HORTICULTURAL CAREERS HORT 192

Date: 06/30/05 to 07/28/05
Time: Thursday; 6pm – 7:50pm

INSTRUCTOR: Susan Hanley 425-868-5885
susan.hanley@signaturels.com

COURSE OBJECTIVE:
  This class is designed to familiarize horticulture students with careers available in the landscape/horticulture industry at large.  Emphasis will be placed on local/regional opportunities via class lecture and guest speakers’ presentations.  Students will identify key components of jobs discussed, with the intent of assisting in their own career goal assessment.

GRADING CRITERIA: 
ATTENDANCE:   

• 50% OF FINAL GRADE

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW:  

•  50% OF FINAL GRADE

CLASS SCHEDULE:

January 30

Introduction to Horticultural Careers
Survey of Students
The ‘Green’ Job Market
Guest Speakers

July 7

Guest Speakers
Questions from Students

July 14 

Guest Speakers
Questions from Students

July 21

Guest Speakers
Questions from Students

Informational Interview Essay Due

July 28

Guest Speakers
Questions from Students

GRADING CRITERIA: 

ATTENDANCE:  

• 50 POINTS ALLOWED INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW 
                                     
• 50 POINTS ALLOWED

ATTENDANCE: EACH CLASS SESSION EQUALS TEN POINTS TOWARD A MAXIMUM OF 50 ALLOWABLE ATTENDANCE  POINTS FOR THE ENTIRE GRADE.  TARDINESS & ABSENCES WILL DECREASE POINTS:

ABSENCE = 10 POINT REDUCTION; TARDINESS POINT REDUCTION IS PROPORTIONATE TO ARRIVAL TIME.  EG. ONE HOUR LATE EQUALS FIVE POINT REDUCTION. 

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW ESSAY

Minimum:  Two pages, double spaced

This essay will highlight your discussion with an industry professional.  This person does not necessarily need to represent an area of interest in your personal career goals.  It may be helpful to choose someone who is working in the field you are thinking of entering.  Your interview may consist of questions about the individual’s career path, their business, or their expectation of skills, experience, and knowledge needed to do their job.

Spelling, punctuation and grammar should meet acceptable standards for collegiate level of written communication.

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. How did you get into this field?
2. What do you like most about it?
3. What do you like least about it?
4. What do you think is the best educational preparation for this career?
5. What personal attributes are important for success in this career?
6. What skills are required to become a _______________?
7. Describe a typical workday or week.
8. How often do you work past 6 p.m. and on weekends?
9. What trends do you see in the future in your line of work?
10. Has it been necessary to change companies/specialties in order to advance?
11. What changes do you see in the future?

Along with the essay, turn in the list of questions you asked, name of the person you interviewed, company name, address, and phone number. 
A phone interview is not acceptable.