Skip to main content
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Illinois State University Home
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About
Major

Careers

Agriculture - Agriculture Communication and Leadership

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Majors
  4. Agriculture - Agriculture Communication and Leadership
  5. Careers

Related Skills

  • Applying concepts and analytical tools related to the agricultural market
  • Analytical and problem solving skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Team and individual working capability
  • Time management skills
  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Careers
  • Course Requirements (Catalog)
  • Sample Plans of Study

Contact

Career Industry Liaison

Nick Radcliffe
(309) 438-2200
223 Bone Student Center

Internship Coordinator

David Malone
(309) 438-8767
Ropp 124A

Being Successful in the Field

  • Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experience in field of study.
  • 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 especially research positions require a graduate degree.
  • Teacher certification is required for public school teaching and varies by state.
  • Join a student club or student professional association to network and cultivate related academic interests.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals who have jobs that interest you.

Related Fields

Education

  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Administration
  • Student Affairs

Employers

  • Secondary schools
  • Colleges and universities
  • Vocational and technical schools

Strategies

  • Obtain teacher certification for public school positions.
  • Plan to earn a master’s degree to work in college student affairs or university administration.
  • Earn a Ph.D. to obtain employment as a professor.
  • Develop excellent writing and speaking skills. Learn to work well withall types of people. Develop strong interpersonal skills.
  • Seek leadership positions in campus organizations related to agricultural science, natural resources, or agricultural education.
  • Gain practical experience in the area of agriculture.
  • Work with youth through volunteering or summer jobs with camps, 4-H programs, scouts, YMCA's,and other nonprofit organizations.

Agricultural Science

  • Informal Education
  • Sales
  • Management
  • Agricultural Communication: Journalism, Public Relations, Electronic Media, Technical Writing

Employers

  • Local, state and federal government including: Forestry Service, USDA, National and state parks and reserves
  • Professional associations
  • Agribusiness firms
  • Financial institutions
  • Camps
  • Scouting organizations, e.g. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
  • Nature centers
  • Foundations, museums, nature centers, zoos
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Wildlife organizations
  • Agricultural magazines and websites
  • Newspapers and other publications
  • Farm radio and television stations
  • Advertising and public relations firms

Strategies

  • Gain relevant experience through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
  • Earn a minor or take additional courses in area of interest such as communication, English, or business.
  • Develop strong communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Learn to work well with various computer programs including desktop publishing.
  • Participate in related student organizations and seek leadership positions.
  • Work on the student newspaper to gain experience for agricultural communication positions.
  • Develop physical stamina, resourcefulness, and outdoor skills for some informal education positions.
  • Be willing to relocate.

Extension

  • Agricultural Education
  • Family and Consumer Sciences Education
  • Youth Development Education

Employers

  • Cooperative Extension System (national)
  • Extension services within states

Strategies

  • Gain experience in working with children and adults of varying ages.
  • Participate as a volunteer or member of organizations such as 4-H or FFA and seek leadership roles.
  • Develop strong communication skills, particularly public speaking and group presentation skills.
  • Take courses in economics and community development.
  • Develop computer skills.
  • Earn a master’s degree to qualify for more positions.
  • Be willing to live in rural communities and to travel within the county.
  • Be prepared to work some evenings and weekends.

Other Professions

  • Agriculture Construction
  • Agronomist
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Animal Scientist
  • Aquaculturist
  • Chemical Research
  • Crop Scout
  • Elevator Manager
  • Environmental Planning
  • Equipment Designer
  • Extension Educator
  • Farm Manager
  • Feedlot Manager
  • Field Research Technician
  • Food Scientist
  • Geneticist
  • Government Inspector
  • Grain/Livestock Merchandiser
  • Ingredient Purchaser
  • Integrated PestManagement
  • International Marketing
  • Livestock Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Market Analyst
  • Plant Pathologist
  • Research Technician
  • Safety Manager
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Technical Services
  • Veterinary Medicine

Commonly Used Links

Illinois State

  • Milner Library
  • Technology Support Center
  • Maps and Directions
  • Search/A-Z
  • Academic Calendar
  • Safety and Security
  • Download ISU Mobile Apps

Students

  • My.IllinoisState.edu
  • Student Jobs
  • Catalog
  • Canvas
  • Undocumented Students, DACA, or Dreamers
  • Veterans and Military Services

Alumni

  • Alumni Association
  • Redbird Gear
  • Events
  • Magazine
  • Traditions

Faculty and Staff

  • Work at Illinois State
  • iPeople
  • Email and Office 365
  • Center for Integrated Professional Development
  • Shared Governance and Administration

© 2025 Illinois State University, Normal, IL USA | Contact Us

Privacy Statement | Cookie Statement | Identity Standards | Appropriate Use Policy | IBHE Online Complaint System | ISU Complaint Resolution | Accessibility | CARES Act Reporting

  • I. S. U. Facebook
  • I. S. U. Twitter
  • I. S. U. Instagram
  • I. S. U. Youtube
  • I. S. U. LinkedIn
  • I. S. U. TikTok
Closing menu Closing Menu
  • Close Menu
  • My
  • Contact
  • A to Z
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About Us
  • Apply
  • Visit

Getting Started

  • Incoming Freshman
  • Transfer Students
  • Graduate Students
  • International Students
  • Out of State Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Returning to ISU
  • Homeschooled Students

Non-traditional

  • En Español
  • Undocumented Students
  • Visiting Students
  • Second Bachelor's Degree
  • Parents and Families
  • Academics Overview
  • Academic Support
  • Majors
  • Minors
  • Graduate Programs
  • Pre-Professional
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Research Overview
  • Milner Library
  • Redbird Scholar
  • Student Life Overview
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • Student Organizations
  • Athletics Overview
  • GoRedbirds.com
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Administration
  • Our Community
  • Metrics of Excellence
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Traditions
  • Facility and Space Use
  • Learn How to Apply
  • What You Need Before You Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Fee and Waiver
  • Check Your Application Status
  • Disciplinary and Criminal Activity Disclosures
  • International Application Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Department Meetings
  • Driving Directions
  • Open House
  • Group Visits

University Resources

  • My Illinois State
  • Map
  • News
  • Events
  • Giving
Closing menu Closing Menu