I am thinking about getting an A.A.S. degree in Horticulture & I need career advice!?

Question

I would like to switch careers from general office work (I have a B.A. in liberal arts) to possibly horticulture. Does anyone know the job prospects, earnings and potential in this field? I wouldn't mind becoming a greenhouse/nursery manager or even go into landscape design (but not an architect). Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!!!!

Answer 1

Do what you love and then your job won't feel like one.
Good luck in your career change!

Answer 2

The horticulture field is littered with both talent and garbage.
Many "Landscape" firms are grasscutting firms that simply survived and got bigger. It is great that you understand that the field is a science that requires study and training!
Every state-grant college offers various programs in horticulture. Some are full-time, others offer programs during winter months allowing a person to work in the field during the prime seasons. Outstanding programs exist at Penn State, Iowa, Nebraska, and Rutgers.
Your earnings, weither it be your own business or as an employee, is dictated by the weather. The droughts of 1998-2000 caused many well known and well established companies to go bankrupt in the Northeast. Pick your school and let them help you pick what you are truly gifted at and they can help you with employment in that field.
I've been doing design work, not arch., for thirty years thanks to Penn St. The best part of design is having a dream of what can be, then, five or ten years later, go back and see your vision fulfilled. The potential in this field is your willingness to do your homework, being bold/unafraid, and believing in yourself. My resume has simply become pictures of what I have designed come to life.

Answer 3

I am a Landscape Architecture major. I know you said you don't want to do that... but it's in the same field so I feel compelled to answer anyway.

It's a lot of work managing a greenhouse or nursery so you've got to have a good work ethic and be prepared to work long hard hours.

You might consider doing Landscape Architecture after all, it is a very diverse field and there is potential to earn a decent amount of money if you are good at what you do.

I'm not sure where you live, but this is the link to my school's website... it might be helpful.

http://www.uconn.edu/schools/agriculture.php

also:

http://www.uconn.edu/schools/ratcliffe.php