Perceptions of agriculture and natural resource careers among minority students in a national organization

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify factors that influence the career choice behaviors among students who were members of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) National Society. A secondary purpose was to identify perceptions and attitudes among students that chose careers in agriculture and natural resources. The MANRRS students in the study indicated their mother and persons employed in the field as the individuals who most influenced their choice of a career. Students’ personal concern for the environment was an additional factor that influenced their choice of a career. The perceptions and attitudes reported by MANRRS students who chose a career in agriculture and natural resources focused around several themes, which included career opportunities, positive educational experiences, and internship/job experiences with agencies and organizations. It is hoped that the experiences presented here by current agriculture and natural resources students will aid governmental agencies, private corporations, and nonprofit organizations in increasing the number of ethnic minority professionals in the field of agriculture and natural resources.

Parent Publication

• Recreation visitor research: studies of diversity

Citation

Wilson Outley, Corliss. 2008. Perceptions of agriculture and natural resource careers among minority students in a national organization. In: Chavez, Deborah J.; Winter, Patricia L.; Absher, James D., eds. Recreation visitor research: studies of diversity. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-210. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 139-153. Chapter 12.