Big Boots to Fill: Moving into a Program after a Long-Term Career Agent
Early Career Development
Grace Atkins
Extension Agent
NC Cooperative Extension
Elizabeth City
Abstract
Cooperative Extension has been a long term career choice for many people over the years; when a long term agent retires, it can leave a void in the office, the program and the community they served. Being hired into the position that was recently vacated by a long term agent can be intimidating, especially when the agent was there for ten or more years. Being a new agent has challenges on its own, but if you add in the pressure of being asked to act and program exactly like your predecessor, that can make the learning curve even steeper. You may be expected to navigate the new job responsibilities as well as the social expectations from clientele and volunteer groups. Over time, community needs change and programs need to remain relevant to the clientele, despite past programming, and a new role in an established program is an excellent opportunity to implement those changes. Understanding how to further develop and improve an Extension program after it has been consistent for years comes with obstacles, but paves a path for program growth. This presentation will dive into the advantages of taking on this new role in an already established program and ways to combat the difficulties that come with the role of following a long career agent. We will do this by using real world examples from our careers as Horticulture Extension agents to teach agents how to pick up where their predecessor left off and make the subject matter programs their own. We will discuss tools such as formal and informal advisory councils and groups, making the most of mentors, and needs assessments. Participants will take away practical tips and tools to implement in their own program development, regardless of subject matter area. Emphasis will be placed on the creation of a sustainable Extension program, leading to long-term careers for a new generation of agents. We hope that the knowledge and skills gained in this presentation will empower early career agents to fall into stride with their program, implement changes and improvements as needed and increase early-career retention and success.
Authors: Grace Atkins, Kellie Binnicker
-
Grace Atkins Extension Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Pasquotank County, North Carolina, 27906
-
Kellie Binnicker Extension Agent, North Carolina Cooperate Extension: Chowan County, North Carolina, 27932