Vol 58 (4), Dec 2014

Abstract

 

Plains Nutrition Council members that make hiring decisions (N=129 surveyed; 47 responded) were surveyed to determine skills, knowledge and abilities employers seek in new professionals entering the fed beef industry and to identify how well prepared new professionals were in these areas. For this study, a “new professional” was defined as a person who had completed or was working toward a masters or doctorate degree and was entering an initial career in the cattle feeding business. Of 41 individual skills employers assessed for new employee preparation, the ability to speak a second language was the only item new professionals were believed to be not prepared. Industry employers who participated in this study valued the importance of integrity, honesty and dependability over all other skills. Other skills employers valued included new employees understanding and following directions, listening, initiative and problem solving. General work experience and career-related employment were found as the most valuable experiential learning opportunities new professionals could acquire. Recommendations were made for all stakeholders to promote character education along with leadership and communication skills through both formal and non-formal means. These opportunities could come in the form of course offerings, conference activities, added responsibilities or extracurricular type activities.