Career Advice to Young People

Career Advice to Young People

Career Advice to Young People

I’m KayDee Gilkey with the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report.
 
Recently at Washington state FFA Convention in Pullman, there was a forum featuring four state USDA directors sharing their thoughts on the future opportunities for young people in agriculture. Their message: The future is bright.

One FFA student sparked a lot of discussion by asking each of the directors for advice in how to choose a career path. The sage advice is pertinent to any young person, whether they are finishing their high school or college education: Follow your passion.

Washington state’s Farm Service Agency Executive Director Judy Olson one of the participating directors in the forum shares

Olson: “Well, first off I’d assume if you are interested in agriculture, that is a passion. There are a lot of young people out there that have maybe felt like they haven’t had an opportunity. I think you can mesh any career field with an opportunity in agriculture if you are creative, and feel strongly about it. Are dedicated and don’t take no for an answer.”

The directors agreed that the leadership and presentation skills as well as ag knowledge that students gain through FFA would be very attractive to any future ag employers.

They also encouraged students to consider an internship in their chosen field to learn more about that career path. USDA has a Summer Internship Program which provides an opportunity for students enrolled in an educational institute. It consists of paid internships that give students an opportunity to gain career experience and to strongly consider future employment with the USDA.

I’m KayDee Gilkey with the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.

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