Building up the Next Generation of Extension Specialists

This paper is a retrospective summary of the varied ways agricultural economics and agribusiness programs have approached recruiting and training interested graduate students for a career in Extension. There is no one-sizefits-all solution for graduate student recruitment and training. Extension systems vary by state, and departments have different levels of Extension involvement. Aptitude in research and teaching, while critical, should be complemented by skills needed to establish successful Extension programs. We propose a customized approach to Extension career training for graduate students that is adaptable to the Extension presence in the department and college and flexible to meet graduation requirements. This flexible approach will enable faculty graduate advisors, graduate coordinators, and department and Extension leaders to better prepare graduate students for future careers in Extension, furthering the land-grant mission.