From studying horticulture Natasha went on to qualify and represent the South East of Ireland in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition
Natasha Quirke is from Clonmel, Co Tipperary and graduated in 2018 with a BSc in Horticulture from WIT.
Tell me about your course
I studied Horticulture. I always wanted to work outdoors and I had fallen in love with plants. My mum also had a keen interest in gardening so I thought I would give it a go and I found out I did love it. My course had so much variety. I could branch out into a lot of different things. If I didn’t like one aspect, I could try another. The course is very practical. I picked landscape design, garden maintenance, biology and more. I tried everything. I always kept in mind what I would like to do in the future. Also, there are great opportunities for jobs. I chose to study in WIT because it seemed like such a lovely college. Also, it was just down the road from me.
What stands out for you from your time here at WIT?
Certainly the group of friends I made. There was such an age range within horticulture. Both younger and mature students, everybody mixes in really well. The social aspect was just brilliant.
What advice would you give to somebody thinking about taking the same course?
Definitely try it. There are so many different areas, you don’t have to do just the one. Some things are hard work other things are great fun. It is a bit of everything.
Did you take any field trips?
I qualified for the young horticulturist of the year, so I went to Dublin to represent the South East. They hold heats every year in the different colleges and you qualify from that. It is question and answer based. Then the eight finalists go to the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin where there is another competition.
Did you do any work experience?
We did a 16-week placement. I worked in a big garden centre in the local area. I got loads of hands on experience in retail and in plant identification and I gained more knowledge overall.
Where are you now?
I got a full-time job in Woodies in Clonmel. I know I have the qualifications now, so my options are open. I will see what the next few years bring.
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
