The image of the profession in the perceptions of future specialists of the agricultural sector at the stage of professional training

Issue № 7, 2024, article № 7, pages 57-70

Language: Russian

Original language title: ОБРАЗ ПРОФЕССИИ В ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИИ БУДУЩИХ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ АГРАРНОГО СЕКТОРА НА ЭТАПЕ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОЙ ПОДГОТОВКИ

Keywords: AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, IMAGE OF A FUTURE PROFESSION, VETERINARIAN, PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF A VETERINARIAN

Abstract: The relevance of studying the ideas of modern students about a future profession in the field of agriculture is due to the need to improve the quality of professional training in the aspect of the formation of professional identity and value guidelines appropriate to the industry. The aim of the research was to study the image of future professional activities in the 1st-year veterinary students. The study was conducted with the use of "Q-methodology". The data were analyzed using the methods of correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The data were processed using the computer program Ken-QAnalysis (Version 2.0.1). The result of the study was the developed typology of the image of profession in the perceptions of future veterinarians. Based on the dominant values, three types of the image of profession were identified: 1) service to animal welfare; 2) pragmatic (goals-based) fulfillment of responsibilities; 3) rational (practice-oriented) fulfillment of responsibilities. Despite the different students’ opinions and expectations about key aspects of the veterinary profession and their future role as veterinarians, common features of a unified perception of the image of the profession, such as respect for the experience of farmers and animal owners, the collective nature of professional activity, the importance of sharing experience, the need for continuous learning, and the observance of ethical principals and humane attitude to animals in veterinary practice, were identified. The obtained results can serve as a basis for the development of educational programs focused on the development of competencies and profession-related qualities that are in demand in the veterinary profession; professional counseling programs informing school graduates about the benefits and prospects of the veterinary profession; programs to attract and retain young veterinary personnel in the agricultural sector based on the real expectations of students.

Authors: Kulamikhina Irina Valentinovna, Abrosimova Ekaterina Alekseevna