Are Students Prepared to Succeed As Fisheries Professionals? Results of a Survey of AFS Members

We surveyed members of the American Fisheries Society to determine their perceptions of how well prepared their recently hired entry-level employees were to meet the challenges of their jobs as fisheries professionals.  We conducted the survey in response to concerns expressed by some AFS members that many of today’s students lack knowledge and skills they need to succeed as fisheries professionals.  We present data on the perceptions of employers in the state and federal agencies, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations and academia.  We also discuss implications of the survey findings for university programs, employers and the AFS and make recommendations for actions each of these groups could take to improve the likelihood of success of young fisheries professionals.