No matter what age you are, you can start to prepare for a career in agriculture. The following documents will help you on your way:

• Career Handbook (hi-res, 13.8 Mb)
• Career Handbook (low-res, 2.2 Mb)
• Career Profiles

High School

High school students are encouraged to take vocational agriculture classes and participate in 4-H and the National FFA Organization. In addition, it’s a good idea to get work experience, perhaps through a work-study or internship program.

College

There are a number of academic programs that can prepare you for a future in agriculture. These include agronomy, plant breeding, agri-business, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, life sciences, forestry, and veterinary medicine, as well as specialty areas within these programs. In addition, there are job opportunities for students graduating in allied higher education programs such as biological sciences, engineering, business, health sciences, communication, and applied technologies.

These programs are offered by a number of colleges and universities.

• List of schools offering programs in agriculture-related studies
• Perdue Career Finder – test your skills and find the agriculture career best for you* –
  * Provided by Purdue University with class recommendations towards career results