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I need some advice from a professional Landscaper who is a CEO and/or founder of their own firm?

I am an 18 year old freshman college student majoring in Business Management. I plan on starting my own Landscaping Company that does anything and everything ranging from irrigation, lighting, construction, design, architecture, maintenance, water features, outdoor living spaces, and work for schools, businesses, hospitals, churches, banks, everywhere you can think of. This is my dream career, I love being outside and doing tough and dirty work. When I was younger every time I got some money I would buy me some sort of yard equipment and would look at landscaping magazines and catalogs all the time. So I have been a yard geek for as long as I can remember. I need some advice on what I should major in or take courses for along with my business classes. I am willing to do every thing I have to in order to achieve my goal. Also I need some advice on how to go about getting an internship for this summer at a landscaping company. I live in metro Atlanta (Cobb Co.). I just really want some great advice and counseling from a veteran and great landscaper like those you see on DYI/ HGTV Thanks

Public Comments

1. I am not, but what you have to do is you really want this to happen is to look for Landscaping companies in your local phone book or online yellowpages.com and write what you said here in a letter to the hiring manager (HR) asking for the opportunity to intern with their firm. Or you can ask at your college's Department of Internships to see if they can place you in the type of situation that you are seeking. You should also look into a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture, because you will need it. You can find more information about this career at the US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, specifically the article on Landscape Architecture http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos039.htm#training Education and training. A bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture usually is necessary for entry into the profession. Sixty-seven colleges and universities offered undergraduate or graduate programs in landscape architecture that were accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2009. There are two undergraduate professional degrees: a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). These programs usually require 4 or 5 years of study for completion. Those who hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than landscape architecture can enroll in a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) graduate degree program, which typically takes 3 years of full-time study to complete. Those who hold undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture can earn their MLA in 2 years. Courses required in these programs usually include subjects such as surveying, landscape design and construction, landscape ecology, site design, and urban and regional planning. Other courses include history of landscape architecture, plant and soil science, geology, professional practice, and general management. The design studio is a key component of any curriculum. Whenever possible, students are assigned real projects, providing them with valuable hands-on experience. While working on these projects, students become proficient in the use of computer-aided design, model building, geographic information systems, and video simulation. Many employers recommend that prospective landscape architects complete a summer internship with a landscape architecture firm during their formal educational studies. Interns are able to hone their technical skills and gain an understanding of the day-to-day operations of the business, including how to win clients, generate fees, and work within a budget. Licensure and certification. As of 2009, there were 49 States that required landscape architects to be licensed. Licensing is based on the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.), sponsored by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards, and administered in two portions, a graphic portion and a multiple-choice portion. Applicants wishing to take the exam usually need a degree from an accredited school plus 1 to 4 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect, although standards vary by State. For those without an accredited landscape architecture degree, most states provide alternative paths to qualify to take the L.A.R.E., usually requiring more work experience. Currently, 13 States require that a State examination be passed in addition to the L.A.R.E. to satisfy registration requirements. State examinations focus on laws, environmental regulations, plants, soils, climate, and any other characteristics unique to the State.