Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
October 26, 2021
Given the change of course that has happened in the world, we wanted to provide expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. We wanted to know what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market.
Companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market. Recent graduates actually have an advantage because they are comfortable using newer technologies and have been communicating virtually their whole lives. They can take what they've learned and apply it immediately.
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our Panel of Experts
Tennessee Tech University
Washington State University
What skills stand out on Agronomist resumes?
Dennis Duncan: -Excellent written/visual/and verbal communication skills.
- Must be able to present findings/trends/issues/problems/solutions to both the scientific community and laymen. Concise reports are necessary for upper management to make decisions. Need to show colleagues/producers results and explain them simply.
-Critical thinking, problem-solving, and integrative thinking
-Work autonomously and as a team member
-Detail-oriented
What soft skills should all Agronomists possess?
Dennis Duncan: -Integrity in the workplace
-Proper use of social media
-Communication
-Teamwork
-Effectively handling stress in the workplace
-Leadership
What hard/technical skills are most important for Agronomists?
Dennis Duncan: -Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PPT, Word)
-Ensure accurate data collection and conduct statistical analysis
-Experience with precision ag technologies (i.e., UAVs, sensors, variable-rate fertilizer applicators, GPS guided equipment, etc.)
MATH!!
What skills will help Agronomists earn the most?
Dennis Duncan: -Internship(s) during tenure in college
-International experience (study abroad, International research project, community service abroad, etc.)
-Proficient in using the latest technology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Agronomist job market given the pandemic?
John Reganold: Remote work is now en vogue so that more hours (not all) will be spent remotely from home. That being said, people in my fields of Soil Science and Organic & Sustainable Agriculture will spend significant time in the field. (See answer to #3 below).
What soft skills should all Agronomists possess?
John Reganold: Important soft skills, which benefit graduates applying for jobs and in the workplace when they have a job, are listening, oral and written communication, interpersonal (people) skills, and time management.
What's a day at work look like for an Agronomist?
John Reganold: In my fields of Soil Science and Organic & Sustainable Agriculture, which can have both an outdoor (field-based) and office component, probably a week might look like 4 x 10-hour days, with at least one to two days being outdoors with farmers, foresters, city planners, and others.
