How the Agriculture Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Agriculture majors study ways to responsibly cultivate food sources, ensure a high crop yield for each harvest season, and manage limited food resources. With the growing rate of globalization, it is becoming increasingly important for the agriculture industry to modernize in order to meet not only the local demands, but international demands for produce as well. In fact, the United States is one of the top producers of tomatoes and wheat, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Now, with the growing emphasis on the importance of engaging in ecologically-responsible behavior, agriculture majors who are also well-versed in sustainable cultivation methods are in high demand. To meet the needs of future employers, agriculture majors take courses in plant science, pest management, soil science, and other topics related to bettering the studentís understanding of efficient crop cultivation.

Best Career Paths for Agriculture Majors
As maintaining a healthy food supply will always remain a top priority, agriculture majors have a wide array of employment opportunities available to them. The best career paths for agriculture majors are:

• Agricultural Scientist. Agricultural scientists have the responsibility of keeping the countryís food supply steady. They analyze farming techniques, weather patterns, crop yield, pest management, and water and soil quality to ensure that there will always be a plentiful harvest to feed the nation and the international market. Some agricultural scientists also work in biotechnology, selectively breeding crops to develop more hardy and disease-resistant produce. Others may work in biofuel technology, turning plentiful crops into alternative energy sources. Agricultural scientists can work with the government, businesses, or private clients to research a myriad of food-related topics and develop solutions to crop cultivation issues. Agricultural scientists make an average salary of $59,520, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Agricultural Sales Representative. Agricultural sales representatives can work with farms, grocery chains, or major food manufacturers to promote agricultural products. For example, a sales representative might specialize in promoting organic produce or farm machinery, depending on his or her employer. Those with a degree in agriculture are especially well-suited for sales positions in the industry, as they are knowledgeable in the fundamentals of agriculture and food production. Sales representatives must be well-versed in the past and current developments of the field, as they must be able to answer any and all questions about the product they are promoting. Agricultural sales representatives make an average salary of $51,330, according to the Bureau.

How to Market Your Agriculture Degree
You worked hard to earn your agriculture degree, so it is only logical to work hard to promote the education that your degree represents. When meeting with potential employers, emphasize all of the skills that you built during your college career, such as your analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. If you participated in internships or co-ops, elaborate on how these experiences helped you to apply your classroom knowledge to the field and the insight you gained about the industry through working. The best way to prove to employers that your education makes you a highly qualified candidate for the position is to show them how the information you learned can be translated into working skills.