Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings - Methodology and Demographics

Extension professionals often leave for industry and other similar organizations between their third and seventh work anniversary. This is also the time when Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) faculty go through their initial promotion within the organization and are first eligible to become members of Epsilon Sigma Phi. There is a significant cost in getting an agent to this point in his or her career. It has often been expressed that Extension trains these agents, and then they move on to greener pastures. However, we have not thoroughly explored why they leave. This study allows us to identify challenges and develop possible interventions that may encourage these agents to stay in the organization. This study looked at mid-career agents and specialists between three and seven years of service to evaluate their needs at this stage in their career. Through a series of focus groups, the research team identified the challenges and needed support for these agents. The purpose of the project was to identify professional development opportunities, and possible changes that might encourage mid-career VCE professionals to remain in the Extension organization. Objectives for the project were to 1) Identify career-related challenges experienced by VCE professionals in years three to seven in their careers, 2) Identify opportunities for change in the work environment or professional development programming that increase support and retention for Extension professionals in this time, 3) Identify unique and shared needs for Extension agents and specialist, and 4) Increase visibility, membership, and activity for the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) within VCE. The VCE Continuing Professional Development Specialist served as the lead researcher on this project. To better achieve these goals, other members of the research team included the leadership of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of ESP, and the VCE Associate Director for Field Operations and Administration. This project was supported by a national ESP professional development grant. ESP is often referred to as the professional development organization for Extension veterans. There are chapters across the country. This is an honorary fraternity and Extension professionals are invited to join, generally in the mid-career stage, dependent on the bylaws of the state chapter. In Virginia, Extension professionals are eligible to join ESP after their third year in the organization. Roles of individuals eligible to join ESP are also determined by the state organization. In Virginia, membership is open to all agents, specialists, and administrators within VCE. This project was divided into four categories. These are 1) competency areas, 2) sources of stress, 3) role of needs assessment in work, and 4) mentoring and support. Warm-up questions provided demographic data for the project. This project was deemed “not human subjects research” by the Virginia Tech Institutional Resource Board. This publication provides the background, methodology, and demographics for this project. Specific reports are provided for each category.