[Andrew H]

Was kicking around the idea (already applied) of going back to school to take some turf/ landscape/ horticulture classes.
Currently have an AAS in fire science, so that would knock out many of the core classes required.
I’d like to transition the business from a mowing gig to more of an turf/ ornamental care and landscaping so I think the classes would help in that regard. But wanted hear others thoughts.

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

No

 

[Andrew H]

No

But I really do want to hear others thoughts…

 

[kemco]

I already had a few degrees from major university then found out about community college agri and turf program. Took a handful of classes. They were great. Problem was the state had already pulled the funds so I knew going in the time was limited to take classes. Weren't cheap but I learned a good bit.

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

I'd be willing to bet a very large sum that a person could learn a lot more, right here on lawnsite, by reading hundreds of old threads.

And its free to boot.

 

[Brucey]

Depends how much student loan debt slow Joe is going to forgive to pump up the Dems chances come midterms in November. If it's 50k versus 10k etc.

 

[ShowCaseLawnCare]

I finally paid off my liberal arts degree I got back in 89!! It made me a better lawn boy!!

 

[Andrew H]

I'd be willing to bet a very large sum that a person could learn a lot more, right here on lawnsite, by reading hundreds of old threads.

And its free to boot.

what about the new threads? What about red thread…

Depends how much student loan debt slow Joe is going to forgive to pump up the Dems chances come midterms in November. If it's 50k versus 10k etc.

I know the site was recently revamped, but the Politics is in the off topic sub forum.

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

what about the new threads? What about red thread…



I know the site was recently revamped, but the Politics is in the off topic sub forum.

Yes read new threads as well.


Like it or not politics is involved with education. Certainly grants and loans and payback obligations do ride on political motivations. Its hardly a topic worth dismissing.

I'm not opposed to higher education and continued learning in the raw sense of the word.

Sadly much of that has been lost and turned into a money making opportunity. Colleges these days are in place for profit they are businesses.



Go get a degree if it makes you feel good about yourself. The era of needing that piece of paper to get you in the door, has been dead for quite some time. I personally know many people who are more successful without degrees than those that have them.

 

[Mitty87]

I just read the top 30% of commented threads on lawn site, wouldn't recommend paying for education these days

 

[Jashley73]

I guess it depends. If you have community or vocational colleges where you can simply pay & take a-la-carte classes, then go for it. The topical classes are what is most important - not the degree.

Soichiro Honda (Yes, THAT Honda) was Flunked out of engineering school, yet continued to attend classes. When asked why, his reply was to the effect "The degree is worth less than a movie ticket. It's the KNOWLEDGE that is important."

If you were wanting to work for the man, then perhaps the degree might satisfy some hiring requirement. If you're wanting to run & build your own business, then get the knowledge that's important to you & your business, and then focus on YOUR BUSINESS.

I say all that, because I've thought all of the exact same thoughts that you have, multiple times over really. Get your goals in focus first, and then bring everything else inline with, and in support of that.

 

[Mark Stark]

Back to junior college?? Unless you're trying to pick up chicks, I vote no.

 

[Andrew H]

Yes read new threads as well.


Like it or not politics is involved with education. Certainly grants and loans and payback obligations do ride on political motivations. Its hardly a topic worth dismissing.

I'm not opposed to higher education and continued learning in the raw sense of the word.

Sadly much of that has been lost and turned into a money making opportunity. Colleges these days are in place for profit they are businesses.



Go get a degree if it makes you feel good about yourself. The era of needing that piece of paper to get you in the door, has been dead for quite some time. I personally know many people who are more successful without degrees than those that have them.

Dood, I showed by fire science degree to the fire last week and it put itself out it was so scared…

 

[hal]

My wife and I did this after being in the biz 25 years, the teachers would ask us questions a lot, but we learned more on irrigation, lighting, engineered walls....got a certificate as a landscape specialist........wow......but it was free then...

 

[MILLC]

I don’t think it’s a terrible idea if your end game is more design and install. As much as I enjoy and have found use in LS- I’ll be dammed if I ever say to a client “well this guy on lawnsite said”. It might fly for some on here but my clients would be flipping the yellow pages. You should be able to reference your knowledge base, skill sets and experience. Don’t let people stray you away from furthering your education- if you chose to do so. I take lots of notes, prep for client meetings, have hours that go into our property profiles now and have thought the same things about the courses at MSU- if I was closer I would probably do it. Nothing like crushing a sale with a client- if it makes it easier, more profitable and more professional- I’m all for it.

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

Dood, I showed by fire science degree to the fire last week and it put itself out it was so scared…

Good thing too, firefighters are a scarce commodity these days. Why? Turns out having a piece of paper was more important than knowing how to put out fires.

 

[Andrew H]

I don’t think it’s a terrible idea if your end game is more design and install. As much as I enjoy and have found use in LS- I’ll be dammed if I ever say to a client “well this guy on lawnsite said”. It might fly for some on here but my clients would be flipping the yellow pages. You should be able to reference your knowledge base, skill sets and experience. Don’t let people stray you away from furthering your education- if you chose to do so. I take lots of notes, prep for client meetings, have hours that go into our property profiles now and have thought the same things about the courses at MSU- if I was closer I would probably do it. Nothing like crushing a sale with a client- if it makes it easier, more profitable and more professional- I’m all for it.

Lol, might have to quote that line and put it in my signature.

 

[Mac-s Lawn & Snow]

Those all seem like classes I'd be interested in expanding my knowledge with. A degree like this would be a required(IMO) to expand in area you listed. If you already have a degree in anything then you know its up to you and no one else to apply yourself and learn whats needed.

 

[MILLC]

Lol, might have to quote that line and put it in my signature.

I realize that’s pretty brash and I don’t mean that in a way to discount anyones skills, experience or knowledge but realistically it’s just not something I would ever feel comfortable doing. Now some of you have deeper relationships and know each other on a level where you would do that- again not trying to discount but there’s a large client base that wants to hear about where you learned it from, not the next guy online.

 

[hort101]

I think people do better when they have an interest in the job or career they do
Why not just stay a firebug??