Career Compass: Agriculture and Agroecology

As an agriculture student in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences you will have three areas of specialization to choose from:

1. Animal Systems: the study of animal production including genetics, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health and reproduction. You will learn how to effectively manage the production of livestock animals and poultry.
2. Agronomy: the study of crop production, soil management and water resources, including crop physiology and the biology of seed plants. You will learn how agronomy is practiced around the world, with a focus on Western Canada.
3. Plant Biotechnology: this degree provides you with a solid foundation in genetics, pathology, the physiology of plant growth, and the development of crop plants for food, feed and industrial uses.

As an agroecology student in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences you will learn about the biological and physical components of ecosystems, and how we can achieve economically sustainable agricultural production while conserving resources and maintaining the integrity of our ecosystems. Students graduating with a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Agronomy, Animal Systems, Plant Biotechnology) or Agroecology meet education requirements for registration and licensure with Agrologists Manitoba leading to the Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) designation.

Skills you will gain by studying Agriculture and Agroecology

• The ability to effectively manage livestock production while considering the economic and environmental sustainability of integrated livestock and crop production systems.
• The ability to produce food, feed, fuel and bio-products in sustainable ways.
• The ability to develop food crops from the molecular level to the plant in the field, and new technologies that protect crops from insects and disease.
• An understanding of how we can achieve economically sustainable agricultural production while conserving resources and maintaining ecosystems.

Academic success

Course requirements:
ABIZ 1000, AGRI 1600, BIOL 1020 , BIOL 1030, CHEM 1300 and CHEM 1310 or CHEM 1320, ECON 1010, HNSC 1200 or  HNSC 1210, free elective

Agroecology: Free elective

Agriculture: MATH 1210, or MATH 1300, or MATH 1500 or MATH 1510 or MATH 1520

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.
3. Use UM Achieve to explore different program options & corresponding requirements
4. Research the different specializations and degree options to determine which will help you to acquire the skills required for your field of interest.

Career tips

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills. Gather career information and resources from the Faculty job placement / co-op coordinator.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a careerCONNECT account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Co-Curricular Record (CCR), an official record of university-approved activities.

Volunteer and work experience

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the Stockman’s and Pre-Vet clubs, the Faculty of Agriculture Students' Association (FASO) and the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU).
2. Join the University of Manitoba Volunteer Program to volunteer for Science, Engineering & Technology Day.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, Provincial government's STEP Services or Federal government's Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Alternative Reading Week Winnipeg and the Student Leadership Development Program.

Cultural opportunities

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for U of M students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: visit Migizii Agamik or the International Centre for Students, take part in the Intercultural Retreat or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Academic success

Course requirements:
Refer to the academic calendar to view the courses for your program or specialty of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities.
3. Use UM Achieve to prepare for and plan for registration. 
4. Consider applying to the co-op option.

Career tips

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs, like the ASE Career Fair in October, to connect with employers.
3. Become a student member with the Canadian Society of Agronomy, the Canadian Society of Animal Science, the Canadian Society for Soil Science and others.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

Volunteer and work experience

Explore student research opportunities: apply for a research assistant positions, Undergraduate Research Award through Faculty departments and other research institutions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: check out Bruce. D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre, Manitoba Eco-Network, and Fort Whyte Farms.

Check out student job opportunities with: agriculture and food companies, government and not for profit organizations through the Faculty website.

Cultural opportunities

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: consider an international student exchange, volunteer in an agricultural-related position through Go Overseas, Volunteer Base Camp or Projects Abroad, a Students Without Borders internship, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out out a spring or summer Community Engaged Learning experience. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Volunteer Language Exchange Program.

Academic success

Course requirements:
Refer to the academic calendar to view the courses for your program or specialty of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. Meet with an academic advisor for program approval prior to registration.
2. If you are taking the Plant Biotechnology specialization in the Agriculture program – there are three streams: Plant genetics, Plant physiology, Plant pathology. Consider which one best fits your interests and career goals. 
3. Consider taking a minor in Plant Biotechnology, Agronomy, Economics or Management.

Career tips

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning such as the World Trade Centre or Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs at the University of Manitoba.

Volunteer and work experience

Continue or start research: participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Join community associations: check out the Association of Plant Biologist, the Life Sciences Association of Manitoba and Manitoba Environmental Industries Association.

Volunteer on campus by joining the Student Volunteer program.

Search for job opportunities online: check out AgCareers.com, eco.ca, aic.ca, mia.mb.ca, animalsciencejobs.com, directfarmmanitoba.ca, umanitoba.ca/afs, Job Bank, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

Cultural opportunities

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow.

Academic Success

Course requirements:
Refer to the academic calendar to view the courses for your program or specialty of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:
Confirm ability to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

Career tips

Start job search 9 months in advance: contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation. Additional career information and resources are available from the Faculty job placement / co-op coordinator.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

Volunteer and work experience

Ensure you have references in place: ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: attend a conference through the Agriculture Institute of Canada or event through Farm Management Canada.

Assess your resumé: identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program. Consider doing the P.Ag designation – learn more through the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists.

Cultural opportunities

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Get access to Lynda.com through the Winnipeg Public Library.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

Animal Systems Option

• Animal Nutrition Specialist
• Animal Scientist
• Barn Manager
• Feed Formulator
• Food Inspector
• Research Assistant
• Swine Technician

Agronomy/Agroecology Option

• Agricultural Marketing/Sales Rep
• Agricultural Specialist
• Agriculture Extension Specialist
• Agronomist/Agrologist
• Conservation Planner
• Crop Quality Control Specialist
• Crop Production Specialist
• Grain Buyer
• Integrated Pest Management Specialist
• Landscape Steward Specialist
• Precision Agronomist
• Research Technician

Plant Biotechnology Option

• Biological Technologist
• Biotechnology Researcher
• Crop Extension Coordinator
• Green House Technician
• Plant Breeder
• Plant Pathologist
• Plant Propagation Specialist 
• Plant Tissue Culture Technician

Options requiring other education

• Policy Analyst
• Research Scientist
• Teacher
• University Professor
• Veterinarian

Industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, community development, environment, food and beverage, education, and government would value an agriculture or agroecology degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Industry specific knowledge
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Oral and written communication
• Teamwork
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital technology
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.