As you prepare for the future, it may be helpful to consider the types of career opportunities that attract, excite and motivate you. To help with your search, researchers at Purdue University, in partnership with National FFA and funded by BASF, recently worked to identify ideal work environments and characteristics that are important to future agricultural employees.
The collaborative project, known as “Future of Work,” began in 2021. BASF, a National FFA corporate partner, contacted National FFA staff to express an interest in examining what National FFA Alumni between the ages of 18 and 25, who are members of Generation Z, prioritize in their future workplaces. From there, Dr. Allen Talbert, professor of agricultural sciences, education and communication at Purdue University, joined the cause. The three entities then began working on the project’s framework, which included developing and distributing a survey to Gen Z National FFA alums.
The survey asked participants to answer questions related to five key dimensions — including interest value, social value, economic value, development value and application value — to measure how attractive a potential employer is to a Gen Z individual. Overall, the study found that Gen Z participants:
- Learned about job opportunities through their ag teachers, peer networking or social media sites.
- Expect to be promoted in two years or less.
- Generally don’t want to move outside their community or state.
- Are willing to work 40 hours per week, but prefer not to work longer hours, on weekends or stay away from home for weeks.
- Prefer workplaces that reflect their personal values.
Oluwatosin Benjamin Fakunle (pictured above), a second-year graduate student at Purdue University, joined the project in 2021 to help with the literature review and data analysis processes. His advice for students interested in getting involved with research is simple: Find ways to stay motivated.
“Every action is an opportunity to learn something new,” Fakunle says.
Showing Our Impact
To learn more, visit ffa.app.box.com/v/showingourimpct. Access an in-depth “Future of Work” study report here.
