February 3, 2004
An Iowa State University horticulture student who hopes to own a floral shop someday will gain experience this summer through a national internship program. Danielle Prevette, a junior from West Des Moines, is a recent recipient of a Mosmiller Scholar Program internship.
"These internships are granted to a few select students after an intense national screening of applicants," said Jeff Iles, chair of the ISU horticulture department. "It provides high-quality professional training for highly motivated students who desire a career in some segment of the florist industry."
Prevette expects to know her internship destination by the end of February and she's looking forward to the experience. "It will help me see behind the scenes of a floral shop. Through this internship, I will get the hands-on experience of floral design that I need, and learn how to work with the public in different situations," Prevette said.
The Mosmiller Scholar Program was developed in 1975 and is funded by money given to the American Floral Endowment by the late Colonel and Mrs. Walter Mosmiller Jr. The couple owned a retail flower shop in Richmond, Va.
Originally the program focused on all aspects of the florist industry, but a decision was made in 1993 to focus solely on retail/wholesale experience for the student interns selected each year. The paid internship must be at a retail florist, wholesale florist or an allied trade company and last 10 to 16 weeks. After interns meet all the requirements, they are granted a $2,000 scholarship.
Prevette has been taking the "Flower Arrangement of the Month" class at Reiman Gardens for the past year. And through involvement in the ISU Horticulture Club, she has gained experience in sales, marketing and event planning. Her internship, plus her classroom work and extra curricular activities, will help her reach her ultimate goal. "After graduation, I hope to work in a floral shop and work my way up to management," Prevette said. "Once I have gained enough experience, I will open and manage my own floral shop."