opportunities that await, Marshall says the ABS College and it's departments offer several formats to help students plan for their future.

As examples, Career Planning Services on campus offers students assistance in exploring career options, locating potential employers, preparing a resume, and finding internships. Likewise, many departments maintain physical or electronic bulletin boards to publicize intern and career opportunities. Guest speakers in classrooms and to student organizations, as well as judging team opportunities can also expose students to industry leaders and beneficial experiences.

The College also sponsors the annual Ag Bio Career Day each fall as a networking venue to bring employers together with students. "We've had a record participation in the number of employers coming to campus and the number of students participating," Marshall says of the past few years.

Last but not least, Marshall emphasizes the importance of students gaining work experience as they prepare for graduation. He notes that part-time student positions on campus provides an opportunity for students to gain experience related to their major, as does undergraduate research.

Internships can also be invaluable. "Internships are a great way for students to get their feet wet in the job market and start making contacts for permanent jobs, Marshall concludes.

Sidebar: Growing Career Fields

The opportunities - and occupations - in agriculture are diverse, with growth projected in many career fields. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Labor projects significant growth in selected food, renewable energy, and environment jobs through 2018. Among those occupations and the anticipated percent increase in jobs include:

Agricultural Inspectors (12.8%)
Animal Scientists (13.2%)
Biochemists and Biophysicists (37.4%)
Computer and Information Systems Managers (16.9%)
Credit Analysts (15%)
Environmental Engineers (30.6%)
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, (27.9%)
Financial Analysts (19.8%)
Food Scientists and Technologists (16.3%)
Hydrologists (18.3%)
Market Research Analysts (28.1%)
Natural Sciences Managers (15.5%)
Pest Control Workers (15.3%
Public Relations Specialists (24.%)
Recreation Workers (14.7%)
Sales Managers (14.9%)
Soil and Plant Scientists (15.5%)
Technical Writers (18.2%)
Veterinarians (33%)
Source: Monthly Labor Review (November 2009)