On the issue of employment of graduates of agrarian universities in the conditions of digitalization

The problem of personnel "hunger" in the sphere of the agro-industrial complex of Russia has been permanently present for many years. The severity of this problem is further intensified due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is qualitatively and quantitatively reflected in the labor market. The employment rate of graduates is extremely important for higher education institutions, as the rating of educational institutions depends on it. The article uses a method of comparative analysis of the training of specialists with higher education in agrarian universities in Russia and the USA. A study of graduates' preferences in employment in the specialty and an analysis of their satisfaction with their work was conducted. This aspect is very important, since employment according to the specialty that the graduate received contributes to an increase in the level of wages and additional incentive payments, allows to build a more rational career trajectory in strategic terms. The scientific novelty of the research is due to the study of the situation regarding the employment of graduates of agrarian universities. The existing approaches to solving the problem of securing graduates are summarized and unresolved issues are identified. New tools have been studied to stimulate the employment of graduates in the conditions of digitalization. As a result of the study, the recommendations on improving the methods of supporting university graduates in employment, taking into account the need to develop the personnel and innovation environment of agricultural universities, which should originate in higher educational institutions, are given.