Exploring Opportunities in Horticulture

Last week, our CEO, Corrine, had the pleasure of hosting a webinar for Seed Your Future, introducing students to the vast job opportunities within the horticulture industry. This session was a fantastic way to highlight different career paths and provide aspiring professionals with the tools and confidence to explore them.

The panel featured industry experts from diverse backgrounds, all united by their passion for horticulture. Panelists included Melinda Knuth, Assistant Professor at NC State Horticultural Science; Kellie Baker, Sales Coordinator at Bailey Nurseries; Melinda Whicher, Supervisory Horticulturist at Smithsonian Gardens; Ellen Oordt, Land Stewardship and Ecology Technician at Longwood Gardens; and Samantha Farro, Human Resources Specialist at Longwood Gardens. Each speaker shared their journey into the industry and offered valuable insights on how the next generation can pursue and succeed in their dream careers.

Many of the panelists didn’t originally set out to pursue a career in horticulture. Some began in fields like architecture and entrepreneurship, only discovering their passion for plants after taking classes or joining clubs that sparked their interest.

Dr. Melinda Knuth holds a degree in Horticulture Entrepreneurship and has a deep-rooted passion for the industry. During her internship at the Land Pavilion in Epcot at Walt Disney World, she gained hands-on experience with plants and advanced growing systems. Her journey led her to NC State after being introduced to Dr. Charlie Hall, where she discovered her love for teaching and became a research professor. Dr. Knuth focuses on studying consumer behavior in plant purchasing and is dedicated to helping students find their place in the horticulture industry. She also encourages aspiring professionals to get involved in student clubs to expand their knowledge and connections.

For Kellie Baker, her journey started in architecture before she switched to landscape architecture and fell in love with it. After receiving advice to learn more about plants, she set out to gain hands-on experience through internships. Living near Bailey Nurseries, she interned there multiple times before securing a full-time role. Today, she is the Sales Coordinator, also managing the company’s trade show presence. Kellie encourages students to keep an open mind and participate in horticulture associations. She had never expected to be in this industry, but now she can’t imagine herself elsewhere.

Melinda Whicher offers a unique perspective on horticulture, focusing on caring for the people who care for the plants at the Smithsonian Gardens. The gardens are located in the heart of Washington, D.C., and offer plenty of creative opportunities. Melinda explains that the gardens are designed to complement the Smithsonian’s historical and cultural exhibits, with careful plant selection playing a key role in enhancing the overall experience. The plants are thoughtfully chosen to reflect and highlight the exhibits, creating a harmonious connection between nature and history.

Samantha Farro highlighted the internship opportunities at Longwood Gardens, emphasizing ways students can get involved. One key benefit of their paid internship program is the option for on-site housing during the internship. Longwood Gardens offers internships across various areas, allowing students to thrive in their specific field of study or explore new interests they may not have considered.

All the companies featured in the webinar offer internship opportunities, so if you’re a student looking for hands-on experience, check them out. Seed Your Future also provides a wealth of resources for students, educators, and employers to help connect and support the next generation of horticulturists.

Seed Your Future is a national initiative dedicated to inspiring and promoting careers in horticulture. By connecting students, educators, and industry professionals, Seed Your Future offers valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and educational materials to help cultivate the next generation of horticulturists. The organization strives to showcase the diverse and rewarding career paths within the horticulture industry, from plant science to landscape design. Seed Your Future encourages individuals to explore how they can impact this vital field. Whether you're a student just beginning your journey or an educator guiding future professionals, Seed Your Future is a great resource to help you grow your career in horticulture.

In our 2024 September Details University session, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future, about initiatives to inspire the next generation of floriculture and horticulture professionals. Jazmin shared how the organization transforms perceptions of horticulture and highlighted Green Career Week, a nationwide event connecting students and job seekers with horticultural careers.

Seed Your Future offers valuable resources for students, educators, and career changers. These include a national database of internships, scholarships, and tools, which help students discover careers aligned with their passions.