Okay, I don't really have any inside scoop from the Mattel corporation that says there will be a "Florist Barbie" on the shelves any time soon, but since Barbie has been a doctor, teacher, veterinarian, marine biologist, and a host of other professionals, it doesn't seem like a Florist Barbie is such a farfetched idea. And, if Barbie should ever consider making flowers her career, there are some great educational programs and opportunities available to help get her started.
According to the Society of American Florists (SAF), students like Travis Knoop, a recent graduate of New Mexico State University, are finding great success in the floriculture industry through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) intern scholarship programs, which encompasses such programs as the Vic and Margaret Bell Intern Scholarship Program (established in 1992) and the Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program (established in 1975). Knoop graduated from the university in 2005 with an agronomy degree, and then entered an internship through AFE.
During his internship, Knoop worked in Huntersville, North Carolina at Metrolina Greenhouses. When his six-month internship ended, he was offered a full-time position with the company working on large corporate accounts. He had started out as a mere assistant grower.
Knoop isn't alone in his success through AFE; more than 320 graduates and students have gained experience through the program in recent years. Such hands-on experience is truly an asset when it comes time to search for that first job in the field.
When describing his internship experience, Knoop said, "The internship was really valuable in helping to mold me so [Metrolina Greenhouses] could turn me loose on some big company projects. Every day was a challenge, and sometimes you didn't know what to do in specific situations. With a little guidance, they helped me push through it."
If Barbie does decide to pursue a career as a florist, she'll find that experience and education are a big part of continuing success. In fact, SAF's statistics indicate that 92 percent of florists who responded to an August, 2006 poll stated they have attended or had a staff member attend some sort of educational program, such as a seminar, class or workshop, in the past twelve months.
So, Barbie, keep following all those many and varied dreams you've had over the years. One day you just might be lucky enough to help children learn the joys of the floral industry. We florists would be the first people in line to purchase Florist Barbie for the children in our lives!
Copyright: Copyright © 2006-2008 Wesley Berry, AAF
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