Kick-start your post-secondary education in agriculture with advice from ag students and recent grads
Agriculture isn’t just about farming anymore – it’s a high-tech, fast-paced field with tons of exciting opportunities and potential career paths. Whether you’re studying plants, animals, farm machinery or business, here’s what three past recipients of the CABEF scholarship say you’ll need to survive and thrive through your educational journey and career in agriculture.
An open and curious mind
With new technologies, regulations and practices emerging daily, agriculture is changing at an unrivalled pace. When it comes to learning and keeping up with trends, the right attitude and mindset are just as important as your textbooks, says Emily Bieman, a third-year student at the University of Guelph studying animal biology. “Even if you don’t come from an agricultural background and you have no experience in the field, a lot of people are willing to help you along and provide training – as long as you have a passion for learning and being curious,” she says.
“People are very willing to knowledge share, if you’re open to listening,” agrees Amanda Mitchell, a PhD student at the University of Guelph studying soil microbiology.
Julie Sharp, a recent graduate of the University of Saskatchewan who now works at the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, emphasizes that being unsure of something isn’t considered a weakness. “It’s important to have some knowledge of what you’re going to be doing, of course,” she says. “But lean on the people you’re working with for help.”
A sense of extra-curricular adventure
Clubs, conferences and job prospects all contribute to a well-rounded post-secondary experience, while also providing exposure to the different people, niches and roles within the industry, Sharp says.
“Start attending industry events whenever you can,” she suggests, adding many conferences and trade shows have special discounted rates for students, which can open the door to new people and new experiences. “You never know who you’re going to meet, or what opportunities may come out of attending. I’ve never regretted getting involved in something or attending an event.”
And, Mitchell emphasizes, don’t discount an opportunity just because you’re unsure if it’s the right fit.
“I highly recommend joining a school club or association that you’re only sort of interested in – even if it doesn’t perfectly align with your goals,” she says. “They are a great way to meet people and to build your network.”
Bieman agrees, recalling how she stepped out of her comfort zone to participate in a College Royal event showing a horse – an area in which she had no prior experience – at the suggestion of a coworker. “I was unsure about participating, because I wasn’t from a horse background, but I competed and won in my category,” she laughs. “Having encouragement from someone else pushed me to take part.”
Sharp extends the same advice when it comes to pursuing job opportunities. Coming from a cow-calf operation, she sought out summer jobs in crop research and weed inspection to fill her own knowledge gaps. “For me, it was really important to learn about other aspects of agriculture I didn’t know as much about, like plant science and agronomy, and make some connections that opened new doors,” she says. “These roles have helped me meet a wide range of people.”
A good support system
Your post-secondary years will be filled with fun, but there will undoubtedly be challenges. From navigating difficult classes and living away from home to dealing with family matters and personal issues, some days are harder than others – and Sharp, Mitchell and Bieman all agree that a strong support network makes all the difference.
“Balancing my time – my classes and coursework, clubs and learning to live on my own – was an adjustment,” Sharp says, reflecting on the added impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on her first year of university. “I had to lean on my professors and friends to gain insights into time management and how to juggle it all.”
“Navigating the transition to post-secondary is about perseverance and resilience and remembering your goals,” Bieman adds. “Having a good community of people – friends, family and mentors – to guide me through it has been key.”
Mitchell stresses the importance of a support system through both the everyday challenges and other unexpected curveballs, like losing her mother to illness in 2024.
“Losing my mom really rearranged my life and plans,” she reflects. “It’s so important to have a support system and find people who have the capacity to be flexible. There are going to be really tough days, and learning how to take care of your mental health is so important. The people you surround yourself with are what pulls you through.”
The bottom line
A successful career in agriculture isn’t just about what you know – it’s about staying curious, being willing to try new things, and building supportive connections with people who share your passion and interests. As you begin your post-secondary journey, keep these insights in mind, and you’ll be well-equipped to tackle what comes your way.
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Emily Bieman is currently a third-year student at the University of Guelph, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in animal biology. Emily became interested and involved in the family farm in Belgrave, Ont., at a young age; bottle-feeding calves and showing her first sheep at six years old. Emily’s goal is to become a large-animal vet in a rural area to serve farming communities. She received a CABEF scholarship in 2022.
Amanda Mitchell grew up on a grain farm in southwestern Saskatchewan where her family still farms, and received a CABEF scholarship in 2017 as she pursued an undergraduate degree in agronomy from the University of Saskatchewan. In December 2024, she successfully defended a master’s degree in soil science under Dr. Bobbi Helgason. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Guelph under Dr. Kari Dunfield, focusing on how microorganisms play a role in improving nitrogen use efficiency in winter wheat. She served on the CABEF board of directors from 2018-2021.
Julie Sharp was raised on a cattle farm in Lacombe, Alta., and became involved in showing cattle and participating in the Alberta Junior Angus Association and Canadian Junior Angus Associations at a young age. She received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2024, majoring in animal science and minoring in agribusiness, receiving a CABEF scholarship in 2021. She began working for the Canadian Roundtable of Sustainable Beef as a summer intern and now serves as their Member and Communications Coordinator, responsible for relationships between members and stakeholders.