A minor can be a beneficial addition to your education. Getting a minor can be a way to tap into your interests, drive academic pursuits or specialize your degree. They provide flexibility in the workforce, which makes you a more desirable job candidate.
Auburn University’s College of Agriculture offers 11 minors, all of which address world-shaping issues within the agriculture industry. We asked the College of Agriculture Director of Advising Amy Brock about the benefits of earning an agriculture minor. She adamantly advocates for the benefits of this academic choice.
Below are five reasons to earn a minor in agriculture, according to Brock.
Apply Skills
Agriculture is a multimillion-dollar industry that has a number of opportunities to enhance your professional skills.
“These minors are designed for students to get a small sampling of ag courses in specific areas to learn new skills that apply to many career paths,” Brock said.
The world of agriculture offers a variety of skills that can broaden your employability after graduation.
Enjoy Learning
Brock reminds students that minors can be for enjoyment.
“Whether they are already students in the College of Agriculture or not, they can benefit from the skills learned in the many ag minors,” she said. “Minors offer excellent opportunities to explore interests outside of a major and are fun ways to supplement learning.”
An agriculture minor improves your knowledge about the world around you. Whether your interests are in animals, plants or even rural sociology, the college of agriculture has it.
Benefit Postgrad
Applying for jobs post-graduation is competitive. One way to set yourself apart from the other candidates is to have a minor.
“For example, animal science majors could use the crops and soils sciences minor to learn about forages or crop production for animal feeding” Brock said.
Taking on the challenge of several extra courses shows that you are determined and take initiative.
Expand Opportunities
After completing a minor from the College of Agriculture, career options will expand and graduates will have the chance to turn personal interests into a career. Minors are supplemental secondary disciplines that often complement the major.
“Ag communications or ag business majors could take a horticulture minor and focus on floral design and production to pursue careers in event design, event management, floral design, or farm-to-table restaurants,” she said.
Bolster Resume
“Minors are wonderful tools for students to bolster their major or skillset,” Brock said.
Earning a minor in agriculture, can provide extra detail on resumes and allows graduates to display their specialization or get a head start if they plan to pursue another degree.
