Doerfert, David L. (author), Irani, Tracy (author / University of Florida), Akers, Cindy (author), Rutherford, Tracy (author / Texas A & M University), Davis Chad S. (author), compton, Kirsten (author / Texas Tech University), and Pioneer
Format:
Conference proceedings
Publication Date:
2004-06-24
Published:
USA: National agricultural communication summit Lake Tahoe, June 2004
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C22133
3 pages., Via online journal., Increased global trade coupled with diversified employment opportunities demand college graduates possessing well-developed professional skills. Recent survey results identified the importance of professional skills among candidates seeking employment, with communication being recognized as the most important skill or quality when selecting candidates. The ability to work within a team structure, solve complex problems, and organize and prioritize work also ranked high among industry employment needs. Despite a rigorous focus on discipline-oriented knowledge and skills, development of professional skills in students of horticulture may be overlooked or not fully developed. Teaching methods can be modified to incorporate development of professional skills and discipline-oriented knowledge to enhance student employment preparedness and directly address industry needs.