Landscape and garden design : Your skills

Training in landscape and garden design provides you with certain subject-specific skills. These include having an understanding of the theories and concepts behind landscape architecture, the ability to interpret or produce a brief, a knowledge of plants and an understanding of design, specifically through the use of computer-aided design (CAD).

In addition to this, students of landscape and garden design will acquire other generic skills which are transferable to different roles. These include:

• media skills, both digital and non-digital methods, used to develop and express ideas;
• communication skills, through written, verbal and visual means to discuss theories, ideas, findings and solutions;
• presentation skills, in particular presenting ideas and visions to clients;
• self-management with the ability to manage your time and to carry out personal reflection;
• teamwork, being carried out to achieve a common goal;
• IT skills in data handling, research and presentation of solutions.

The course itself involves you in practical activities, but the more experience you can gain through vacation and part-time work or freelancing, the more favourably employers will look upon you when you apply for jobs, whether you choose to stay with your subject or move on into other careers.

You may also have the chance to take part in study tours, visiting different parts of the world and gaining international experience.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.