Grayson Harms came to the UW-Madison focused on earning a degree in mechanical engineering. But after spending a summer on a research project and working for a private firm, he had second thoughts.

“I knew I wanted to switch from the engineering school, but I wanted to find a new department before I left,” he recalls. He thought back to a high-school summer job working as a groundskeeper at a country club.

“I really loved the work and being outdoors, and I”ve always been interested in golf. I realized that working at a golf course would be a great job.” Harms researched turf management on the Internet and learned that the UW-Madison has the only four-year turf and grounds management program in the state. “I was surprised to see the program in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences,” Harms says. “After contacting Wayne Kussow, the faculty advisor for the program, I decided to transfer and become a soil science major.”

A big factor in his decision was the variety of coursework involved. His new major included classes in soil science, horticulture, botany, business and meteorology. And he even got to satisfy his interest in mechanics with classes about engines and irrigation systems from the biological systems engineering department.

He enhanced his professional network and his social life by joining the Badger Turf and Grounds Club. He eventually served as treasurer and represented the club at a national convention of the Golf Course Superintendents of America Association.

Harms recommends the soil science department to undecided students. “They”re all friendly and outgoing, and most people will do anything to help you.”

He says the job market appears to be steady for turf and grounds management graduates. He landed a position four months before he graduated. He is now an assistant superintendent at a country club near Chicago and hopes to work in Wisconsin some day.