An Analysis of American Public Horticulture Internship Programs

Internships in public horticulture allow the unique opportunity for future leaders to learn in an immersive environment while gaining hands-on practical work experience. This valuable experience is gaining in popularity as a prerequisite for full time employment in our industry. In 2012, an electronic survey was distributed in partnership with the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) and the Public Horticulture Working Group of ASHS to evaluate internship programs in public horticulture. Of 134 responses, 63% of the public gardens, arboreta, parks and nature centers offered an internship program. Almost half of these institutions have administered an internship program for 16 or more years. The majority of the surveyed internships were paid, however additional benefits such as housing, insurance and professional development varied. Internship recruitment, orientation and administration were surveyed across the institutions. Funding, staffing, and program management were consistent challenges to creating, maintaining and expanding internship programs. While the internship philosophy differed by responding institution, the survey results provided a baseline for comparison of internship programs in the public horticulture sector.