With his eye on a full-time position in turf management, Braden Burge knew that he needed something to give him an edge over other candidates.

His story shows how the right education can open doors and set up for long-term success.

Meet Braden: Ready to Rise Up

Braden started working part-time in turf management at a sports field in Utah, where he quickly discovered his passion for the industry. “I really enjoyed it right off the bat,” he says. “But I knew a full-time position would open up soon, and I wanted something that would separate me from everyone else.”

That’s when Braden began researching programs that could give him a competitive edge.

After exploring a few options, he came across the OSU Turfgrass Management Certificate.

Going All In: A Fast-Track to Success

Braden didn’t just enroll in the OSU program—he dove in headfirst, completing all the classes in just six weeks.

“I took a lot of courses all at once, but it worked out really well,” he says.

When the full-time position at his company became available, Braden didn’t hesitate. 

Armed with the certificate and new knowledge, Braden felt confident about applying for the upcoming full-time position at his job.

“I showed my boss the certificate and said, ‘I’ve got this,’” he recalls.

Thanks to the OSU Turfgrass Management Certificate, he had the credentials to back up his passion and hard work. “I went through the interview process and got the job,” he says proudly.

That initiative, hard work and new certificate earned him the promotion.

With the promotion came a raise, more hours, and additional perks. “Overall, everything about the new job was an improvement.”

Why OSU? More Comprehensive, More Flexible

When comparing OSU’s program to other options, Braden found OSU’s to be much more comprehensive.

“The Georgia program was just one or two classes, and I didn’t think I’d get as much out of it.  With OSU, there were so many subjects covered that I knew it would be super helpful,” he says.

The flexibility of the OSU program was also a key factor for Braden.

“I was glad it wasn’t the kind of course where you had to be online at specific times,” he explains. “With my work schedule, that wouldn’t have worked for me.”

The OSU program allowed Braden to study on his own time, at his own pace—something he greatly appreciated while balancing his part-time job. “Some courses had assignments due once a week, which I really liked. Others let you work on your own time, and that flexibility was nice,” he explains.

Knowledge That Boosts Confidence and Opens Doors

For Braden, the program wasn’t just about getting a piece of paper.

It was about gaining real knowledge and skills that he could use in his day-to-day work.

“Being in Utah, we only really used one type of grass, so learning about other grass types was super helpful,” he says.

“The same goes for insects and weeds. We don’t have a ton of those in Utah, but understanding how they affect turf in other climates gave me a much broader perspective.”

That broader perspective gave Braden confidence.

“I could do this job anywhere if I needed to,” he says. “It gave me the knowledge to feel capable of handling turf management in different places and different climates.”

A Favorite Class and Key Lessons

One of his favorite courses?

“The insects and weeds class was great. I really liked the instructor, and the course was really well done. I learned a ton from it,” Braden says.

He also found the math course challenging, but rewarding. “It was tough because I hadn’t done math in so long, but it was helpful to get that expertise down,” he admits.

Continued Support and Community

Although Braden didn’t reach out to the instructors with many questions, he appreciated how responsive they were when he did. “All of my questions were answered within a couple of days,” he says.

He was particularly impressed with how well the insect and weed modules were designed, noting that they made it easy to understand the material without needing much extra help.

Braden also enjoyed connecting with other students in the program, many of whom were from different parts of the world. “There were people in the course from Europe, which was really cool to see. They were taking the class just for the enjoyment of learning,” he says.

Recommending OSU’s Program: The Next Step for Turf Professionals

Braden didn’t just keep his positive experience with OSU’s program to himself—he shared it with his colleagues.

“A couple of my coworkers have already started the program, and another one is starting in October,” he says. “It’s a really well-done program. The instructors are great, and it helps you get the job you want or move up in your current job,” he says.

The OSU Turfgrass Management Certificate gave him the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to move up in his career—and it can do the same for you.

Whether you’re looking to land your first full-time job in turf management or take your skills to the next level, this program offers the comprehensive education and flexibility you need to succeed.

Start your journey with OSU’s Turfgrass Management Certificate and watch your career grow.