Florists

Considering a future in floral design? Now is the best time to determine if this career is the right one for you. As a high school student without experience, you probably won't be hired as a floral designer; but working as a cashier, flower delivery person, or an assistant is a great way to break into the industry.

What about taking some classes to test your talent? Michaels, a national arts and crafts retailer, offers floral design workshops. Look for similar workshops in your area. Park district programs also have design classes, especially during the holiday seasons. Such programs are relatively inexpensive—most times the fee is just enough to cover materials used in class.

Learn the industry firsthand—why not spend a day at work with a floral designer? Explain your interest to your local florist and ask if he or she would be willing to let you observe. If you can't job shadow a florist, try to participate in an information interview with one. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask a florist about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up information interviews.

Visit https://safnow.org/floral-design-schools to read Make People Smile: Grow Your Future in the Floral Industry, a brochure that provides detailed information about a career as a florist, as well as many other occupations in the floral industry.