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Careers

The Agriculture Communications and Leadership sequence combines a broad background in agriculture and elements of education and leadership training with coursework and experiences in the field of communication.

The program prepares students for a wide variety of opportunities in the agricultural press, corporate communications, extension education, and a variety of non-formal education careers.


Related Skills

  • Applying concepts and analytical tools related to the agricultural market
  • Analytical and problem solving skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Team and individual working capability
  • Time management skills

Being Successful in the Field

  • Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experience in field of study.
  • 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.
  • Teacher certification is required for public school teaching and varies by state.
  • Join a student club or student professional association to network and cultivate related academic interests.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals who have jobs that interest you.

Related Fields

Education

  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Administration
  • Student Affairs

Employers

  • Secondary schools
  • Colleges and universities
  • Vocational and technical schools

Strategies

  • Obtain teacher certification for public school positions.
  • Plan to earn a master’s degree to work in college student affairs or university administration.
  • Earn a Ph.D. to obtain employment as a professor.
  • Develop excellent writing and speaking skills. Learn to work well withall types of people. Develop strong interpersonal skills.
  • Seek leadership positions in campus organizations related to agricultural science, natural resources, or agricultural education.
  • Gain practical experience in the area of agriculture.
  • Work with youth through volunteering or summer jobs with camps, 4-H programs, scouts, YMCA's,and other nonprofit organizations.

Agricultural Science

  • Informal Education
  • Sales
  • Management
  • Agricultural Communication: Journalism, Public Relations, Electronic Media, Technical Writing

Employers

  • Local, state and federal government including: Forestry Service, USDA, National and state parks and reserves
  • Professional associations
  • Agribusiness firms
  • Financial institutions
  • Camps
  • Scouting organizations, e.g. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
  • Nature centers
  • Foundations, museums, nature centers, zoos
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Wildlife organizations
  • Agricultural magazines and websites
  • Newspapers and other publications
  • Farm radio and television stations
  • Advertising and public relations firms

Strategies

  • Gain relevant experience through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
  • Earn a minor or take additional courses in area of interest such as communication, English, or business.
  • Develop strong communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Learn to work well with various computer programs including desktop publishing.
  • Participate in related student organizations and seek leadership positions.
  • Work on the student newspaper to gain experience for agricultural communication positions.
  • Develop physical stamina, resourcefulness, and outdoor skills for some informal education positions.
  • Be willing to relocate.

Extension

  • Agricultural Education
  • Family and Consumer Sciences Education
  • Youth Development Education

Employers

  • Cooperative Extension System (national)
  • Extension services within states

Strategies

  • Gain experience in working with children and adults of varying ages.
  • Participate as a volunteer or member of organizations such as 4-H or FFA and seek leadership roles.
  • Develop strong communication skills, particularly public speaking and group presentation skills.
  • Take courses in economics and community development.
  • Develop computer skills.
  • Earn a master’s degree to qualify for more positions.
  • Be willing to live in rural communities and to travel within the county.
  • Be prepared to work some evenings and weekends.

Other Professions

  • Agriculture Construction
  • Agronomist
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Animal Scientist
  • Aquaculturist
  • Chemical Research
  • Crop Scout
  • Elevator Manager
  • Environmental Planning
  • Equipment Designer
  • Extension Educator
  • Farm Manager
  • Feedlot Manager
  • Field Research Technician
  • Food Scientist
  • Geneticist
  • Government Inspector
  • Grain/Livestock Merchandiser
  • Ingredient Purchaser
  • Integrated PestManagement
  • International Marketing
  • Livestock Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Market Analyst
  • Plant Pathologist
  • Research Technician
  • Safety Manager
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Technical Services
  • Veterinary Medicine

Career Industry Liaison

Name Office Email Phone
Nick Radcliffe  223 Bone Student Center  nrradcl@ilstu.edu  (309) 438-2200 

Internship Coordinator

Name Office Email Phone
David Malone  Ropp 124A  dmalone@ilstu.edu  (309) 438-8767