To start a career in agricultural technology, gain hands-on experience and post-secondary education, obtain required certificates, network, and apply for relevant positions. Hands-on experience is crucial, and joining agricultural groups or taking classes can help. Completing a degree program, such as a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Technology, can lead to managerial positions. Additional testing and certification may be required for certain jobs.
To begin a career in agricultural technology, one must gain hands-on experience and post-secondary education, as well as obtain additional certificates required by the specific technology focus. While a person can start their farming path outside of high school, it’s ideal to take classes and work or volunteer before that point. Postgraduate level study is usually required for top research, engineering, or management positions. In addition to education and certification requirements, individuals must network and apply for open agricultural positions that match their skills.
While a formal education in agriculture is necessary, it cannot replace the knowledge that comes with hands-on experience. Thus, the path to a career in agricultural technology begins by working on a farm. Many people entering this field are raised on farms and are very familiar with everything it takes to operate in the agricultural sector. If a person does not have such an opportunity, he must either get a basic job on the farm or volunteer, working under an agricultural manager. These positions require individuals to carry out fundamental tasks such as planting, cleaning tents and transferring food.
Another way to learn about agricultural technology is to become involved in agricultural groups such as the Future Farmers of America (FFA). These groups teach individuals the basics of animals and horticulture and allow people to attend fairs or undertake research projects. Some have a small membership fee, but it’s usually less than what a regular class would cost.
When a person has little experience working in an agricultural environment, the next step is to enroll in formal agricultural technology classes. This can happen as early as high school. Examples of basic classes to take at this time are introductory agriculture, basic livestock management, and horticulture.
Upon completion of a high school diploma or receipt of a graduate equivalence diploma, those interested in agriculture must apply to a degree program in agriculture. The exact program a person enters depends on the agricultural technology goals they have. Individuals can choose from certificates, associates or bachelor’s programs to get started.
An agricultural technology certification program typically lasts two years or less. These programs are designed to teach basic farming processes and equipment used in the farming industry on a regular basis, to teach basic concepts like landscaping and animal science. They are a good way to learn a little more about the business of agriculture, but they are not enough to allow an agricultural technologist to reach the managerial level.
A person interested in agriculture can also earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Agricultural Technology, which requires at least two years of study. Unlike certificate programs, associate programs often offer more hands-on training through an internship or internship. Programs offering a Bachelor of Agricultural Technology are even more focused, however, because they provide more information specific to agricultural technology, such as courses in agricultural mechanics, agricultural technology safety, and hydraulics.
Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, a person can advance to a master’s or doctoral degree in agriculture if desired. Depending on the desired focus, an individual can choose from specialties such as agricultural education, food science technology, or agricultural economics. These qualification levels qualify a person for teaching, research and management positions.
Once a person completes his agricultural technology education, he can enhance his resume and look for job openings in companies that are related to his focus and authority in his degree. In some cases, the specific agricultural technology job a person wants may require additional testing and certification, such as obtaining a teaching license to become an agricultural instructor. If a person wants to go down the engineering path, he should get a job at a smaller company or farm before trying to move to large state or national organizations.
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