Desirable For Employers?
Matthew Blaquiere
Posts: 4
Hello Gardeners!
I'll spare everyone the background story in terms of being in the military, stationed overseas my entire career, and my passion for gardening. So, I'm looking for everyone's thoughts and input.
I'm a very proactive person and I'm doing whatever I can to obtain credentials and experience with Horticulture before I separate in 3 years. With that being said, I'm studying in two distance learning one year courses which allow me to sit the RHS Level 2 exam. More so, I want to have more credentials in terms of my Bachelor's Degree. I have 3 Associate's, but they're in Information Systems Management (military), Liberal Arts, and General Studies. In my opinion (and correct me if I'm wrong), but I don't believe that's enough credentials to get where I want to be in terms of Horticulture.
Now, here's my predicament: since the military pays for my college (even when I separate), I might as well get another degree to have extra credentials and qualifications. Therefore, since this college is the one I'm currently enrolled in, which do you think would be the most desirable that employers would like to see? Would picking a minor be useful?
Link: http://www.umuc.edu/academic-programs/bachelors-degrees/
I realize there isn't anything from this school which has Horticulture or Botany (which I'm still unsure of which part of the Horti-world I'll be a part of), but what's bad about having another credential, right?
Oh, and of course, I still have to figure out what field I'd want to eventually work in Horticulture :S
Any (and all) help is greatly appreciated 
Posts
I'd get the small business management one personally. If your'e going into any form of horticulture business skills will be very useful especially if you want to set up on your own.
You could also ask the RHS/National Trust/English Heritage etc what they look for in their staff before making a decision but if you are setting up on your own, the RHS qualification is an excellent base and some business skills will keep you on track with regards to budgeting time and materials, billing clients and controlling costs and revenues.
There is a lot emphasis on relevant qualifications with employers these days. Which is strange as so many degree level students have degrees totally irrelevant to their eventual jobs - but then maybe that is the point.
In all I think your military experience will be your greatest asset, I work with a lot of sub-contractors and if they have an ex-military guy running the team life just always seems much easier. Very few mistakes and the problems solved quickly when they do happen.
I think you really need to try to see where you are going and pick the most relevant qualification you can. Not always easy but getting involved with people doing the kind of job you have in mind and finding out their qualifications and the route they followed is the way to go if you can.
All,
Outstanding responses and thank you for the feedback. I recall reading online for the past few months whether or not to go private or public and, if I'm honest, I'm not sure yet. More so, a lot of the uncertainty comes from not being able to sit down with someone in Horticulture and look at what the different careers are available. If anyone is able to provide a list of jobs or put me in the direction of different opportunities, then it would be greatly appreciated.
If it helps:
- I love working with my hands (don't we all as gardeners? haha!)
- I enjoy growing fruit and veg (just now getting into flowers and ornamentals)
- I prefer practical vs. theoretical
- I enjoy helping others and teaching
Thank you again for your insight
Hi Matt,
Re: career options you could consider speaking with a reputable horticultural college to gain some advice, as the staff should have plenty of practical knowledge. I study hortic @ Reaseheath, Cheshire for interest and the horti staff all have numerous years practical experience working out in gardens, estates etc. I know my college hold numerous open days throughout the year for people to get advice and probably other colleges will do the same.