Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.

  • Photo of Garrett Provis
  • Student spotlight

    “Participate and be engaged whether it’s in or out of the classroom. The connections you form with other students and faculty will help you throughout your entire degree.”

    Garrett Provis, agribusiness student

Agribusiness at UM

As an agribusiness student in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, you will specialize in the business end of agriculture. This begins with the consumer, ends with the producer and involves all those along the food chain. Food production and distribution is undertaken in a business environment and agribusiness is the study of decision-making within this setting. Graduates gain insight into the agribusiness environment through mastering concepts in economics, statistics, finance, marketing and management.

Students graduating with a B.Sc. in Agribusiness meet education requirements for registration and licensure with Agrologists Manitoba leading to the Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) designation.

Skills you will gain by studying AGRIBUSINESS

  • An understanding of Canada’s food supply chain, from consumer to producer.
  • The ability to manage an agricultural or food-processing business and sort through price and production data.
  • The ability to market and distribute food products to customers within the community and around the world.
  • An understanding of the factors and policies governing the agriculture industry and enabling food distribution globally.

 

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
ABIZ 1000, AGRI 1600, BIOL 1000 or BIOL 1020BIOL 1010 or BIOL 1030, ECON 1010, ECON 1020, HNSC 1200 or HNSC 1210MATH 1300 or MATH 1210MATH 1500, MATH 1524 or MATH 1510, and a free elective.

To do this year:

  1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science to help you plan your program.
  2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS


Start planning your career:

  1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills. Gather career information and resources from the faculty job placement coordinator.
  2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
  3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
  4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

  1. Student groups including the Agribusiness Students’ Association, the Faculty of Agriculture Students' Association (FASO) and the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU).
  2. Participate in New Venture Championships through Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship.
  3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
  4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik or the International Centre, take part in the Intercultural Retreat or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
ABIZ 2390 or ECON 2390ABIZ 2510ABIZ 2520, ACC 1100AGRI 2030, AGRI 2400, ANSC 2500, ECON 2010PLNT 2500, plus restricted/free electives

To do this year:

  1. Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
  2. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities.
  3. Attend an Info session and consider applying for Co-op.
  4. Use UM Achieve to explore different program options & corresponding requirements.
  5. Take part in an international exchange opportunity 

CAREER TIPS


Make professional connections:

  1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  2. Attend career fairs, like the ASE Career Fair in October, to connect with employers.
  3. Become a student member with the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society, the Canadian Agri-Marketing Association or the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists.
  4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant positions, Undergraduate Research Award through Faculty departments and other research institutions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre, Agriculture in the Classroom and Fort Whyte Farms.

Check out student job opportunities with: Agriculture and food companies, government and not for profit organizations through the Faculty website.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange through the faculty, volunteer in an agricultural-related position through Go Overseas, Volunteer Base Camp or Projects Abroad, International Rural Exchange (IRE) program, Agriculture Without Borders (AWB), My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out out a spring or summer Community Engaged Learning experience. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Volunteer Language Exchange Program.

 

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
ABIZ 2620 or HRIR 2440, ABIZ 3080 or ECON 3040, ABIZ 3510, plus restricted/free electives

To do this year:

  1. Meet with an academic advisor for program approval prior to registration.
  2. Consider taking a minor in Plant Biotechnology, Agronomy, or Economics.

CAREER TIPS


Investigate your career options:

  1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
  2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
  3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
  4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals and follow the faculty LinkedIn page.
  5. Consider continuing your studies: check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs at the University of Manitoba.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out AgCareers.com, Agri-Food Innovation Council (AIC), Manitoba Insitute of Agrologists, Direct Farm Manitoba, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Job Bank, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
ABIZ 4500AGRI 4100 plus restricted and free electives

To do this year:
Confirm ability to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS


Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation. Additional career information and resources are available from the faculty job placement coordinator.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Attend a conference through the Agriculture Institute of Canada, Canadian Agri-Marketing Association (CAMA), Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR) or event through Farm Management Canada.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

What do employers want?

Industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, community development, environment, food and dairy, education, and government would value an agribusiness degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

  • Oral and written communication
  • Numeracy and data use
  • Industry specific knowledge
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Digital technology
  • Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.

    Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.

  • Talk to an academic advisor

    Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.

    Find your advisor

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Career Compass Search

Select a Career Compass

Use Career Compass as a guide to develop a strong connection between your studies and your occupational choices. It will provide you with suggestions for academic and career planning specific to your program.

Information for career counsellors

Contact us

Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
256 Agriculture Building
66 Dafoe Road
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-9295