Job Attribute Preferences of Undergraduate Agricultural Majors—Do They Match with Careers in Grain Merchandising?

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of student job attribute preferences for grain merchandising careers. Undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture at Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University responded to a choice-based conjoint survey that captures students’ expectations about grain merchandising careers. Parameter estimates from a conditional alternative specific constants logit model are used to estimate willingness to accept changes in salary for preferred job attributes. Results suggest that students have strong preferences for working in rural locations and working at smaller companies and have professional growth opportunities. The students exhibited less of a preference for frequent performance feedback and oral communication, and a focus on risk management and analysis. These results should inform faculty advisors of the important attributes of grain merchandising and help agribusinesses to improve employee recruitment techniques and employee retention.