Exploring the competencies, skills, and abilities needed by agricultural communications students: A Delphi study

The agricultural industry is rapidly changing; as educators it is crucial that students are prepared to meet the changes of the industry. It is important to constantly review curriculum to ensure existing curriculum effectively prepares students for the communications industry. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of what skills, knowledge, and competencies the future agricultural communications student must possess to be successful in the workplace. The study utilized a three-round Delphi study with a panel of industry professionals, followed by a survey of agricultural communications faculty members. The results showed that industry professionals value more soft-skills, but university faculty members were overall in agreement with the importance of competencies. The results also revealed a list of competencies that are now expected for agricultural communications graduates. Future research should be conducted to see if agricultural communications departments are teaching the important competencies.