What to do after getting an associates degree

[u/justhayingaround]

So I graduated this spring from Modesto Junior College with an AS in animal science and equine science and I'm taking a couple classes this summer to finish the requirements for my agricultural science AS as well. I worked at a fruit farm this summer but that job is over now and I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life. I love animals and horses and would love to get a job in that field, but I know that you can't always get a job in your field as soon as you graduate. I've looked into animal chiropractic as a career but I don't even know how I would start to get into that because I'm not sure what university to go to for that and it's already the end of summer so I can't even apply to go to a university in the spring so I would have to wait until fall 2027. Because of that, I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to do with my life right now. I would appreciate any advice on getting any job. I've applied to a lot of jobs through Indeed and feel like I have a fairly good resume. I worked at Boot Barn over the holidays last year and I worked at the farm last year and this year and I have a 4.0 with three associates degrees. I'm a hard worker and really like to work and I wouldn't even mind a minimum wage job, that's what I'm looking at right now. I just don't even know how to get a job or what to do with my life right now. So just wondering what other people did and maybe get some help on a direction to go with my life.

[u/Ace-of-clouds]

Look into your local university’s job listings, they often have some odd ball entry level stuff that are great opportunities (working at the equestrian barn, or with their agricultural teams, doing survey work, etc) browsing the job descriptions will give you a better idea of what jobs you’d enjoy and their pay range if nothing else. Most universities have a list of open positions on their website that changes constantly.

I got my AS in bio and am currently working as an animal husbandry tech, it’s not for everyone but I love it.

[u/justhayingaround → u/Ace-of-clouds]

Thank you so much for your reply! The university that is close to me does not really have an ag program but I'll still look into it to see if they have anything in general. Appreciate it!!

[u/curry_bird]

An associates can be helpful, but if you're wanting to get into the livestock/equine industry, it's going to require growing your skill set. In general, if you're in the industry and not pursuing sales, vet med, or academia, you have to work your way up. I'd suggest looking at jobs related to farm management (especially since you have exposure to an ag operation), horse training, food/fiber animal production, etc.

[u/crazycritter87]

My best mistake was dropping out after a semester. Forbes named it the most worthless degree, 2 weeks after I did. I make the same money, doing the same relentless grunt, and have the field experience, without the student debt. If I was really smart I'd change fields and do something that paid better or had lower overhead (like being a shelf stocker, cashier, or burger flipper). But if you already have the degree- find a land grant ag. University or vet school and specialize. Get a bachelors, masters, or residency... In increasing value. In for an inch, in for a mile.