DAIRY ST R
Presents:
Plans for the Future DECEMBER 21, 2019
DAIRY EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Be strategic when planning your future
Veterinarians, engineers among growing career options in agriculture By Andrea Borgerding andrea.b@dairystar.com
SAUK CENTRE, Minn. – Nothing can be more daunting than planning your future. Perhaps even more intimidating than deciding on a career is the path in which one takes to reach his or her career goals in a timely and nancially responsible way. Starting early and being intentional with college planning will result in a more successful college admissions process and will ultimately be key in plotting a course towards reaching career goals. “The college planning process should be enjoyable, but at the same time, it should be strategic,” said Heather Thiesen. “Too many students take the college planning process in a casual and lackadaisical manner which yields average or poor results.” Thiesen is a high school guidance counselor at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre. Thiesen suggests following a month-by-month timeline (see page 12) to stay on track as students begin their senior year and begin college applications. Once students begin applying, students can face signicant life challenges that can impede their abilities to attend and succeed in college. Finances, family responsibilities, academic preparedness and disabilities can all play a factor in a student’s ability to apply, plan and ultimately attend college. A positive attitude, resourcefulness and an occasional helping hand can assist students in overcoming these common obstacles. “The challenges students face help to dene why they become in the future,” Thiesen said. “If we assist or teach them to positively deal with various challenges from a very young age, they can become self-motivated individuals in the future who aren’t afraid to take risks.” If a student is plagued with indecision in planning for college, Thiesen suggests discussing interests, fears, uncertainties and dreams you may have. “Once you begin to understand the reasons behind the
indecision, you can begin to discuss these and begin dening some goals,” Thiesen said. When planning for college and the best career choice, concentrate on your strengths. Nobody is tailor-made for a particular thing and nobody is t enough for everything that comes their way either. There are going to be things other people are exceptionally good at while you are not. Rather than give up or feel bad about something you could not do well, be easy on yourself. “You do not have to excel at everything that comes your way,” Thiesen said. “Sometimes it is the mere fact that you tried that matters the most.” Here are jobs in agriculture which offer substantial income potential and a positive employment outlook.
Career options in agriculture Agricultural engineers: Design systems, machines and equipment to support agricultural processes and solve problems. They apply principles of mechanical, electrical, computer and environmental engineering to enhance farming operations. The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of agricultural engineers will have grown by 5% between 2018 and 2028. Agricultural and food scientists: Agricultural and food scientists investigate ways to improve the productivity, quality and safety of eld crops and farm animals. They create new food products and modify existing products, and also improve on methods for packaging, preserving and delivering products. The BLS predicts that overall employment of agricultural and food scientists will have grown by 7% between 2018 and 2028. Hydrologists: Hydrologists study the structure of water supplies which is vital to any agricultural operation. They monitor and evaluate the impact of agriculture on water quality and research ways to minimize erosion and pollution. The BLS expects employment for hydrologists to have expanded by 7% between 2018 and 2028. Veterinarian technicians: Veterinarian technicians play a signicant role in the agricultural sector by supporting veterinarians as they examine and treat farm animals. Vet techs help to prepare instruments, perform tests, administer
medications and nurse animals. The BLS expects job growth in this sector to have expanded to a higher than average rate of 19% between 2018 and 2028. Soil and plant scientists: Soil and plant scientists study and research crop production. They investigate innovative methods for treating soil, controlling disease and pests, and breeding viable plants. Soil and plant scientists test the chemical, biological and mineral composition of soils. The BLS estimates employment will grow by 5% for soil and plant scientists between 2018 and 2028. Agricultural managers: Farm managers oversee agricultural operations. They may be responsible for hiring, training and supervising farm laborers; scheduling and implementing planting and harvesting processes; and recording data on production and output. The BLS anticipates little to no growth from the 1 million individuals employed as farm managers in 2018 due to the consolidation of smaller farms into larger operations. Veterinarians: Veterinarians care for farm and ranch animals, working to ensure animals are healthy and suitable for breeding, milking or slaughter. They examine animals, perform operations, diagnose illnesses, vaccinate livestock, euthanize animals and treat injuries. The BLS estimates opportunities for veterinarians will have grown by 18% between 2018 and 2028. Commodities brokers and traders: Agricultural commodities traders analyze price trends for products like soybeans, corn, coffee, sugar, cotton, milk and meat. They establish market values and execute trades. The BLS expects job growth for commodity brokers and traders to be at 4% between 2018 and 2028. Agricultural equipment and supplies sales: Agricultural sales representatives promote farm products like seed, fertilizer, equipment, tools, fuel, software or computers, greenhouses, storage structures and fencing. They negotiate terms of sales and secure clients while also educating and training farmers on new products they sell. The BLS predicts a 2% job growth for agricultural equipment/supplies sale representatives between 2018 and 2028. Information provided by the United States Department of Labor and The Balance Careers.