Investigating the Perceptions and Expectations of Agricultural Students Towards Employment Finding Opportunity of Different Agricultural Disciplines, Faculties of Agriculture in the West Iran

This descriptive-correlational research was aimed at investigating the perceptions and expectations of agricultural students towards employment opportunities awaiting different of agricultural disciplines offered in the faculties of agriculture in West Iran. The population for the study was chosen from among the senior agricultural students of public universities (Kordestan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Hamedan and Lorestan) in west of Iran (N=979). Two hundred and seventy four students were selected through Stratified Random Sampling method. Based on the findings, employment expectations of students stood at moderate level. There was a positive and significant relationship observed between "agricultural background, educational expectations, perception toward educational institution, level of required employment skills" and "perceived employment opportunity level, while a negative and significant relationship between "social classes" and perceived employment level. The student's level of competency in employment seeking skills including planning and organization, ability to use internet, general knowledge, computer skills, utilization of instruments of knowledge production and extension, proper understanding of the international issues, entrepreneurship, organizational awareness, proficiency in English language, and career experience were estimated as very low.