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First, some facts. Of the Agricultural Economics graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 130 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 51%, Agricultural Economics graduates have a much lower likelihood (-16%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 27% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Agricultural Economics graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 67% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Fort Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Agricultural Economics. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONExtension North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Aug 2018 - Present 92F  US Army Oct 2021 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science - MSNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University 2018 - 2020 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Agricultural Economics reveals a striking diversity in job roles and their relevance to the field. Many graduates have ventured into roles that, on the surface, may not seem directly linked to agricultural economics. For instance, positions in banking, sales, or customer service appear frequently. Jobs like loan officers, bank tellers, and various sales-related roles dominate the landscape, which raises questions about the practical application of their degrees in the professional sphere. While some of these positions, like an Agricultural Business Banker or a claims adjuster, hold a clearer connection to agricultural economics, many others do not utilize their specialized training effectively.
A quick glance at the list shows that only a fraction of these roles are explicitly tied to agricultural economics. Jobs such as "Claims Adjuster" at agricultural insurance agencies or "Financial Services Officer" at agricultural banks have strong relevance, as they require knowledge of agricultural markets and financial principles. On the other hand, many roles—like general sales representatives or administrative assistants—fail to leverage the core competencies gained from an Agricultural Economics degree. This trend indicates a significant gap between the educational training received and the practical job market, suggesting that graduates might find themselves in roles that do not fully utilize their skills or knowledge. As a result, while there are indeed relevant job opportunities, it is evident that many graduates may drift into unrelated fields, leading to a questionable connection between their academic background and their professional paths.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Agricultural Economics graduates:
When diving into the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Agricultural Economics, there is a variety of paths that they have taken, but some common trends emerge. Generally, the first jobs they secure post-graduation can vary widely, from roles that are closely related to agricultural finance or management to positions that might not seem directly linked to their field of study. For instance, recent grads have taken on roles as trainees, interns, and entry-level positions within banks and insurance companies. Some have even started in sectors far from agricultural economics, working in retail or customer service. This suggests there might be a struggle for new graduates to land roles directly aligned with their specialized training, especially in the immediate aftermath of their studies.
Looking at career progression over five or ten years, many individuals seem to transition into more relevant roles as they gain experience and make professional connections. For example, those starting at banks often find their way into more focused financial roles related to agriculture, such as agricultural finance specialties. On the other hand, we also see examples of people who drift significantly from agricultural economics — for instance, some may stay within general finance roles without a strong connection to agriculture. A few graduates have even transitioned into teaching or unrelated sectors, which raises questions about the alignment of their education with their early career choices. Overall, while many graduates eventually carve out fulfilling careers in sectors associated with agricultural economics, there are definitely instances of deviation into less relevant or unrelated paths, which may lead to questions about the direct applicability of their degree in the job market.
In summary, while graduates of Agricultural Economics may initially find themselves in a mix of related and unrelated jobs, many do seem to gradually move toward roles that utilize their degree effectively as they gather experience. However, a significant number still reflect a broader challenge that can exist for new graduates in specific fields, where the connection to their educational background may not be as straightforward in their initial career steps. Ultimately, this highlights the importance of internships, networking, and practical experience while studying to ensure they have the best chance to transition smoothly into a career that aligns closely with their degree.
A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics can be a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. It’s definitely not the easiest degree out there, but it’s not the hardest either. You’ll dive into some math and statistics, which can be a challenge for some, but if you're someone who enjoys problem-solving and understanding market dynamics, it can be pretty engaging. Plus, you’ll often get a blend of social sciences and agriculture, which keeps things interesting. As long as you keep up with your coursework and don’t get too bogged down by the quantitative stuff, you should be able to manage it just fine! So, if you're passionate about the subject, it can be more enjoyable than daunting.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Economics.
Looking at the career paths of these Agricultural Economics graduates, it seems like some are doing quite well financially, while others might not be hitting those big money milestones just yet. For example, graduates with roles in banking, wealth management, or as attorneys are likely bringing in a decent income—positions like Wealth Management Trust Operations Manager or Attorney usually come with good salaries. On the flip side, those starting out in more entry-level roles like extraction technicians or various assistant positions may not be making as much initially; however, with experience and time, their earning potential can increase significantly.
Overall, it kind of shows the classic tale of career progression. Many individuals on this list seem to be climbing the ladder in their respective fields, especially in more specialized areas like finance, management, and agribusiness. Even though some may start lower on the pay scale, the growth opportunities in agricultural economics can lead to better financial situations in the long run. As they move up and take on more responsibility, their salaries should reflect that increasing expertise.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Economics. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Economics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Agricultural Economics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Texas A&M University
|
42 | 31 |
 Texas Tech University
|
39 | 13 |