Chapter 1 Careers in Floriculture 21
The online test is administered fi rst and is based on the fi AIFD Guide to
Floral Design: Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. It is a timed test consisting of
approximately 55 questions. Upon passing this test with a score of 80% or
higher, applicants are eligible to participate in the hands-on evaluation in
Part 2. Applicants are required to create fi ve designs in categories specifiedfi fi
by the evaluators at the time of testing. Both certification and accreditation fi
depend on the score obtained in the hands-on evaluation.
After becoming a certified floral fi designer or an accredited member, florists fl fl
must participate in continuing education to keep their certified or accredited status. fi
AIFD requires members to accumulate 25 continuing education units (CEUs) every
three years. Five of these CEUs must be in the service/leadership area. The other
20 can be in any approved area of interest to the individual fl oral designer. fl
Employment
After studying fl oral design and possibly becoming certified, fl the next fi
step is to fi nd a job in the floriculture fi industry. By this time, you may have fl
a good idea of exactly what type of job you want. You can fi nd job openings fi
by checking with local, state, and national associations, by using an Internet-
based search engine, by networking with classmates and friends, or by one
of a number of other methods. You will probably want to use more than one
method to find several jobs that interest you. fi
Applying for a Job
Prepare yourself by creating a résumé that highlights your education é
and accomplishments, including any certifi or accreditation you have fication
achieved. You can fi nd templates for résumés on several websites. Be sure to fi
choose a style that showcases your talents and achievements.
Also create a portfolio, or collection of your work, to show to prospective
employers. Fill your portfolio with good color photographs of your best
work, as well as copies of any letters of recommendation, certificates of fi
achievement, or other awards you have earned.
Interviewing for a Job
Whichever career you choose, you will probably be offered interviews by
companies who are interested in your work. In the interview, the prospective
employer will ask questions to help determine whether you are a good fit for fi
the company. Typical questions include:
• Why are you interested in working for this company?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• What motivates you?
• Why are you considering a career in fl oral design? fl
• What are your goals for the next fi ve years? fi
• How do you plan to achieve those goals?
• Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team?
Did You Know?
The National FFA
Organization has a
Job Interview Career
Development Event that
will help you prepare for
a job interview.
Pro Tip
Interview Practice
To present yourself in
the best possible light at
an interview, it is helpful
to practice ahead of
time. Ask a friend to
play the interviewer and
ask you questions that
you may encounter.