Internship Opportunities Utilized to Enhance Horticultural Skills

Abstract

Horticulture requires knowledge, acquired skills, and practical experience. Knowledge and acquired skills are relatively easy to impart in the university setting; however, weekly laboratory sessions fall far short of providing students with the practical experience they need in the workplace. Internship programs provide students opportunities to reinforce the knowledge and skills they have acquired in the classroom and allow them to gain new experiences, techniques and ideas. At Texas Tech Univ., students are highly encouraged to take an internship after both their 2nd and 3rd years. During an average academic year, about 30% of horticulture students participate in an internship, while more than 50% complete an internship during their degree program. Arrangements are generally made to ensure the students will rotate through a wide variety of horticultural experiences. At the conclusion of their program, interns write a report summarizing their experiences and then give a short oral presentation to other students at a club meeting or in a class. These presentations peak the interest of the other students and serve to keep the program effective.