Recent data shows that salary is the primary factor in choosing a job for students at agricultural universities.
Currently, 6.4 million people are employed in the agricultural sector. Most of these workers are between the ages of 37 and 57—not exactly young adults.
The labor shortage is estimated at 200,000–300,000.
Therefore, amidst the acute labor shortage, companies are forced to consider how to attract the necessary specialists.
However, recent surveys have shown that this task may be more difficult than it initially appears.
64% of respondents to a large-scale survey conducted by the educational platform of one of the largest agricultural banks consider salary to be the primary factor when choosing a job.
This means that companies should prepare for serious competition in terms of salaries.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many of them are currently experiencing problems with profitability. The strong ruble and export duties are significantly reducing profits for companies selling their products abroad.
A high Central Bank interest rate, meanwhile, makes it difficult to attract cheap capital, further exacerbating financial constraints for companies.
56% of respondents consider a monthly income of 40,000 to 80,000 rubles comfortable while they combine work and study.
However, after graduation, expectations rise sharply: 89% of respondents expect an income above 80,000 rubles, and one in three expects to earn more than 150,000 rubles monthly.
Experts believe that most employers will find it difficult to meet such demands—and at the same time, they have virtually no choice, because without the necessary talent, a company will be virtually impossible to operate in the market.
In addition to salary, students place great importance on flexible hours and a positive work environment.
The top five priorities also included employer reliability, transportation accessibility, legal employment, and the prospect of rapid professional growth.
The survey also revealed the main challenges that agricultural university students often face when seeking employment.
For example, these include a lack of information about employers’ actual requirements and a lack of a clear career plan.
Almost half of the survey participants also noted that they experience difficulties due to a lack of practical skills, which are often listed as mandatory requirements in job postings.
