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Abstract

To better align educational outcomes with workforce demands in animal and equine genetics, this study surveyed 65 industry professionals on entry-level competencies, hiring trends, and graduate preparedness of undergraduate students. The survey assessed employer ratings on the importance and perceived proficiency of seven core competencies: critical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, career/self-development, and equity/inclusion, as well as technical knowledge and broader skills relevant to animal breeding and genetics. Results revealed oral communication, teamwork, and work ethic were rated as the most critical transferable skills, though notable proficiency gaps persist, particularly in leadership and professionalism. Foundational technical knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics was highly prioritized at hire. While candidate quality was generally rated positively, variability in hiring practices and the evolving nature of industry needs highlight the necessity for undergraduate curricula to integrate strong technical and scientific foundations with practical, work-integrated learning and industry partnerships. Curricula should also include the development of transferable skills. These findings offer valuable guidance for updating animal and equine science genetics educational programs to better prepare graduates for a workforce increasingly driven by technological innovation, data science, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, as well as communication and work ethic.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Notes/Citation Information

Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Natural Sciences Education published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society of Agronomy.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/nse2.70033

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Archival

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