Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Career Readiness for Agricultural Graduates in India

Abstract

Agricultural Educational institutions are striving to enhance their methodologies to equip graduates with skills that meet diverse industry demands. While graduates are trained in foundational agricultural science, there is a growing recognition that securing suitable employment requires competencies beyond technical expertise.  The study identifies notable gaps in these skill sets among graduates, indicating that while educational programs assess technical abilities rigorously, there is room for improvement in developing broader employability skills. The research involved final-year undergraduate students, alumni, and employers from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). A 67-item questionnaire was administered to students, alumni and employers. The 67 items were grouped into 16 skill categories and percentage analysis was carried out for better understanding. The analysis revealed that a significant portion of students (67.12%) are female, reflecting a positive trend in gender participation in agricultural education. However, the preference for government jobs among 85% of students raises concerns about their willingness to explore opportunities in the private sector, which may limit their career options. The study’s findings also reveal discrepancies in perceptions of essential employability skills among students, alumni, and employers. Students and alumni rated "Listening" as the most critical skill, while employers prioritized "Problem Solving and Analytic" skills.  Furthermore, the study advocates for robust career guidance programs that encourage students to consider diverse career paths, including the private sector. Additionally, addressing gender disparities in the workforce is crucial to ensure equitable opportunities for all graduates.