Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A land-grant institution
For Parents, Teachers, and Guidance Counselors
A recent article on JobWeb.com explained the value of an associate degree graduate as follows:
“Employers like associate degree graduates for several reasons. Graduates with a two-year degree often possess a useful technical skill set and typically need less training than other new graduates. They are more likely to enter the work force with "hands-on" experience. Employers noted that associate degree graduates tend to have more work and/or "life" experience than other graduates. A few employers said that as a result of having experience, two-year grads tend to have developed a good work ethic—a quality employers say is often lacking in inexperienced graduates.”
The Occupational Outlook Handbook indicates that there will be a 33% increase in jobs requiring an associate's degree versus a 22% increase in jobs requiring a bachelor's degree through the year 2008.
The Virginia Tech Agricultural Technology program prepares students for real world work experience. Students who successfully complete the program will have developed their work ethic and technical skills. These qualities are exactly what employers are seeking. The Agricultural Technology Program is proud of the hands-on experience we offer our students. This experience is in high demand and difficult to find elsewhere.
We are working on a jobs database that will allow us to better communicate the careers that are available after completing the program. Visit the recently updated list of job titles for past graduates at Internships, Jobs, and Careers. Please let us know if there area additional tools that would be useful.
Contact Brenda French at (540) 231-7649 or e-mail frenchbj@vt.edu, if you need additional information to help you with your efforts to guide an individual through the admissions process.
Thank you for your support of the program!