What can I do with this degree?
VITICULTURE
AREAS
APPLIED PLANT SCIENCE
Agronomy
Biotechnology
Breeding
Food Science and Technology
Plant Pathology
Vine Nursery Management
Viticulturist
Vineyard Design
EMPLOYERS
Colleges and universities
Research organizations
Agriculture industry including wine grape growers and fermentation
Biotechnology firms
Industries including petrochemical and chemical
Ecological consulting companies
Federal, state, and local government agencies
Environmental and biotechnical regulatory agencies
STRATEGIES
Take courses or double major in your area of interest. Join the on-campus Viticulture Club. Gain relevant experience through volunteer positions, part-time work, or internships. Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching, advanced research positions, and administration. Learn a foreign language for international work such as plant studies in the tropics. Learn federal, state and local government job application process.
AREAS
SALES/MARKETING
Outside Sales
Retail Sales
Customer Relations
Public Relations
Advertising
Agricultural Consultation
Grower Relations Representative
Marketing of Grapes
Agricultural Commodities Broker
EMPLOYERS
Vineyards and tasting rooms
Market analysis firms
Agribusinesses
Production industries
Food retailers and wholesalers
Food processors
Manufacturers of farm input supplies
Farm equipment manufacturers
Media companies
Advertising agencies
Consulting firms
STRATEGIES
Join a professional organization such as National Agri-Marketing Association. Gain experience with retailers in the agricultural industry and other agribusinesses. Develop skills in decision-making, policy analysis and technical analysis. Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills. Get involved in campus organizations and seek leadership roles. Build relationships with major and local retail and marketing firms that specialize in agriculture. Consider obtaining a certificate in marketing.
AREAS
MANAGEMENT/DEVELOPMENT
Vineyard Manager
Vineyard Owner
Equipment Supervisor
Crew Supervisor
Crop Management
Agribusiness Management
Land Management
Agricultural and Pest Consultation
Vineyard Appraiser
Farm and Home advisor
EMPLOYERS
Agribusinesses
Farm-input-supply businesses
Commodity processors
Production industries
Seed companies
Food wholesalers and retailers
Banks, realtors, and county extension offices
Insurance companies
STRATEGIES
Join a professional organization such as Institute of Food Technologists International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, or the California Association of Viticulture and Enology Scholars (CAVES). Pursue experiences with management companies through part-time employment, internships or co-ops. Develop your skills in decision-making, policy analysis and technical analysis. Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills. Stay up to date on local, national and global economic trends. Become involved in campus organizations such as the NAMA/Agribusiness club or the Viticulture Club. Research and contact management organizations that specialize in agriculture. Be prepared to start in entry-level management trainee positions.
AREAS
AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Purchasing/Buying
Dealership Management
Customer Relations
Wholesale and Retail Sales
Environmental Technology
Farm Supply Management
Teaching/Training
Logistics
EMPLOYERS
Agricultural support companies
Agricultural machinery manufacturers
Farm machinery sales and service companies
Landscape development and maintenance industry
Farm input supply businesses
Wholesale distributors
Logistics firms
STRATEGIES
Develop awareness and understanding of the farm machinery and equipment market, both nationally and internationally. Explore current and past research into the development of basic and advanced farm and agricultural equipment. Obtain retail and/or wholesale sales experience, preferably in the field of agriculture or farm supply companies. Get involved in related student organizations. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially for sales-related positions.
AREAS
GOVERNMENT/NONPROFIT
State and Federal Conservation
Health and Regulatory Inspection
Agricultural Inspection
Association Representative
Vineyard Appraiser
Land Management
Farm and Home advisor
EMPLOYERS
State and local government
Federal government agencies including: US Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Land Management
Non-profit organizations
Advocacy groups
STRATEGIES
Gain exposure and experience by volunteering with agencies such as 4-H. Find an internship with a government agency. Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills. Learn about the federal government application process. Maintain a high grade point average.
AREAS
EDUCATION
Agricultural Education
Research and Research Analysis
EMPLOYERS
Colleges and universities
Research institutions
Farm information services utilizing mass communication
STRATEGIES
Volunteer to assist a faculty member with his or her research. Earn a PhD for university teaching. Learn to work well with all types of people. Get involved in relevant activities such as tutoring, peer mentoring, etc.