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First, some facts. Of the Horticultural Science graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 59 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Horticultural Science graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 30% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Horticultural Science graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 76% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Horticultural Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern Western Colorado Research Center May 2015 - Aug 2015 Assistant Grower Solace Meds Jan 2016 - Feb 2017 Cultivation Manager A Wellness Centers of Colorado Mar 2017 - Apr 2018 Research Associate  Colorado State University Apr 2018 - Present Business Owner Highlander Farms Consulting LLC Aug 2019 - Present ABOUTOwner of Highlander Farms Consulting to provide assistance to anyone looking to cultivate any form of Cannabis, whether its Hemp or Recreational/Medical. Also, working for Colorado State University as a Research Associate to assist farmers with Viticulture and wine making. Experienced Cannabis Grower with a demonstrated history of working in the alternative medicine industry. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Strategic Planning, Microsoft Office, and Research. Strong administrative professional with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in Horticultural Science from Colorado State University. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing various LinkedIn profiles of individuals who graduated with degrees in Horticultural Science, it becomes apparent that there are some common trends in the types of jobs these graduates pursue, along with the relevance of those roles to their educational background. Many graduates land positions that directly tie into horticultural principles and practices, while others find themselves in jobs that only utilize a fraction of the skills and knowledge garnered from their degree. Overall, the relevance of these jobs varies significantly based on the specific roles and industries entered.
A significant number of graduates land roles closely connected to practical horticultural applications. Common job titles include positions like Gardener, Greenhouse Grower, and Cultivation Technician, which frequently require direct application of horticultural knowledge, such as plant care, cultivation techniques, and pest management strategies. For instance, roles in managing turf for sports teams or working in botanical gardens directly capitalize on the scientific principles learned in their academic programs. Such positions demonstrate a clear alignment with the skills and knowledge associated with horticultural science, making them highly relevant.
However, it's also apparent that a notable number of graduates find themselves in positions that stray far from specialized horticultural science applications. For instance, roles in sales, customer service, or even administrative positions often don’t call for a detailed understanding of horticulture. Jobs like these can sometimes make use of soft skills or basic plant knowledge but largely focus on tasks that are not inherently horticultural—similar to these examples, many graduates find it challenging to secure positions that utilize their specialized knowledge fully. Roles like General Manager in different sectors that may leverage some horticultural knowledge but don’t focus on the core principles also paint this picture. While such jobs can be valuable and sometimes build crucial experience, they often lack the relevance to horticultural science that many graduates are seeking.
In conclusion, while many jobs held by those with degrees in Horticultural Science are relevant and directly apply their education, a substantial portion of roles diverges from this focus. It seems that a clear pathway exists for graduates seeking traditional horticultural jobs, yet there are significant instances of graduates moving into unrelated fields. This indicates a mix of opportunity and challenge within the job market for horticultural science graduates, reflecting a need for career clarity and exploration for those entering the workforce.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Horticultural Science graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Horticultural Science, it’s clear that there are varied paths taken by these individuals, many of which do align with the field. Right after graduation, many start off in internships or entry-level positions closely related to horticulture such as interns or assistants at gardens, landscaping companies, or agricultural organizations. For example, the 2020 graduate from Michigan State University began as a Research and Development Trials Intern, which is a solid beginning that offers relevant experience in the field. This is a common trend among many graduates, as the initial jobs seem to ground them within horticultural environments where they can gain practical skills and knowledge.
Fast forward five to ten years, the trends start to show a mix of success and divergence. Some graduates do climb the ladder and find themselves in significant roles relevant to horticulture, such as Turf Route Managers or Production Planning Managers, while others take more circuitous routes. The 2017 graduate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University transitioned through various roles, eventually becoming a Biology Consultant and transitioning into academia, which may seem somewhat removed from horticultural science but showcases a different application of their skills. Conversely, some graduates find themselves in jobs that are less related to their degree, like the Michigan State graduate who moved into sales or the graduate from the University of Idaho who shifted into administrative roles after initially holding positions related to their degree. This suggests that while many may start off in their chosen field, the long-term forecast can lead to significant deviations, with some individuals pivoting completely away from horticulture.
Overall, a mixed bag indeed. Many graduates find meaningful positions relevant to their horticultural training, promoting a positive outlook for those interested in staying within the field. However, there are also notable instances of individuals wandering into unrelated sectors or roles that only mildly touch on horticultural science. This opens up a critical conversation about the adaptability of a Horticultural Science degree: while it provides a strong foundation for careers directly within horticulture, it can equally serve as a springboard into a wide range of professions, some of which may not bear any fruit from the major itself. So, for high school students pondering this path, it’s essential to consider both the potential for dedicated horticultural careers and the broader possibilities that can emerge post-graduation.
A Bachelor’s degree in Horticultural Science can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty, and honestly, it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you’re into plants, biology, and the outdoors, you might find it pretty enjoyable and not overly tough. There are definitely some challenging aspects, like learning about plant physiology, soil science, and maybe a bit of chemistry, but the workload is generally manageable compared to something like engineering or chemistry. So, if you have a passion for all things green and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty, you’ll likely find it to be a rewarding experience without it being overwhelmingly hard!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Horticultural Science.
Looking at the career paths of these Horticultural Science graduates, it seems the financial outcomes vary quite a bit. The students from Michigan State typically have jobs that suggest growth and earning potential, especially those who climb up to management positions quickly, like the Senior Manager at the Milwaukee Brewers. However, some graduates like the one from Louisiana State University have quite a few positions with lower pay scales, indicating they might not be seeing the same financial success. Others, like the one from Iowa State who has worked as a landscape architect or with Disney, appear to have landed more lucrative roles in their field, signaling a better earning path.
Overall, while some graduates seem to be on a successful trajectory with decent salaries, others have taken roles that might not pay as well initially. It honestly looks like there's a mixture of experiences and outcomes; some are just starting their career paths and finding their footing, while others have already established themselves in more financially rewarding positions. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, so focusing on gaining relevant experience and networking can make a huge difference in potential earnings down the line!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Horticultural Science. This may or may not be useful:
