Paradigm Shift for Young Agriculture Professionals Raymond Erick Zvavanyange1 and Jami Willard2 1National Chung Hsing

University 250 Kuo Kuang Road 402 Taichung Taiwan 2 Yakima Washington USA

Abstract This article reviews global study and employment opportunities for young professionals from an agricultural perspective. How can young professionals in every territory and nation get hold of such opportunities? Can they relate scholarly or professionally on an equal platform? A vital piece for young agricultural professionals is remaining current with the information available in their specific field. With all the research and information available it is paramount to know the latest breakthroughs to ensure the knowledge is relevant.

Keywords: opportunities, young professional, information, knowledge

Introduction Todays technological and sophisticated demands a global and local perspective in conducting daily affairs. A rise in both study and employment opportunities for young professionals in recent years are evident. How can young professionals in every territory and nation get hold of such opportunities? Can they relate scholarly or professionally on an equal platform?

Young professionals are young persons studying, employed or engaged in both in the scientific disciplines. For study, young persons are taken through broad training, knowledge and skills acquisition processes. To those in employment, it is essentially an application of knowledge acquired, if possible, to life situations. This period is also known as professional development. Young professionals eager to display their training, knowledge and skills may be disappointed if they choose inappropriate disciplines or face challenges in employment settings. This should not be a drawback to their anticipated contributions as what counts ultimately is insights and contributions made. Unless there is a solid contribution by young professionals then progress is either delayed or inhibited. A change in perception of scientific disciplines by young professionals is critical. Perception impacts positively or negatively on working relationships and determines who gets support, attention and resources and who does not. A positive perception is critical to a healthy relationship with full mutual cooperation and benefits. Young professionals cannot do without support from established scholars and experts in their disciplines. Scholarly experts play an important role as mentors, reviewers, guides and advisors at the same time maintaining standards, evaluating the quality of work and safeguarding against misconduct acts. These checks and balances are essential for the advancement of scientific and professional knowledge. Young professionals can take lessons from prominent world-class scientists. Notable names include the late Norman Bourlag [1], father of the Green Revolution, Wangari Maathai [2] an environmentalist, Indian agriculturalist M. S. Swaminathan [3, 4], the late rumen microbiologist James Bernard Russell of Cornell University [5, 6], Gebisa Ejeta [7] 2009 World Food Prize Laureate and Jud Heinrichs [8] of U.S Penn State University a co-inventor of the Forage Particle Separator important in ruminant nutrition. Together with other scientists these individuals present valuable lessons to young professionals because of their outstanding and credible collaborative research in science and agriculture. In addition, institutions, private and public organizations and governments represent the ideal framework and guidelines for impact evaluation in agriculture.

Opportunity For A Paradigm Shift World class contributions are done in a context where an individual has overcome barriers such as ethical issues, language, skills, training, geographical location and perception. An example of professionals with a paradigm shift is Doctors Without Borders [9] an organization with professionals from different countries, different specialties, and different

education systems all working together to improve health. The tide can be turned. In the words of Harvard Professor Calestous Juma [10], the question how to turn knowledge into products, from research to the market place? which he notes as critical for Africas development can equally be taken by young professionals across the globe. A mindset away from pursuing irrelevant academic butterflies [11], is further encouraged. Information communication and technology (ICTs) tools such as Web 2.0 when strategically used can help young professionals to share knowledge and reach a wider audience [12 ]. ICTs when put in context, for example, in higher education this essentially means young professionals can focus more on a common goal. Conclusion A vital piece for young agricultural professionals is remaining current with the information available in their specific field. With all the research and information available it is paramount to know the latest breakthroughs to ensure the knowledge is relevant. Young professionals should continuously ask themselves what skills they need, how to use and apply them. References 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Borlaug 2. The Green Belt Movement. Website: http://www.greenbeltmovement.org 3. http://www.mssrf.org/ 4. http://www.msswaminathan.com/ 5. Mackie, R. I., Cann, I. K. and Morrison, M. 2010. James B. Russell: Contributions to Ruminal Microbiology. Accessed from: ttp://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cnconf/2010proceedings/CNC2010.13.Mackie.pdf, on May 17, 2011 6. Weimer, P. J. and Callaway. 2010. James Bernard Russell: Scholar, Collaborator and Mentor. Accessed from: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cnconf/2010proceedings/CNC2010.12.CallwayWeimer.pdf, on May 17, 2011 7. The World Food Prize. 2009. Dr. Gebisa Ejeta. Accessed from: http://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/laureates/20002009_laureates/2009_ejeta/, on May 17, 2011 8. http://www.adsa.org/awards/09press/Pioneer-Heinrichs.pdf 9. Medicins Sans Frontiers. Website: http://www.msf.org 10. Calestous Juma. 2011. How Bio-Sciences Could Trigger A Green Revolution in Africa. Keynote Presentation at the International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi Kenya. Accessed at: http://blip.tv/ilri/how-bio-sciences-could-trigger-a-green-revolution-in-africa-5053851, on May 23, 2011 11. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1970/borlaug-lecture.html 12. http://ictupdate.cta.int/en/Regulars/Bookmarks/Strategic-online-communication