EDITORIAL: Experience Student Career Days

I’ve always thought one of the coolest aspects of the green industry was the fact that no one who creates a career in it ever really leaves it. A contractor may move from one firm to another for relocation purposes or job advancement. Or, if the entrepreneurial spirit moves, that person may hang out a shingle and begin anew as an owner.

Cindy Code

It’s a familiar tune among suppliers, distributors and end-users – if you’ve worked in the industry – in any way, shape or form – you generally grow to love it. Walk down the aisle of a trade show or mingle among attendees at a turf plot and you’ll hear conversations centered around who is working for whom. Rarely do you hear someone say that so and so left the industry for good.
 
The green industry’s diversity and beauty draws lovers of the outdoors to it; and the tremendous opportunities to create, achieve and succeed keep them in it.
 
Enthusiasm for the green industry often starts at a young age and develops through the important college years. It’s here that skills and expertise are enhanced; prepping young adults for careers in the landscape industry.
 
Remember those days? The days when your adrenalin was pumping so hard that you could have built five decks all on your own? Or, spread countless wheel barrows full of mulch without complaining about your aching back?
 
If you want to take yourself back to those surroundings and youthful fervor, be sure to attend PLANET’s Student Career Days. Held annually in a different college or university setting, the 31st rendition of this event takes place at Michigan State University from March 29 to April 1. Approximately, 900 college students from more than 53 schools are expected to participate this year. These students are enrolled in 2- or 4-year landscape and horticultural programs with the goal of one day earning a paycheck as a landscape contractor, landscape architect, sports turf manager, arborist or a related industry specialty.
 
Rain or shine, participants at Student Career Days engage in a total possible 24 individual and team competitive events ranging from personnel management, sales presentation and exterior/interior design to irrigation troubleshooting, wood construction, equipment operation, patio installation, tree climbing and more.
 
The competitions provide a real-life opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills, leadership and teamwork as they cheer on their classmates. Most importantly, the event helps students meet future employers. In addition to the hundreds of students attending this event, Student Career Days also draws a noteworthy gathering of landscape, lawn care and interiorscape owners. When they’re not watching students build decks or install irrigation systems, business owners participate in a career fair to interview students for full-time positions and internships.
 
The event also represents an opportunity for green industry veterans to tout the many benefits of well-maintained green spaces and the economic benefits that turf, trees and flowers bring to the environment.
 
You’d be amazed by the energy, sincerity and passion on display at this event. If you’re in search of employees and future leaders or if you just need your battery recharged, Student Career Days is the place to be this spring.
 
For additional information on PLANET’s Student Career Days, visit www.studentcareerdays.com.