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than a college education. This is part of the reason why, according to CNN, half of all college graduates are either unable to find a job or end up finding a job that doesn’t require a college degree! Not everyone will be lucky enough to have a farm nearby where they can explore this industry firsthand. But James did what any person facing a decision should do—he explored his options. “One of the best things I ever did was take time to learn about the industry. When I made the decision to drop out of college, I didn’t feel like there was anything that I was missing. I knew that because of my experience I could get a job—and that with a job, learning all I needed to know would be only a matter of time.” James began his career as a farmhand for a large, family-owned farm in California. Whilemost job candidates need about five years of industry experience in order to be considered for a job in agricultural management, James was promoted to this position after only three years. “I was promoted so quickly,” James says, “because I worked hard and learned as much about farming as I could while I was working.” Nomatter what career you select, success will be difficult if you aren’t willing to acquire new skills. Taking the time to explore your interests, passions (something that you care about a lot), and hobbies can lead to a lot of valuable skills. Perhaps the most important skill any young person can develop is learning itself. “Getting an education can be very difficult,” James says, “especially if you are trying to learn something that you do not care for or enjoy. But regardless of your career, there will be certain responsibilities that you do not like but have to do. Learning how to learn means being flexible . It means trying your best whether you like what you are doing or not.”

12 CAREERS WITH EARNING POTENTIAL: FARMER