Experience pays in green career change
Friday, 25 January 2008
Kate FitzGerald, horticulturist and manager of an award-winning nursery at Wellington Point, proves that experience pays in making a successful and rewarding career change.
Ms FitzGerald is the nursery's buyer and garden designer who drew upon her experience as a restaurant owner and chef to help move into her current career.
"A lot of people tend to think horticulture is just about plant knowledge, but it is so much more than that," Ms FitzGerald said.
"Customer service and interpersonal skills are a huge part of it to be able to bring the various aspects together for customers."
Ms FitzGerald completed a Diploma of Horticulture and a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management at Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE.
She said there were a number of mature-aged students in her class who chose to return to study to help them change careers.
"When you're older, a year or two of study is not a big deal," Ms FitzGerald said.
"You can use your experience and previous training to fast track through your studies through the recognition of prior learning process (Skills First) which makes it even easier.
"My training has been so much more than a piece of paper - it makes me more viable as an employee and helps me to turn the knowledge in my head into professional practice."
Ms FitzGerald said her clients ranged from home owners and renovators to property developers and landscapers.
"The trend now is to view a backyard like an extension of the house and a good garden can add about $20,000 to an average property's real estate value," she said.
As trained horticulturists, Ms FitzGerald also offers affordable, onsite consultations to clients and advice on garden design and usability.
"When a customer comes to you for advice, they are looking to you to help educate them, to fill the gaps and make it simple for them," she said.
"It's like when you buy a computer, you rely on the knowledge of the salesperson to help you make an informed decision.
"We offer the whole range of indoor/outdoor lifestyle needs and use our various sample gardens which change seasonally to present ideas such as creating perspective, focalisation and texture.
Ms FitzGerald said the drought conditions did not indicate the end of gardening, but the end of wasting water.
"The advancements in horticulture and gardening are part of the solution, not part of the problem. And without vegetation, conditions will only get worse," she said.
"Hybrids are making plants more hardy and reduced plant sizes give consumers more options - you can have an entire orchard in your backyard in a manageable size.
"I'm thrilled to be working in an environment where I'm encouraged to bring new ideas to the table and can help educate others in how to best manage their plant and lifestyle needs.
"I targeted where I wanted to work and I truly enjoy my new career.
"It's an interesting job with great people and it is fantastic to be a part of something which is only going to get better.
"It's never too late to study or change careers and it could be one of the best experiences of your life."
Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE offers a range of programs including horticulture, hospitality, business and beauty with flexible training options available to suit lifestyle and work requirements.
For more information about Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE and Skills First, call 1300 657 613.
Other languages