If you’re unsure about the multiple career opportunities you’ll have with a degree in agricultural-related areas, here’s a good example of the diversity.
Corrin Troutman, who earned her bachelor’s degree in 1991 in horticulture, landscape and turf sciences, explains the three areas. “They are all related because they connect people to plants. They are different in their focus. Horticulture is about vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants; landscape is about creating spaces for specific purposes or experiences using plants; and turf sciences are generally more about developing and utilizing grasses for the intended use.”
Troutman, Bumpers College’s Outstanding Alumna for 2018 and an independent consultant, chose horticulture due to her love of plants and being outside. She says you should consider a career in agriculture, too.
“The ag and plant career paths are widely diverse and allow for a myriad of interests and talents,” she said. “Plants are in our lives on a daily basis – whether you’re consuming vegetables, enjoying the parks, lawns or the great outdoors, or breathing the air that plants help to clean and sustain – so careers in this field contribute greatly to the quality of all life.”
The best part of working with plants?
“Plants don’t talk back! Every day, I am still amazed by the life cycle and variety contained in every seed. I am like a small child at Christmas when seedlings begin to sprout. I find an almost spiritual experience in the changing of the season that plants create for us. Nature is the coolest!”
The toughest part of working with plants?
“They don’t talk back, so sometimes it’s hard to figure out what’s going on with them. To deal with that, it is like solving any mystery; it takes a lot of research. I find it’s good to ask others who may know about specific plants. It turns out plant people are really helpful, good people.”
And advice for students thinking about majors and/or careers?
“Keep an open mind about your opportunities. Don’t be afraid to start small, and dream big. I began at The Peel Compton Foundation as a gardener and worked my way up to executive director. I loved the mission and doing every job there made me a better director when the time was right.”
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