Community College Transfer Students’ Agricultural Career Decision Making

This qualitative study examined undergraduates’ perceptions of their career decision-making. All of the participants (N=10) were community college students who transferred to the North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This study examined the various influences that affect a student's career choice and aspirations, including the student’s perception of their abilities, preferences, and pursuing what they feel is a match between these and potential job requirements; background; parental influence; and curricular and co-curricular experiences. This study engaged students in 20 individual interviews: two interviews with each student over the course of the semester. Key findings included the substantial role of personal interests – namely an interest in plants, animals, and being outside – in prompting the students’ decision to pursue agriculture. Most students were influenced by mentors who were employed in the students’ intended careers. In addition, curricular and co-curricular experiences played an essential role in participants’ agricultural career choice and academic major. A primary recommendation is to connect mentors in agricultural careers with community college students to foster the students’ awareness of agricultural careers.