NATALIE OLSON

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

I chose KPU to study horticulture and landscape design because of their flexible class schedules. I needed classes that worked with my schedule as a working mom, and KPU was able to accommodate that.

Can you briefly describe your current position and your main day to day responsibilities?

After graduating from KPU, I started my own landscape design business, Grace Gardens. Every day looks different. Some days I'm driving out to site visits, consulting with clients, sourcing plants at local nurseries, or at home creating landscape designs. And then, of course, there's the business side of things—accounting, communications, social media... the list goes on! There is never a dull day when you own and operate a business.

Which skills, knowledge, or experiences from KPU have been most valuable in your career so far?

I often draw on stories told by my instructors at KPU, from their real-life experiences working in the horticulture and landscaping industry. I loved that most of my instructors had done what I was planning to pursue. It was a very practical work oriented-education.

What advice would you give current KPU students who want to build a successful career after graduation?

I would say you need to work just as hard—if not harder—after graduation. Keep pushing, keep learning. Your dream job will take consistent effort. Also, give it time. Success isn’t linear, even though we often expect it to be. Growth takes patience, and progress doesn’t always look the way you imagine it will.