Career Development Events: It’s Not Just A Contest
Sunday, February 15, 2015 | Author: Jessica Parton, Texas FFA News Staff
Career Development Events (CDEs) help members develop the ability to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively while also acting as the delivery vehicle for the “learning to do” component of the Texas FFA mission.
Texas judging contests evolved following the establishment of the Smith Hughes Act of 1917. After implementation of the state-wide vocational agriculture programs, the competitions became a popular and useful teaching method.
Over the years these annual spring competitive events have become more than just a friendly competition; they are a way for members to put their knowledge to the test.
CDEs are designed to test and challenge student's technical, leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills as well as their knowledge of the subject matter.
“Ultimately the goal of career development events are to showcase what students are learning in the agricultural science classroom by pairing that knowledge with the employability traits and soft skills that will prepare students for future careers,” Student Recognition and Scholarship Coordinator Kaleigh Burnett said.
Career success is centered on the precepts of communications, decision making, flexibility and adaptability, as well as technical and functional skills in agriculture. Each of the 28 CDEs accessible through the Texas FFA offer engagement opportunities in the form of high level competition by utilizing the diverse skill set that we are equipping students with.
Competitions cover a wide range of agriculture topics of interest different students ranging from entomology to agriculture communications.
“CDE’s expose students to areas of agriculture that they may not have thought about having an interest in,” said Midway FFA Advisor Krista Burch. “This may lead to a career or at least a pathway of interest that will develop into a passion”.
Even careers that are non-agricultural in nature can be supported by the fundamental knowledge and skills that are honed through student involvement in the competitive events.
“The primary objective of career development events is to ensure that students are not only college and career ready, but also well-equipped, team players that still have a healthy appetite for friendly competition,” said Burnett.
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