Chapter 3 Agriculture as a Career 143 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. traditional (or dated) methods used to perform a task. In the second column, identify new technological methods of performing the task. Use your chart to write 3–4 paragraphs on how technology has made job searching and employment easier. 3. Math. Find information on the average hourly pay rate in your area for three farm- or ranch-related occupations. Calculate what a person in each of these occupations would earn (before taxes) in one week, one year, and over 20 years. Also assume a rate of inflation of about 3% per year and a pay increase of the same. Develop a table to show your results. Can you draw any conclusions from the results? 4. Language Arts. Create an informational pamphlet on the agricultural career of your choice. Research the education requirements, job responsibilities, advancement opportunities, etc. Include images in your pamphlet. Present your pamphlet to the class. Communicating about Agriculture 1. Reading and Speaking. Working with two partners, research the type of interview questions you may be asked when applying for a job in the agricultural industry. Look for examples of the best way to reply to interview questions. Create a script with one partner applying for the position and the other two partners performing the interview. Perform the skit for your class. 2. Reading and Speaking. Create an informational pamphlet on how to apply for a job in the agricultural industry. Narrow your focus to a particular area such as greenhouse production or small animal production. Research résumé strategies and portfolio organization and download a sample job application. Present your pamphlet to the class. After your project has been graded and returned to you, review the instructor’s comments. List the types of changes you could make to improve your project. 3. Writing and Speaking. Interview someone local who works in an agricultural field. For example, you could interview a local veterinarian, nursery manager/owner, park ranger, or swine producer. Choose an area you are interested in and/or with which you are not familiar. Ask the person to describe a typical day at work. Prepare a list of questions similar to the following: How long have you been in the _____ industry? Did you go to school? Did you work as an intern? What is the work environment like? What are your job duties? What other types of professionals do you work with? Report your findings to the class, giving reasons why you would or would not want to pursue a career similar to that of the person you interviewed. (Do not forget to send a note thanking the person for their time and help.)