Growing a Career from the Ground Up
When Marianna Ivanovskaya-Pierard first stepped into MCC’s high-tech greenhouse during an introductory tour, she knew she had found the fresh start she was looking for. After years in the accounting field, she wanted something completely different—something hands-on, meaningful, and connected to the natural world.
After relocating to McHenry County to be closer to her husband’s job, his colleagues recommended MCC to Marianna as an excellent place for learning. Their enthusiasm, combined with the welcoming environment she found on campus, made the decision easy.
Marianna earned her Horticulture Certificate in 2023 and her Entrepreneurial Agriculture Certificate in 2024. During her time at MCC, she completed an internship on the student farm, worked as a greenhouse assistant, and spent two years building a deep understanding of horticulture.
“It’s hard to identify anything I didn’t learn,” she said about her time in the program. “I graduated as a well-prepared specialist ready for any professional challenge.”
What stood out most to Marianna was the guidance she received from her instructors.
“I was genuinely impressed by how knowledgeable and supportive my professors were,” she said. “They provided instruction, mentorship, and personal guidance throughout my studies. We still keep in touch, and when I have a challenging question, I know exactly who to ask.”
Right after graduation, her hard work paid off. She was recruited immediately, and the experience she gained at MCC gave her the confidence to pursue a management role.
“I applied for a greenhouse and retail manager position at Countryside, and I knew it was the perfect fit. I was right,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of a company that is not only a regional industry leader but is also deeply committed to the community and the environment.”
For Marianna, the rewards of a career in horticulture are endless.
“I can’t choose just one thing,” she said. “Working alongside kind colleagues, being surrounded by blooming plants even in winter, teaching people how to grow their own food, and staying physically active while mentally relaxed are all highlights.”
Her message to aspiring horticulture students is to immerse themselves in every opportunity.
“Take every class in the program, work as a student employee, and seek learning experiences beyond the college,” she said. “Go on field trips, help prune an orchard for a food pantry, and maintain your own patio garden.”
She recommends horticulture not just as a career, but as a grounding lifestyle—and one that technology won’t replace anytime soon.
“This field allows you to develop practical skills, stay close to nature, and find peace in a chaotic world,” she said.