“What are your plans after college?”

If this question doesn’t make you sweat a little, congratulations! You’re part of the few students who have a job lined up after graduation.

If it does make you sweat, we’ve got some news for you. 

The United States Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Purdue University College of Agriculture, recently released a report that shows a high demand for college graduates with degrees in agricultural-related programs. College graduates in the U.S. can expect a 2.6% growth in job opportunities within the next five years.

Read the report here.
                                              



Utah State University agricultural communications and journalism alumna Bailee Woolstenhulme has been recognized as the 2020 Young Professional of the Year for the Salt Lake City chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).  

Woolstenhulme, a 2016 graduate of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, was humbled with the announcement of the award.  

“I was truly shocked to learn that I was nominated and picked for this award,” Woolstenhulmesaid. “It is very humbling to know that despite this year being one of the hardest years to be a communicator, and feeling that I failed more times than not, that my hard work was noticed and appreciated. I’m truly grateful to have received this award and to be surrounded by so many who inspire me every day!”  

Woolstenhulme has been employed by Utah Farm Bureau since October of 2018. As the communications, event planner, and member services specialist, she responsible for managing social media accounts, writing and producing web content, planning and facilitating all Utah Farm Bureau events, as well as managing member benefits all across the state.  

“I credit a lot of my success to my beginnings at USU,” Woolstenhulme said. “Being involved in clubs like Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and the agribusiness clubreally helped me network myself even while I was in school.” 

Woolstenhulme met her first employer at an event hosted by the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. As president of the club her senior year, she was able to create relationships that will last a lifetime. 

“If I was to offer any advice to ag comm students it would be to get involved,” Woolstenhulme said. “Get the full experience of college life, the more opportunities you take advantage of the more potential jobs there are.” 

She appreciates the mentorship and guidance of several professors during her time at USU, including the instruction of Kelsey Hall, Brian Champagne, Steve Reiher, and Matthew LaPlante.  

“Learn everything you can,” Woolstenhulme advised. “The more that you can do the more valuable you are. Be a self-starter, ask questions, be willing to learn and to be taught new things, it will give you such a big advantage.”  

Utah State’s College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences partners with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to provide students a unique opportunity to pursue two bachelor’s degree at once, giving them the chance to further their knowledge within the realms of agricultural communications and journalism. Students may choose to focus their studies in broadcast, public relations, or social media.