112 Horticulture Today
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Green industry businesses will continue to grow by providing these
types of services, designing and marketing products that support these
services, and developing even more sustainable agricultural applications.
Careers
In the next decade, the Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees a growth in
horticulture industry jobs by 18%. An increase of that size means that there will
likely be more jobs than there are qualifi ed employees. There will be many jobs in
the horticulture industry for people entering the workforce. Developing unique
skills, such as being bilingual or having extensive computer skills, will undoubtedly
give prospective employees a competitive advantage in the horticulture industry.
To help you develop your own skills, employment opportunities and
skill development are discussed throughout this textbook. Each chapter also
features real-life career profi les focusing on people currently involved in
different aspects of the horticulture industry.
Continuing Education
Successful people pursue learning opportunities, even after getting a
degree and beginning their careers. Learning opportunities include formal and
informal classes, professional presentations, industry conferences, and other
methods of learning. The main purpose of continuing education is to keep your
skills current and to learn about the latest breakthroughs and ideas.
Horticulture Organizations
Professional organizations or societies are groups that seek to promote
a particular career area and help or inform people in that career. They
can provide friendship, networking opportunities, job leads, learning
experiences, professional development, and personal growth. Millions
of people are employed in horticulture, and many of them participate in
professional organizations. Some of these organizations are described here.
American Horticulture Society
For more than 90 years, the American Horticulture Society (AHS) has
catered to nearly 20,000 gardeners and horticultural professionals. The
AHS connects people to gardening and the most current research. Through
publications and educational workshops here and abroad, the AHS fosters
the science and art of horticulture.
American Society of Horticultural Science
The American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) is the world’s
leading horticultural science professional society. There are thousands of
members from over 60 countries throughout the world. The organization
took root in 1903 and has worked side by side with academic and industry
researchers in the fi eld of horticulture. The society wishes to reach academic
professionals, industry stakeholders, government employees, and consumers
with research, education, and extension activities.
Corner Question
How many states have
colleges or universities
that offer agricultural or
green industry degrees?