This guest post was written by Rose, about her intern experience with us this summer.
Interning at Yellowstone Landscape’s Port St. Lucie branch has been the best decision of my life. As a horticulture student from Auburn University, I knew this industry was where I wanted to be but wasn’t sure where I fit. Yellowstone and all the people I work with have helped me find my way!
They did an amazing job of finding the right Mentor, Sueanna, to teach and guide me. Not only did she teach me valuable skills to aid me throughout my career, she taught me valuable life skills too. This has been extremely beneficial, helping me to evolve into a knowledgeable and confident woman in this industry. Yellowstone Landscape takes pride in their Internship Program and goes far beyond expectations, making sure every intern gets the best experience possible. One of my favorite experiences so far is the Intern Symposium. During this two-and-a-half-day event I met interns and managers from different branches, and had the pleasure to sit down and speak with the CEO. All of us came together starting as strangers but leaving as great friends!
I came to Yellowstone with little experience. My only field work has been on a small-scale sod farm, cutting sod and doing occasional installs. I know how to operate big tractors and machinery but have never worked with smaller hand-held and 2-stroke equipment. The Crew Leaders have been exceptional, teaching me how to use the equipment and being patient when I didn’t catch on the first time. As an Intern it’s okay to make mistakes because we’re here to learn, and that’s one of the things I love about this experience.
It has been great to see how a large-scale landscape company works behind the scenes. During my time in Port St. Lucie I have been exposed to management practices, human resources, irrigation, fert-chem, installation, detail, maintenance, and mechanics. It is a great feeling to be able to take everything I’ve learned in school and apply it to real situations in the industry. I can’t wait to take everything I’ve learned here and apply it to my school work! It’s one thing to learn about the industry in a classroom but experiencing and relating it to what I’m learning is fascinating.
This may be a large company but you feel like you are working with a big family. The managers have great relationships with each other and the crews. There is a mutual respect around the shop and everyone works together for the greater good of the company. Every employee is important and crucial to the success of this company. They welcomed me from day one and made me feel a part of the team. The friendships built here will last a lifetime and I know I can count on these people for guidance and advice always. These experiences have excited me to take my next steps in the industry as I near the start of my career.
