• To live in a full, more meaningful life by understanding the world in which you live
• Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to obtain and maintain a meaningful career

What are employers looking for?
Students desiring meaningful and fulfilling career opportunities are advised that to takes more than a college degree to be successful. Employers are searching for people with the following attributes:

• Ability and desire to work and go the extra mile
• Strong commitment to achievement and excellence
• Superior communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to solve problems and make sound decisions
• Demonstrated ability to work
• A willingness to relocate
• high degree of curiosity and self-motivation
• Ability to effectively relate to other people, both peers and supervisors
• Successful completion of at least one internship
• Demonstrated leadership skills

Animal Industries Create Career Opportunities
The U.S. equine industry is highly diverse, supporting a wide variety of activities in all regions of the country. This industry includes breeding, training, and maintaining horses, operating tracks, show and recreational facilities as well as numerous ancillary activities. These include feed, tack, equipment, and real estate sales, legal services, art, photography and literature. Current estimates place 6.9 million horses in the United States involving 7.1 million Americans. These people serve the industry as owners/employers, service providers, employees and volunteers.

The equine industry has a substantial impact on the US economy as a whole. Over $2.5 billion are directly produced as goods and services annually. This relates to a total impact of $112.1 billion on the US Gross domestic Product. Further, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 1.4 million full-time equivalent equine-related jobs were created across the US

The international market provides additional opportunities as the global economy expands. Many countries increase their consumption of animal products as their standard of living rises. Export markets are becoming increasingly important, not only for livestock producers but for agribusiness as well. Students with multiple language skills and international travel expedience coupled with a university education are in increasing demand.

Where Are The Jobs? Students with B.S. degrees in animal science are entering the following general career areas:

What are the Starting Salaries?
The starting salaries for graduates vary considerably and students are advised to keep in mind both the long-term opportunities for growth, benefits packages, and degree of job satisfaction when seeking employment. However, average starting salaries for graduates are:

When To Start Seeking Career Information?
Start early - even in high school. Those who prepare early put themselves in a position to command the highest demand in the marketplace. Employment statistics suggest that people will change jobs 6 to 8 times throughout their working life and thus the process of seeking and analyzing career information is a lifelong task.

Where to start?
Choose a list of career opportunities of greatest interest and then begin seeking information as to specific companies offering jobs in those areas, contacts with people in those careers, and other sources that contribute to your understanding of each. It is best to keep your vision broad at the outset of this process. You will likely find your interests changing as you move through the educational and professional process. Flexibility is key to career success.

Important questions to ask in the information gathering process are:

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities?
• What are the desired qualifications to gain entry to the profession?
• How do the needs of the job match with your talents and desires?
• What specific skills are important for success?
• What are the traits of those that have found success in the particular career of interest?
• Are there any internships or part-time employment opportunities available?

Keep your search active and maintain a file of reference materials to assist your search. Communicate with people in the profession, attend industry meetings and conferences, seek new leads, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Other General Guidelines
Build flexibility into your career plan. A broad education leading to several career alternatives is an excellent path to follow. The Equine Science - Industry Concentration Major is designed to allow you the flexibility to build a unique set of perspectives, experiences and skills. The science Concentration is designed to prepare you for entry into graduate or professional school.
Seek out classes and extracurricular activities that help you develop communication and problem solving skills, teamwork and leadership.
Become personally acquainted with your academic advisor, other faculty members, and industry contacts who can write excellent letters of recommendation for you.
Understand the components of a good resume. Write the résumé you would like to have two to three years from now. Then work hard to make this proposed resume become a reality.
Obtain experience through internships and summer employment.
Participate in international experience. Study abroad for a semester (Office of International education, 315 Aylesworth Hall, 491 5917) or participate in the Animal Science Department Australian Rural Studies Tour.

Internships
Internships provide educational opportunities that cannot be duplicated on campus. They help determine if a specific career area is realistic for you. Many students are offered jobs after completing their internship. An excellent letter of reference from an internship cooperator can be invaluable in attaining your first job.

Extracurricular Activities
students enhance their career opportunities by being more involved in extracurricular activities. Involvement in clubs and organizations give worthwhile experiences in leadership and learning how to work with other people. Animal Sciences students have a wide variety of clubs and organizations.

Sources Of More Detailed Information

• Check the career bulletin board located outside room 11, animal sciences building
• Visit your advisor at least once a a semester
• Communicate with individuals currently working in an area of interest to you
• Attend the College of Agricultural Sciences career fair to meet with prospective employers
• Utilize the resources of the College of Agricultural Sciences Placement Office, 128 Shepardson Building, 491-3712.
• Utilize the resources of the Career Center, Ammons Hall, Room 105, Ph. 491 1134

Choosing a Career in the Equine Industry - Industry Concentration

Preparation for:

Choosing a Career in the Equine Industry - Science Concentration

Preparation for: