By Phil Harwood

The challenge of finding and holding onto talented people is a growing concern. Thankfully, there is also a growing set of resources available to employers. I invite you to consider the following resources and also to share this article with your key people.

It seems to me that a rewarding career has a few key elements. First, there should be opportunity for advancement where a person can grow and continually develop themselves. Second, there should be a variety of career paths to choose from. Third, there should be some alignment with a person’s passion--what matters deeply. They say that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life because work will never feel like work; instead, work will simply be a labor of love. 

When I was beginning my career I had no idea where it would lead. I didn’t start my career with a strategic plan that would encompass the next three decades.I didn’t seek out a career in a particular industry. However, I did seek out opportunity for advancement, growth, and personal development. I did explore different paths along the way. And I always made sure that I remained true to my passions by not settling or enduring a plateau longer than I needed to. 

When considering a career, it’s difficult to see very far into the future.  It is only looking back that I see what a great career I have had, with some amazing opportunities that unfolded over the last 30 years. While I didn’t specifically seek a career in the professional landscape and snow management industry, it has been very rewarding. 

This industry is large, stable, and growing. There are a myriad of wonderful opportunities at the entry level, mid level, and senior level. For those who have an entrepreneurial spirit, the option of starting a business and quickly growing it into something significant is very realistic. And most of all, the work produced is rewarding because it impacts lives by providing access and enjoyment to safe, healthy, and attractive outdoor spaces. 

Too often, the professional landscape and snow management industry is portrayed as a low-skill, low-opportunity industry. Try telling that to a professional horticulturist, arborist, biologist, educator, account manager, or business owner. The reality is that this industry includes many entry-level positions requiring minimal basic skills. But it also includes opportunities to move into mid-level and senior-level positions requiring significant skill, knowledge, and education to be successful. 

If you or someone you know is looking for a rewarding career, I highly recommend checking out the professional landscape and snow management industry. A great place to start is with the www.landscapeindustrycareers.org website. Another great place to start is with the introductory course modules included with our New Hire On-Boarding course. This online course provides an overview of the professional landscape and snow industry for someone who is not familiar with the industry or who may not be aware of all that is has to offer. This knowledge just may be the turning point for one of your up-and-coming people. I hope you check it out!

Now go forth.