Assessment of demand for a job placement service for the Poultry Science Association

Abstract

A placement service for the membership of the Poultry Science Association (PSA) is a possible future consideration. This service should provide a formal national platform that could aid membership and their employers in position services. A survey was conducted with the objective of determining the interest of the membership in such a placement service and the maximum expense that members would be willing to pay for the service. Ten questions in an undisguised questionnaire format, covering demographic, historical, and interest points was devised with survey questions designed for a forced response on most of the questions. A total of 2,050 surveys was mailed to PSA members in the US, including 1,850 regular members and 200 student members; 518 responded to the survey. A majority of all age groups favored the construction of a placement service, but the respondents' willingness to use the service depended upon age, education, and work experience and whether or not they believed a placement service was needed. Sources of information used in finding a position varied with age; trade journals and publications were the most frequent sources for the responses. It appears that the membership likes the idea of a placement service, is willing to pay something for it, and would use it if it were available.