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Are you interested in agribusiness and wondering how you can start a career in this lucrative and rewarding field? According to the University of Georgia, agribusiness now accounts for over 15 percent of all U.S. economic activity. An educational background focused on agribusiness allows agribusiness majors to use their coveted skills in a wide variety of public and private sector jobs, providing endless career opportunities. Let’s take a look at the various educational requirements and career paths so you can launch your agribusiness career today.
Considerations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural managers, farmers, and ranchers account for over 1.2 million jobs in the U.S., which is only a drop in the bucket compared to the vast number of career opportunities available to those with an agribusiness degree. Thanks to changes in the agriculture business and the increasing use of scientific implementation in agribusiness, advanced education has become necessary to secure employment in most agriculture-related businesses. The following degree options can provide you with numerous career possibilities in the rapidly growing agribusiness industry.
Agribusiness Degrees
An Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness program provides students with adequate training for entry-level career opportunities in an array of agricultural industries. A student taking this route can study a broad range of agricultural topics, such as agricultural accounting, farming business, and livestock management, and most courses are transferable to four-year Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness degree programs.
Four-year Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness degree programs include all of the typical general education requirements as well as classes that specifically focus on agricultural business topics, such as agricultural economics, farm product marketing, and agribusiness management.
A Master of Agribusiness degree can open up many exciting and lucrative career opportunities in multiple areas of agribusiness. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required to gain entry into one of these advanced programs, but classes like financial agricultural management and agribusiness international marketing can take your agribusiness career to new heights.
Agribusiness Career Paths
A degree in agribusiness can open up many doors. Since, agribusiness training prepares students for every aspect of farm management, this is an obvious and popular route. Armed with the knowledge to make day-to-day operational decisions, you can supervise numerous employees and oversee both animal and crop production. There are numerous career possibilities in the private sector as well. From accounting and insurance to managing feed and seed production, a person with a degree in agribusiness can take whatever career path they desire. There are also many possible agribusiness careers in numerous federal and state agencies, many of which provide assistance to farmers. One such agency is the Farm Service Agency under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. You can even venture into the research field and search for farm-grown renewable fuels, such as ethanol and bio-diesel.
Agribusiness is a growing industry that provides you with a number of career options. From banking to farm management, depending on your area of interest, there is an agribusiness career for you. Armed with a proper education, you can begin your exciting journey towards a rewarding career in agribusiness and be a part of this essential yet often overlooked industry.
