Effective factors on the employment status of agricultural graduates in Iran

The main purpose of this study was to analyse the effective factor(s) on employment status of agricultural graduates. It was quantitative and applied research that conducted through descriptive-survey method. Questionnaire (that developed by researchers base on literature review) and interview consisted the means for data gathering. Statistical population of research consisted of all agricultural graduates in seven field of agriculture since 2006 to 2008 (N = 530). 156 graduates as a statistical sample by using Cochran's equation were chosen. Results showed that "absence of employment capacity in public sector"; "unsuitable conditions for employment in public sector" and "discordance of university education with agricultural profession" was three most important components that had effect on unemployment of graduates. Result also showed that there was significant difference between viewpoint of employed and unemployed graduates about the effect of "having entrepreneurship spirit"; interest to employment in agricultural jobs; and experience having in computer skill" on employment status of agricultural graduates. Results based on factor analysis showed that the effective components on employment status of agricultural graduates were categorized into six factors that named; educational history, professional skills, entrepreneurship spirit, practical experience, communication skills and socio-economic context. These six factors totally determined 70.03% of total variance of graduate's employment status.