Horticultural consultant : Entry requirements

Within horticultural consultancy there are three distinct but interrelated streams:

• business consultancy;
• technical consultancy in commercial horticulture (e.g. offering specialist advice on crop management);
• technical consultancy in amenity horticulture (e.g. offering suggestions for the maintenance of public parks).

For all streams, the following degree subjects are considered most relevant:

• horticulture;
• agriculture;
• agricultural engineering;
• crop and plant science;
• soil science;
• environmental science.

For business consultancy, in addition to those subjects listed above, any business degree with a strong horticultural or agricultural background is acceptable. For technical consultancy, a directly relevant MSc or PhD is advantageous. An HND in agricultural and horticultural sciences plus substantial work experience will be acceptable for some posts.

Entry into consultancy without significant practical experience of the horticultural industry is difficult, so opportunities for new graduates are rare. In many cases, at least ten years' practical experience is needed. Many people enter this career area after developing their own business as a grower or acquiring much needed technical expertise in industry or research. Occasionally, however, agricultural or horticultural consultancies may advertise posts open to graduates without direct relevant experience; these are usually at technical assistant or assistant consultant level. In addition, colleges and university schools of agriculture and horticulture that also offer advisory services sometimes employ postgraduate students as assistants on client-based projects.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication skills, selling ability, initiative and tact;
• a high level of competence in project management, to meet agreed deadlines and operate within agreed budgets;
• business awareness and a practical approach to problem-solving;
• an awareness of the problems encountered in commercial horticulture and/or the leisure and amenity industry;
• knowledge of practical solutions to environmental and conservation issues;
• an interest in and awareness of the environmental and sustainability agenda and its implications.

A full driving licence is essential and new entrants should be prepared to work anywhere in the UK.

Horticulture work is available overseas though is generally competitive so it is helpful to have language skills, where relevant, and a professional qualification. Post-qualification experience will also increase your chances of finding employment, especially with specialist posts with foreign governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), development agencies and consultancies.

Try to obtain a work experience placement or vacation work within the industry. Do not underestimate the value of short-term contracts as these may provide the way of gaining a good range of relevant experience. Some group training programmes exist, such as the Management Development Services (MDS)  scheme, which recruits and trains new graduates on behalf of a consortium of employers in the fresh food and produce sector. The consortium includes growers, suppliers and retailers and the programme provides two years of 'fast-track' management training, leading to a Postgraduate Certificate in Food and Fresh Produce Management.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.