With a wide array of careers in the Ontario agri-food sector, there are many opportunities for students and job seekers. From marketing, producing, selling, processing, researching, lobbying or teaching, the career paths for agriculture and food are endless.
If you are a student currently considering a career path in agri-food, for every student with an agricultural education, there are four jobs waiting for them when they graduate. If you have skills or an education outside of agriculture, there is a place for you too. Virtually every field of study and expertise can be utilized and is highly valued in the agri-food sector.
The #FeatureYourFuture social media campaign was launched to share the stories of people in various jobs across the industry. By showcasing their journey into agri-food, we hope their path inspires you to consider a rewarding career in the sector. We will highlight some of their stories below. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Conor
“Not only have I learned about the roles that relate to my degree, but through training and new experiences, I now look at agriculture completely differently.”
Learn more Conor
Conor obtained an undergraduate degree in Communications from Wilfrid Laurier University, in addition to a postgraduate certificate in Public Relations & Digital Marketing from Conestoga College. This has led him to his current internship with AgCareers.com and CareersinFood.com, in digital marketing and communications.
With no prior experience in anything related to agriculture, Conor did not expect to find himself here. He simply applied for this co-op in hopes of gaining some experience related to his degree, but now realizes he has learned more than he ever imagined he would. Before he began this co-op, Conor only associated agriculture with farming, he never considered the business, science and technology elements that contribute to innovative farms. He was not aware of the diversity of careers in this industry but is confident that he would now consider a career in agriculture.
Gail
“I recognized from an early age that agriculture is a vital industry necessary for sustaining human life...it creates the food we eat!”
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Gail
Gail is an E-learning Project Coordinator within the Business Development Center at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus. She obtained a degree in International Relations and Political Science and has recently completed post graduate studies in Educational Technology and Instructional Design. Gail always pictured herself as a mentor but also believes that her culmination of experiences as a teacher and social worker, along with interests in agriculture, has led her to where she is today.
Gail noticed that in Jamaica, opportunities were fairly limited however, she has been lucky to be exposed to a variety of jobs. In her current role, Gail is motivated to counter the negative stereotypes that exist in the agricultural sector. She recognizes that agricultural jobs are often perceived to be dirty, require long hours and are for the uneducated. Fortunately, in Gail’s profession and expertise, she is determined to counter these misconceptions, creating better support for the sector!
Meena
“Sometimes it's okay to say ‘I'm not a farmer, but I have passion for working in the sector’!”
Learn more Meena
Meena works for the Regional Municipality of York as an Agriculture and Agri-Food Business Specialist. At 19, Meena moved from Kenya to Toronto to pursue her degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto. Meena believes that her career journey began with a dream and a passion. She was set on combining the world of business with environmental sustainability. Growing up in Kenya, sustainable agriculture was Meena’s family’s way of life, which still propels Meena to give back to her community.
During these times in COVID, Meena is in awe of the entire agri-food sector’s commitment to food security and she is happy to express her pride in working in this industry. There is a big opportunity to connect the world of food and agriculture with environmental protection of natural resources, and technological innovation for a more sustainable future.
Barry
“A lot of my friends told me I could be whatever I wanted - so why not choose something in agriculture?”
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Barry
Barry is an Agriculture Development Advisor for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. After growing up on a farm and graduating from the University of Guelph with a degree in Animal Science, Barry still never expected to be where he is today.
Until his senior year in high school, Barry never considered a career in agriculture. His friends even questioned why he would choose pursuing agriculture when he could do anything he wanted! Yet Barry continued to follow opportunities and recognized that you can have any interest and still have a career in agriculture. With interests in journalism and teaching, Barry enjoys leading workshops for farmers, as well as writing for agriculture focused magazines and blogs.
Nathan
“Diversity in Canadian agriculture will propel us forward through challenging times and help us through the storms we face.”
Learn more Nathan
Nathan is a Business Strategy and Development Manager for Syngenta Canada. He grew up raising beef which transitioned into a cash crop farm, where he continues to farm. This helps him to feel grounded and stay connected to what farmers are facing on a day-to-day basis. Nathan graduated from the University of Guelph with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science.
Nathan never imagined he would be where he is now and looking back, he wishes he had of been told more about the endless opportunities in agriculture. He feels lucky to be on the path that he has taken, which includes having the opportunity to see agriculture internationally, in places such as Switzerland, Ukraine, Australia and Bangladesh. The key is just to say yes to opportunities that come your way!
Jodie
“There’s a lot of jobs out there, so make sure to be selective.”
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Jodie
Jodie is a professional photographer with a deep focus in agriculture. Born into farming as a 5th generation farmer herself, Jodie quickly gained an interest in the industry. She was always the most interested in equipment and the innovative side of agriculture, yet still enjoys getting out in the field.
Although she never pictured photography to turn into a profitable career, she is amazed at how quickly small investments turned into large investments to start her own photography business. Jodie enjoys the diversity of the position and finds that this business still allows her to be fully involved in the industry within several different aspects.
If you have an interesting path into the agri-food industry, or you would like to share helpful insights about working in agri-food, please reach out to us in the Contact section.
