Extension Agent

Heather Tart is and Extension Agent at the Wake County Center.  She is located at 4001-E Carya Dr., Raleigh, NC 27610-2914.  Her phone number is 919-250-1093 and her e-mail address is Heather.Tart@co.wake.nc.us. She specializes with 4-H youth development in underprivileged children.  

I learned that her extension officer differs greatly from the ones located near my home town which are the Union County and Cabarrus County offices.  These offices specialize more in 4-H activities and projects while her office specializes more in youth development with underprivileged children.  If I were to intern at her office this would be the type of work I would be participating in.  They do workshops that help develop self confidence and self esteem, and other activities that promote a better life for youth.  

My career goals would not match with this organization.  If I were to choose to become an extension agent I would want to deal more with 4-H activities and projects.  I want to handle 4-H groups that participate in events like district talent shows, activity days, teen retreats, and so on.  I am also very involved with horses so I would prefer to work with groups that are equine based.  That way I could help run district horsebowl, and district horse shows.  I would also like to work with youth in developing projects like photography contests, essays, public speaking, and community service projects.

If I were to become an extension agent I would want to become one around my hometown.  This is Harrisburg, NC, right outside of Charlotte.  Most of the extension offices there deal more with the 4-H side of it instead of building up underprivileged youth.  Speaking with Mrs. Tart did not help me as far as reaching these goals because her focus is not where mine would be.  She did make me realize how diverse extension offices and agents are though.  

I felt fairly confident approaching the recruiter because it was an area that I am familiar with.  I grew up in an extremely active 4-H program and have helped at the Cabarrus and Union county extension offices along with the NC state extension office.  I am also familiar with several extension agents and know what their job is.  I believe I need to work on a friendlier conversation instead of one that comes of as mechanical.  It is difficult for me to talk to a new person like I have known them for a while.  

The main thing I learned form Mrs. Tart is that 4-h programs are much more diverse than I ever knew and the job of agents varies greatly from one office to another.  All of the offices around home are very active in 4-H youth activities and providing competitive opportunities for youth.  Where as the Wake county center seems to be more focused in developing youth's self esteem, and confidence, and working on maintaing good grades and keeping kids out of trouble.  

They are looking for employees that have the children's best interest in mind.  Employees have to be willing to sacrifice a little personal time for activities and they need to be able to provide support for the youth.  They must also set good examples, be role models, counselors, and friend for the participating kids.  Also, someone with experience in 4-H and youth is a plus.  

I have decided that I want to teach animal science at the high school level, but if my plans ever did change I would become an extension agent.  I plan on visiting a couple extension offices near my home to see what their programs are about.  If I were to become an extension agent I would want to do so in Cabarrus, or Union county so this is where I would visit.