This study examined the motivating factors that influenced prospective graduate students’ choice in pursuing an advanced degree and choosing an institution at which to study. This article articulates the qualitative piece of a larger study which sought to understand these reasons and why they were important. Interviews from 15 current graduate students at two land-grant universities were coded and thematically analyzed according to phenomenological reduction procedures. Results of the study indicate that prospective graduate students highly weigh (1) funding opportunities, (2) external factors such as career advancement or higher pay, (3) personal growth and learning opportunities, and (4) perceived flexibility within their program when applying for graduate programs in areas of agricultural education, agricultural communication, extension education or agricultural leadership development. Finally, doctoral students felt the opportunity to conduct research was also an important factor, although most master’s degree students disagreed. Future recommendations for research included identifying differences in motivations for students of different demographics and more deeply exploring students’ understanding of possible funding opportunities and processes.

Proper human resources management can strengthen an organization through strategic talent recruitment and adequate benfits, but employee motivation is also needed to limit absenteeism and ensure an organization is reaching its fullest potential. Research shows various methods that an organizational leader can take to motivate employees by connecting them closer to the meaning of their work. Using a case from former president John F. Kennedy and his relationship to NASA, this article illustrates one way work meaningfulness can be adapted to improve employee motivation for Extension agents.

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Regardless of workspace or class setting, group work has gotten a reputation for being less than pleasant. However, when individuals have the opportunity to prepare for group work via understanding their personal strengths, expectations, and perspectives, the not-so-popular group work can often turn into pleasant, productive, and collaborative engagement. Because group dynamics shift and vary from group to group, there is a constant learning opportunity to understand how to work in groups successfully. This new 2-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication will identify simple yet effective strategies that can serve as foundational building blocks whenever preparing oneself or others for group work. Written by Cecilia E. Suarez and Jarred A. Shellhouse.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc389

The “Don’t Fake it, Make it!” series assists virtual conference and meeting hosts in creating an engaging program to benefit their participants. This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication gives an overview of common features hosts look for in virtual conference software platforms before committing to one. Written by Jarred A. Shellhouse, Lauri M. Baker, Anissa Zagonel, Phillip Stokes, and Cheryl R. Boyer.