Agriculture: A World of Possibilities

When I was growing up, I dreamed of becoming a lawyer. And then, while participating in an internship program, I discovered Human Resources and knew it was my true calling. But a career in agriculture? It wasn’t even on my radar. Now, after more than 15 years in the ag sector, I can’t imagine anywhere I’d rather be. As one of my colleagues says, “It’s the most exciting place to be.” I couldn’t agree more.

What makes ag so exciting? We have huge challenges to solve. Challenges such as feeding and fueling a growing world and helping farmers become even more environmentally sustainable. Challenges that require innovative ideas, bold actions and cutting-edge technologies. The kind of challenges that bring out the best in those who tackle them.

Indeed, it’s the people who make this industry such an exciting place to be. People who are laser-focused on helping today’s farmers meet the combined demands of productivity, sustainability and resilience. People who are passionate not only about meeting their own families’ needs for healthy, sustainable food, but also about contributing to something bigger. And what could be bigger than helping farmers feed and fuel a growing world?

But if ag is so exciting, why wasn’t it something I had even considered when I first started my career? And why do many of today’s career seekers overlook the world of opportunities ag has to offer? After talking with our talent acquisition team and some of our recent new hires, I believe two misperceptions are largely to blame.

Misperception #1: “You have to be a farmer or have a farming background.”

People often think agriculture as being limited to careers that involve running or working on a farm – which are vital functions, no doubt, but barely scratch the surface of the opportunities available in this sector. While we have many roles at Corteva Agriscience that require knowledge of farming and farming practices, we have as many, if not more, that don’t require prior farming know how. Our people take tremendous pride in sharing their knowledge and passion with anyone who is interested in joining our team. And although having a farming background can be extremely helpful, we also value a workforce that represents a wide variety of talents, skillsets and backgrounds. After all, that’s what drives creativity and innovation.

Misperception #2: “My skills aren’t applicable to ag.”

Many people are surprised to learn about the wide variety of roles available within ag. Name virtually any function – finance, IT, human resources, legal, public affairs, marketing and sales, R&D and more – and we have it at Corteva. Love data science and analytics? We have roles for you. Hate the thought of working at a desk? We have lab-based, greenhouse and field-based positions. Excel in a production environment? We offer a wide range of manufacturing opportunities, too. And roles come in many different forms – from regular full-time positions to temporary seasonal workers and everything in between.

Having grown up in a rural farming community myself, I will confess that I, too, held some of these misperceptions. It was only after learning from our scientists, agronomists and sales teams, listening to our diverse farmer customers and gaining a better understanding of the challenges and prospects we face, did I fully appreciate the breadth of the ag industry.

And I have found it to be one rooted in strong core values and filled with devoted and compassionate people who strive to build a better world for themselves, their loved ones and the global community.

If you’re seeking a career that’s not only enjoyable, but meaningful and where the work you do matters, consider ag. Consider Corteva Agriscience .

When you join our company, it’s only the start. There are so many opportunities to grow and develop in your career. and our team members are eager to coach and inspire every step of the way. As long as you’re willing to learn about farming and become as passionate about serving the needs of farmers as we are, the possibilities in agriculture are truly extraordinary.