Information for secondary students and school leavers
Nick Arnst got course advice from university lecturers
Name: Nick Arnst
Occupation: Horticulture Student
Lives: Christchurch
Q: How did you decide what to study?
A: I talked to a horticultural consultant about whether it would be better to do a horticulture degree or a diploma. I decided on a degree, because that could lead into orchard management, rather than just orchard work.
Q: How did you decide where to study?
A: I found out Lincoln University offered the courses I wanted, then I talked to their careers adviser and some of the lecturers to find out exactly what the courses involved. I liked the atmosphere there too.
Q: Have you got any advice for people choosing courses?
A: One of the biggest things is get advice, whether from the university lecturers or someone in the industry. If they can’t help you, they’ll point you in the direction of someone who can. Don’t be scared about talking to people – they will talk to you.
Q: Has your study plan changed at all?
A: I did some marketing papers to fill in some gaps in my degree and really enjoyed them. So I decided I could push myself a bit and come out with a double major in horticultural management and marketing.
Q: What’s your long-term career goal?
A: To have my own horticulture consultancy.
Q: How about short-term plans?
A: I want to work in horticulture to get experience, maybe in sales or marketing for a seed company, or orchard management.
