Req 7 — Careers or Hobbies
Requirement 7 asks you to connect what you have learned to life beyond this badge — either by exploring a plant science career or by developing a plant-based hobby. You only complete one option. Read both descriptions below, pick the one that genuinely interests you, and tell your counselor your choice before you start researching.
Option 7a — Exploring Plant Science Careers
Research one career related to plant science. You will need to find out:
- What the job involves day to day
- Required education and training (and what it costs)
- Typical salary and job outlook
- Opportunities for advancement
- What makes the career personally interesting to you
Then discuss your findings with your counselor.
Best choice if you: are curious about working with plants professionally, are drawn to agriculture, environmental science, forestry, or landscape architecture, or want to explore what a degree in plant science could lead to.
→ Go to Req 7a — Exploring Plant Science Careers
Option 7b — Plant Science as a Hobby
Explore how the knowledge and skills from this badge could become a hobby or healthy lifestyle practice — think home gardening, beekeeping, bonsai, foraging, or native plant restoration. You will research:
- Any training or skills you would need
- Costs to get started
- Organizations that support the hobby
- Your short-term and long-term goals in this pursuit
Then discuss your ideas with your counselor.
Best choice if you: enjoy growing things for the pleasure of it, want to grow your own food, are interested in beekeeping or bonsai, or see plant science as something you want to do on weekends for the rest of your life.
→ Go to Req 7b — Plant Science as a Hobby
Still not sure?
| Question | If yes → |
|---|---|
| Do you picture yourself working outdoors with plants for a living? | 7a — Careers |
| Are you more excited about growing a garden at home than about a job? | 7b — Hobbies |
| Do you want to learn what degree you would need to become a botanist? | 7a — Careers |
| Do you want to start beekeeping, grow bonsai, or build a native plant garden? | 7b — Hobbies |
Both options require real research and a genuine conversation with your counselor — not just a quick web search. Choose the one that excites you most.