Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

Education

Obtain licensure for public school teaching positions
Enroll in a variety of agricultural content courses
Network with professional organizations related to agricultural education like the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Educators
Seek leadership positions in campus organizations related to agricultural science and natural resources like Collegiate 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Block and Bridle, etc.
Work with youth through volunteer positions or summer internships with FFA programs, 4-H programs, camps, scouts, YMCA, YWCA, and other nonprofit organizations
Earn advanced degree to:
- Teach at post-secondary levels
- Work in educational research
- Work in educational administration

Cooperative extension system (national)
Extension services within states
Universities
Nonprofit organizations
Youth organizations
Foundations
Museums, nature centers, zoos
Outdoor education centers
Agribusiness firms
Production industries
Food retailers and wholesalers
Financial institutions
Local, state, and federal governments:
- Forestry Service
- Department of Agriculture
- National state parks and reserves

Choose an area of interest (business, government, community development, youth development, family and consumer science, etc.) and gain relevant experiences through internships, volunteer positions, or summer jobs.
Gain experience working with children and adults of varying ages.
Get involved in campus organizations and assume leadership roles.
Demonstrate high energy and good problem-solving abilities.
Participate in organizations such as 4-H or FFA and seek leadership roles.
Develop strong communication skills, particularly public speaking and group presenting, because extension agents must effectively deliver information to people.
Take courses in economics and community
development.
Learn to interpret and create financial and budget statements.
Maintain current knowledge of scientific research in the field to provide sound recommendations.
Learn to work effectively in teams.
Be willing to live in rural communities and to travel within the county. Prepare to work some evenings and weekends.
Become familiar with local, state, and federal programs.
Learn about social media platforms for communicating and educating.
Earn a master’s degree to qualify for higher level positions.

Local, state, and federal government:
- Forestry service
- Department of Agriculture
- National and state parks and reserves
Local, state, and national commodity organizations
Advertising and public relations firms
Consulting firms
Universities
Extension services (e.g., 4-H, County extension agents, etc.)
Professional associations
Agribusiness firms
Youth organization
Foundations, museums, nature centers, zoos
Nonprofit organizations
Wildlife organizations
Agricultural magazines and websites
Newspapers and other publications
Farm radio and television stations

Earn a minor or take additional courses in areas such as journalism, advertising, or graphic design.
Build strong written, visual, and oral communication and storytelling skills.
Learn to use industry standard software for graphic design, videography, photography, and web.
Demonstrate best practices for strategic communication using a variety of media channels.
Participate in related student organizations and seek leadership positions. Volunteer to write newsletters, maintain the website, or manage their social media.
Gain relevant experience through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
Work for campus or local newspapers, radio, or television stations.
Get involved with the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.
Be willing to relocate for greater opportunities.

Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications provides a broad background for working in the agricultural and natural resources industry.
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 research positions require a graduate degree.
Teacher certification is required for public school teaching and exact requirements vary by state.
Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experience in field of study.
Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Join a student club or student professional association to network and cultivate related academic interests. Groups related to agriculture include: Collegiate FFA, Collegiate 4-H, Alpha Zeta, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).
Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals who have jobs that interest you.