How to become an agricultural engineer

How to become an Agricultural Engineer

To become an agricultural engineer, you generally need to follow these steps:

• Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field, such as biological or environmental engineering. Look for accredited programs that offer coursework in agricultural sciences, engineering principles, and specialized topics like irrigation systems, machinery design, and soil conservation. Some universities may also offer cooperative education programs or internships to gain practical experience.
• Gain Practical Experience: Seek out internships or co-op programs during your undergraduate studies to gain hands-on experience in the field. These opportunities allow you to work with professionals and apply your knowledge to real-world agricultural engineering projects. Practical experience can enhance your skills, build your network, and make you more competitive in the job market.
• Pursue Advanced Degrees: While not always required, obtaining a Master's or Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field can open up additional career opportunities, such as research positions or teaching positions in academia. Advanced degrees also allow for specialization in specific areas of agricultural engineering.
• Obtain Professional Licensure (optional): Although licensure is not typically required for agricultural engineers, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) can provide additional credibility and open doors for career advancement. To become licensed, you need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain relevant work experience under a licensed engineer, and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
• Seek Employment: Start searching for job opportunities in agricultural engineering after completing your degree(s) and gaining relevant experience. Look for openings in agricultural companies, government agencies, research institutions, consulting firms, or manufacturing companies. Networking, attending industry conferences, and joining professional organizations like the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) can help you connect with potential employers.
• Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Stay updated with advancements in agricultural engineering by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars. Continuing education courses and certifications can further enhance your skills and knowledge in specialized areas.

Certifications
Agricultural engineers can benefit from certifications that enhance their skills, demonstrate expertise in specific areas, and contribute to their professional development. Here are some relevant certifications for agricultural engineers:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: While not specific to agricultural engineering, obtaining a PE license is a significant achievement for engineers in various disciplines. It requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.
• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Certifications: ASABE offers various certifications that focus on specific aspects of agricultural and biological engineering. Examples include certifications in precision agriculture, agricultural data management, and irrigation.
• Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS): Offered by the Irrigation Association, the CAIS certification is suitable for agricultural engineers involved in irrigation system design, management, and optimization.
• Certified Crop Adviser (CCA): The CCA certification, provided by the American Society of Agronomy, is relevant for agricultural engineers working in crop production. It demonstrates expertise in agronomy, nutrient management, and crop protection.
• Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC): This certification, offered by the EnviroCert International, is relevant for agricultural engineers involved in erosion control and soil conservation. It covers topics such as sediment control and stormwater management.
• Precision Agriculture Specialty Certification (PASp): The International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA) offers a Precision Agriculture Specialty Certification. This certification is beneficial for agricultural engineers focusing on precision agriculture technologies and practices.
• Certified Professional in Agricultural Engineering (CPAE): While not specific to the U.S., the CPAE certification is offered by the International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR). It is a global certification that recognizes expertise in agricultural engineering.
• Certified Agricultural Systems Modeler (CASM): Offered by the Agricultural Modeling and Training Systems (AgMATS), the CASM certification is suitable for agricultural engineers engaged in modeling and simulation of agricultural systems.
• Certified Conservation Planner (CCP): The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers the CCP certification for professionals involved in conservation planning. Agricultural engineers working in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation may find this certification valuable.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM): While not specific to agriculture, the CEM certification is offered by the Association of Energy Services Professionals. Agricultural engineers involved in energy management, especially in the context of sustainable farming practices, may find this certification relevant.