Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to identify and describe factors that are related to African American and Hispanic graduates' decisions to choose (or not to choose) a career in agriculture or a related field prior to and/or after college. When respondents enrolled in their first agriculture-related course did not have a major effect on the probability that they would select an agriculture-related career. This suggests that the college experience can have a positive effect on students' career choice. Having people of color to encourage respondents to consider an agriculturerelated career increased respondents' likelihood of pursuing an agriculture-related career. Having actual or perceived limited job opportunities in agriculture led respondents to choose careers other than agriculture and related fields.
With this knowledge, college personnel should take a more active role in the process of students' career choices. This can be done through educating students more about career opportunities (the teaching and advising process), better mentoring and enhanced interaction with leaders in the career field.
Keywords:
career choices, ethnic minorities
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