Industry trends indicate the need for well-prepared soil science professionals who can translate complex soil processes into practical solutions for producers, land managers, agencies, and communities. Employers seek graduates who can interpret soil data, communicate across disciplines, and apply decision-making tools that support sustainable production and conservation. To accomplish this, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), prepares teams of students for soil judging competitions at the state and national level. This diverse group of students (multiple majors and all academic levels, from freshman to senior), prepare for the soil judging competitions over the course of 10-12 weeks each semester. This preparation includes weekly meetings, assigned training modules, lab and field-based trainings. In addition to membership on the team, students obtain membership to a national agriculture student leadership organization, the Soil Science Society of America. To further facilitate applied spoil evaluation skills and career perpetration; all participants are offered opportunities for summer internships related to plant and soil science. Over several years, TAMUK teams have participated in Regional (Region IV), National Soil Judging Contests organized by the Soil Science Society of America, and NACTA soil judging competitions. TAMUK is scheduled to host the Region IV Soil Judging Contest in Fall 2026, highlighting sustained student engagement and institutional commitment to experiential education. We found success with these practices.  Assessment of program outcomes indicates that more than 70% of participating students pursued internships following competition, and approximately 50% continued their training through graduate programs in agriculture. These results suggest that participation in soil judging competitions enhances job-ready field skills, decision-making ability, professional communication, and student confidence, while fostering professional networks that support career development and workforce readiness.