Hiring expectations for new and future workers in animal genetics careers

Abstract To better align educational outcomes with workforce demands in animal and equine genetics, this study surveyed 65 industry professionals on entry‐level competencies, hiring trends, and graduate preparedness of undergraduate students. The survey assessed employer ratings on the importance and perceived proficiency of seven core competencies: critical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, career/self‐development, and equity/inclusion, as well as technical knowledge and broader skills relevant to animal breeding and genetics. Results revealed oral communication, teamwork, and work ethic were rated as the most critical transferable skills, though notable proficiency gaps persist, particularly in leadership and professionalism. Foundational technical knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics was highly prioritized at hire. While candidate quality was generally rated positively, variability in hiring practices and the evolving nature of industry needs highlight the necessity for undergraduate curricula to integrate strong technical and scientific foundations with practical, work‐integrated learning and industry partnerships. Curricula should also include the development of transferable skills. These findings offer valuable guidance for updating animal and equine science genetics educational programs to better prepare graduates for a workforce increasingly driven by technological innovation, data science, and interdisciplinary problem‐solving, as well as communication and work ethic. Core Ideas Aligning curricula with evolving industry needs is essential for students and employers. Employers value oral and written communication and teamwork but desire students to be better prepared at hire. Curricula must equip graduates to excel at the intersection of agriculture, big data, and advanced computation. Student success increases with real‐world learning, mentoring, and industry partnerships that close skill gaps.