Agriculture and Natural Resources

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

ECONOMICS & BUSINESS

Appraisal
Consulting
Risk Management
Credit Analysis
Retail Management
Marketing
Sales
Public Relations
Finance and Banking
Economic and Policy Analysis
Commodity Trading
Farm Management

Employers

Agricultural businesses
Production industries
Credit agencies, banks, brokers
Real estate and appraisal services
Public/private market analysis firms
Farm information services utilizing mass communications
County agricultural offices
Purchasing/supply firms
Feedlot operations
Federal government
Private foundations
Farm cooperative services
Feed and seed companies
Self-employment

Strategies

Plan on securing a masters or doctoral degree for advanced positions. Gain work experience in area of interest through internships, co-ops, or summer or part-time work. Get involved in campus and community organizations. Learn the federal job application procedure for government work.

EXTENSION/EDUCATION

Employers

Schools
Extension services
Agricultural agencies
Agricultural communications and media firms
Agribusinesses
Government agencies

Strategies

Obtain teacher certification for public school positions. Develop excellent writing and speaking skills. Take courses in economics and community development. Learn to work well with all types of people. Develop strong interpersonal skills. Be willing to live in rural communities for extension positions.

BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Power and Machinery
Structures and Environment
Electronic Systems
Soil & Water Conservation
Food Engineering
Engineering Technology

Employers

Equipment design, testing, and manufacturing firms
Equipment and food industries including: processing, packaging, and storing
Quality control organizations for food, feed, or fiber
Biotechnology research firms
Environmental consulting firms
Local, state, and federal government
Public health service

Strategies

Gain experience through co-ops or internships. Develop strong math skills and problem solving abilities. Earn an advanced degree for positions in research and development.

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Research
Inspection
Farm Production and Management
Veterinary Science
Sales

Employers

Genetic research organizations
Agribusinesses: meat, poultry, feed
Government laboratories
Livestock producers
Feed companies; Feedlot operations
Supply and equipment industries
Extension services
Veterinary practices
Universities

Strategies

Gain extensive laboratory and research experience. Get experience in a veterinary medical practice and prepare for application to veterinary school. Obtain knowledge of sales and business principles if interested in that area. Develop good communication skills.

FORESTRY

Forest Recreation
Resource Interpretation
Resource Management
Wood Products/Utilization

Employers

Local, state and federal government including: Forestry Service, USDA, National and state parks, and Reserves
Research Centers
Lumber, pulp, and paper industries
Private industry
Landowners
Nature centers

Strategies

Develop physical stamina, resourcefulness, and outdoor skills. Gain experience through volunteer opportunities or internships. Be willing to relocate.

WILDLIFE & FISHERIES

Law Enforcement
Conservation
Resource/Range Management
Wildlife/Fisheries Biology
Aquaculture

Employers

Local, state, and federal government including: Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks,
Wildlife refuges, and Management areas
Private industries (e.g. aquaculture production firms)
County/municipal agencies
Foundations, museums, nature centers, zoos
Nonprofit organizations

Strategies

Develop physical stamina, outdoor skills, and attention to detail. Plan to earn a business minor or take additional communications courses including conflict management. Earn a minor in criminal justice for game management. Develop interpersonal skills. Obtain paid or volunteer experience while in school.

PLANT & SOIL SCIENCES

Crop Production Management
Research
Environmental Science
Plant Breeding
Soil and Water Conservation
Soil and Plant Tissue Analysis
Pest Management
Farm Management
Sales

Employers

Extension services
Federal agencies
Agribusiness
Construction agencies
Plant propagation/production agencies
International agricultural agencies
Harvesting and fertilization manufacturers

Strategies

Find a related internship. Develop effective communication skills. Supplement curriculum with courses in business, geology, entomology, or pathology depending upon interests.

ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE & LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Growing/Production
Design
Landscape Construction
Nursery Management
Arboriculture
Turfgrass Management
Sales
Plant Therapy

Employers

Landscaping firms
Parks and amusement parks
Golf courses
Cemeteries
Large hotels and resorts
Industrial sites
Wholesale growers: nurseries, greenhouses, florist
Retail outlets
City and highway departments
Botanical gardens and arboretums
Floral designers
Government agencies: local, state, and federal
Colleges and universities
Self-employed
Health-related organizations and community centers

Strategies

Get practical experience in the field through internships or summer and part-time jobs. Develop skills in speaking, writing, and photography. Minor in business if interested in management or self-employment. Be prepared to work seasonally or move to a climate where more year-round opportunities are available. Earn Registered Horticultural Therapist licensure for plant therapy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

For entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. A master’s or doctoral degree is often necessary for advancement. Some federal and private agency work, consulting positions, and especially research positions require a graduate degree.
Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experience in field of study.
Develop excellent computer skills.
Join a student club or student professional association to network and cultivate related academic interests.
Many students apply to professional programs such as pharmacy, medical, or veterinary school with an agriculture and natural resources background.
Majoring in two subject areas or pursuing a minor can increase marketability. For example, study in landscape design and business can lead to higher-level management opportunities.

Materials Provided by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer