AGRIBUSINESS

Agribusiness refers to the business of farming, although, oddly, the

term is not often used in correlation with actual farms. Instead, the
term agribusiness most commonly means an agriculturally-related
business that supplies farm inputs, such as farm machinery and
seed supply.
The term "agribusiness" is also used to describe businesses that are
involved in the marketing of farm products, such as warehouses,
wholesalers, processors, retailers and more.
Agricultural Economist: Job Description, Duties and Salary
Learn about the education and preparation needed to become an agricultural
economist. Get a quick view of the degree requirements, job description and
duties as well as salary statistics to find out if this is the career for you.
An agricultural economist specializes in understanding the economic activity
within agricultural markets. They research statistics and data pertaining to
the agricultural industry and project possible patterns and trends within the
economy. Most hold a graduate degree in economics.
Become a Food Chemist: Step-by-Step Career Guide
Food chemists analyze and improve the chemical composition of foods. They
might focus on flavor (a position also known as flavorist), scent, processing,
safety, storage and distribution. Many food chemists work for food
manufacturers, although some work for government agencies.
Should I Become a Food Chemist?
Food chemists usually work during regular business hours in sterile, climate
controlled laboratories. Working in a laboratory can expose these
professionals to potential chemical hazards, though taking precautions can
help avoid most accidents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS), related professionals like food scientists can expect to see an 9%
increase in job opportunities, which is about as fast as average compared to
other occupations for the years 2012 to 2022.
According to the American Chemical Society, aspiring food chemists often
earn an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a master's degree in food
science. Food flavorists complete a program that includes an undergraduate
degree and an apprenticeship program.

Essential Information
Geneticists treat and counsel patients with hereditary conditions, develop
pharmaceutical and agricultural products and research inherited diseases.
Earning at least a master's degree is common, though several leadership and
clinical positions require additional education.
A license is required for all physicians and may be required for genetic
counselors. The U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projected a 29% job
growth for genetic counselors.
Career Information for a Geneticist
There are several different career paths that a geneticist may take. Let's look
at three options- research geneticist, clinical geneticist, and genetic
counselor.
Research Geneticist
Research geneticists study the inherited characteristics of humans,
animals, and plants. Their experiments and analyses contribute to
knowledge of human behavior, genetic diseases and the development of
crops, among other topics.
Genetic laboratory directors lead development of new products, such as drug
treatments, disease-resistant livestock, and larger-growing crops.
Additionally, those working for law enforcement organizations use DNA
sampling to positively identify suspects.
Geneticists also work in academia and at private research institutes, where
laboratory time must be supplemented with grant applications and other
fundraising activities required to support projects. University researchers are
typically faculty members who supervise the work of students in advanced
degree programs.
Some high school teaching or laboratory assistant positions might only
require the completion of a bachelor's degree program. Research geneticists
can complete an undergraduate program in biology or supplement another
physical science program with biology courses before accruing research
experience through an advanced genetics degree program.
Research directors and postgraduate faculty typically complete a doctoral
degree program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for
biochemists and biophysicists working in scientific research and
development, such as research geneticists, was $93,390 in May 2015.
Clinical Geneticist
Clinical geneticists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and
treatment of genetic diseases. They deal with inherited diseases, such as
hemophilia, or illnesses stemming from DNA alterations, like familial breast
cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. The American Board of Medical Genetics
certifies physicians in four specialties:

Clinical genetics

Clinical biochemical genetics

Clinical cytogenetics

Clinical molecular genetics

Unlike clinical genetics, the other three specialties are laboratory-based.

Biochemical geneticists evaluate and diagnose inborn errors of metabolism.
Cytogeneticists detect abnormalities in chromosomes. Molecular geneticists
focus on DNA mutations.
Aspiring clinical geneticists must complete a bachelor's degree program, and
earn a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at a medical
school. After earning a doctoral degree, geneticists participate in a medical
residency in genetics to gain specialized training. Optionally, a clinical
genetics fellowship can follow a residency in obstetrics and gynecology,
internal medicine or pediatrics. A clinical geneticist must also pass the United
States Medical Licensing Examination before practicing.
The BLS reported the average salary for all physicians and surgeons, which
includes clinical geneticists, to be $197,700 as of May 2015.
Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors provide information and support for a variety of health
issues of genetic origin. They can coordinate treatment for those with birth
disorders, as well as counsel patients who might have inherited conditions or
are concerned about passing a condition to a child.

Genetic counselors typically complete a master's degree program. According

to the 2010 NSGC survey, genetics and genetic counseling master's degree
programs are most common; however, counselors can enter the field from
any number of programs that are supplemented with genetics, psychology
and counseling courses.
According to 2015 data from the BLS, the average annual salary for genetic
counselors was $74,570. The BLS states the highest percentages of genetic
counselors worked in hospitals, physicians' offices, outpatient care centers,
colleges and universities and laboratories.
Should I Become a Marine Biologist?
Marine biologists study organisms that live in an ocean or sea
environment. Much of their time is spent in the field collecting data about
plant and animal species. This data is then analyzed in a lab or an office to
advance the understanding of species and their environments. There are
many areas of specialization in marine biology, ranging from animal behavior
to marine biotechnology. Some marine biologists focus on a particular
species or geographic region.
Whatever their specialty, marine biologists must have knowledge in biology,
chemistry, physics, geology, and ecology. They need active learning and
listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, speaking, and writing
skills. Additionally, marine biologists must be proficient in scientific and
analytical software like Visual Molecular Dynamics and Gene Codes
Sequencher, plus Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Excel. They also should
have experience with microscopes, centrifuges, and pipettes.
Payscale.com reported that marine biologists earned an average annual
salary of $51,289 as of January 2016. Employers include government
agencies, marine environmental organizations, aquariums, labs, research
institutions, and schools. Wherever they work, marine biologists typically
must spend some time traveling to conduct their fieldwork.
Soil Scientist
Soil scientists work in several industries, but one of the most common duties
of this occupation includes analyzing soil samples for minerals, contaminants
or other characteristics. Soil scientists examine sediment, rock, and mineral
layers to determine, for example, what crops the land can support, how
much livestock an area can feed or the affects of soil treatments. Soil science

careers require a bachelor's degree at minimum and, in some cases, state

licensure and professional certification.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is a branch of agriculture focused on the commercial production
of aquatic plants and animals. Read this article to learn more about the field
of aquaculture as well as relevant education and career options.
Inside Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the cultivation of fresh and saltwater plants and animals,
primarily for food consumption but also for recreation purposes. It includes
the production of commercially popular plants and animals like mollusks,
shrimp, tilapia and salmon to meet growing food demands. These
commercial species are grown in natural and man-made aquatic
environments, such as self-contained systems or open net pens in larger
bodies of water, like ponds, lakes and coastal areas. Aquaculture
professionals develop sustainable practices to ensure sufficient supplies of
commercially grown species that also meet environmental and economic
needs. They must closely monitor water conditions and species development
for signs of disease to ensure the safe and healthy production of seafood.
FOOD PROCESSOR
Food processing workers operate machinery and perform other routine tasks
involved in manufacturing and/or processing a range of food and drink
products. The specific activities involved in food processing will vary
depending on the product. Food may be sliced, ground, mixed, dried, cooked,
baked, frozen, chilled, packaged or passed through a combination of these
processes before it is ready for distribution. Food processing workers are
responsible for operating the machines that carry out these processes, and
monitoring the progress and quality of food products. They may also check
and weigh raw materials, before adding them to the process. These workers
must also ensure that a work environment is kept clean and hygienic.
Should I Become a Food Science Technician?
Food science technicians help food scientists and technologists conduct
research in the areas of quality control and production. They conduct tests to
determine whether ingredients, additives, finished products and packaging
meet all standards and regulations. Technicians also analyze foods to
determine their chemical composition and properties and may be involved in

processes that transform raw food products into table-ready food and
beverages.
Food science technicians may work at food production and processing plants
or laboratories. In some jobs, technicians might be exposed to noisy
machines and strong chemicals. Travel might also be required.
Fisheries Technicians preserve the habitats of marine life. As a Fisheries
Technician, you protect and regulate the environments of fish and other
water-dwelling creatures like shellfish and marine mammals. At first, you
might have to get over that fishy smell, but it comes with the territory.

CYBERSERVICES
Salary and Career Info for an Animation Artist
Animation artist positions require some formal education. Learn about the education, job
duties and skills required to see if this is the right career for you.

View 10 Popular Schools

Animation artists produce drawings that, when filmed and played in sequence, give the
appearance of movement in movies, TV shows, commercials, games and more.
Essential Information
If you love to draw and can't seem to stop watching cartoons, you might consider pursuing a
career as an animation artist. Professionals in this career usually enroll in an art-related
bachelor's degree program that includes hands-on project experience. Employers generally
seek to hire candidates with a strong portfolio and technical knowledge.

Master's Degree Programs in MIS with Course Information

MIS master's degree programs focus on technical and management issues related to the
design and selection of information systems. Students in these programs study
organizational dynamics, project management, database systems design and more.
View 10 Popular Schools
Essential Information
Graduate-level degree programs in management information systems (MIS) are usually
offered through schools of business or management. Many MIS master's degree programs
can be completed in 18-24 months. These programs cover the technologies and procedures
used to solve all types of problems within a business, such as calculating the costs of
production, labor and marketing.

Students applying for this master's degree program need a bachelor's degree from an
accredited university and must meet the school's minimum GPA requirements. Applications
should also include a resume, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and college
transcripts.
3D Animation Technician: Career and Salary Facts
Explore the career requirements for 3D animation technicians. Get the facts about salary,
job duties, degree requirements and job outlook to determine if this is the right career for
you. Schools offering Animation degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Career Information at a Glance

3-D animation technicians are entry-level animators. They can work in several industries,
such as entertainment, education or advertising. Learn about the job duties and other career
details by reading the table below.
Degree
Required

Bachelor's degree

Training
Required

Moderate on-the-job training

Education
Field of Study

Art, computer graphics, animation, fine arts

Key
Responsibiliti
es

Design visual effects and animations for mediums such as television,

video games and the Internet; consult with clients and other creative
staff regarding projects; edit animations

Job Growth
(2012-2022)

6% *

Average
Salary (2013)

$72,400*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Is a 3-D Animation Technician?
Animation technicians are generally entry-level multimedia artists that assist experienced
graphic designers and animators with technical aspects of digital animation and visual
effects. As a 3-D animation technician, you could develop projects for many different fields,
including architecture, biomedical technology, television, video game development or film.

You'll usually need substantial computer training and in-depth knowledge of current
animation programs.
Your job responsibilities often include helping animators create 2-D and 3-D images using
industry-standard software, such as Autodesk's Maya or Adobe's After Effects. You could also
help with storyboarding, modeling, editing and visual aspects of character and scene
development, improving the lifelike appearance of 3-D animations by manipulating motion,
color, texture, lighting or transparency.
What Kind of Education Do I Need?
Several community colleges, technical schools and art institutions offer undergraduate
certificate and associate degree programs in animation technology. You'll usually learn how
to use a few graphics programs and tools, such as Photoshop, vectoring and 3-D modeling,
and at least one animation program.
Practical courses and computer lab work teach you video production, design principles and
media animation. Depending on the extent of skills a program covers, you'll often learn how
to outline a story draft, create 2-D animations or drawings and develop characters before
moving into advanced topics in lighting, 3-D imaging or special effects.