Meet Corteva’s Marketing Communications Specialist: An interview with Weronika Smethurst
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Tell us a little bit about your role at Corteva?
As a Marketing Communications Specialist at Corteva, my role involves shaping and executing strategic communication plans to promote our products. My responsibilities include developing content for various platforms, managing social media campaigns, and organising events to engage with growers and advisors. Overall, my role is about making sure Corteva’s message is heard loud and clear. It’s a dynamic and rewarding role that allows me to use my creativity and strategic thinking to support the wider business.
Can you describe your journey to becoming a Marketing Communications Specialist at Corteva?
I initially joined Corteva in July 2019 as a Marketing Communications & CRM Assistant through the Management Development Services (MDS) graduate scheme. You can read more about my experience as an MDS trainee in my intern blog. My first secondment with Corteva lasted 10 months, after which I moved on to three other secondments. The second one kept me in the agrichemical industry, working within a global Commercial Excellence team. My final two secondments were in the fresh produce sector, first in a Logistics role and then in Procurement. My first permanent role after the MDS program was in the procurement of processing grapes. However, when the opportunity to rejoin Corteva as a Marketing Communications Specialist arose, I couldn't resist coming back!
What has been the most interesting project you've worked on at Corteva?
There’s constantly a lot of exciting things happening at Corteva, however one of the most significant projects for me has been the organisation of the ProClova® XL and ProGrass™ launch events across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Both products represent innovation which will help maximise the productivity of grassland and grass plus clover leys.
Overall, we had 11 launch events across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Although the travelling did get a bit tiring, the launches were extremely successful, and it was great to see the industry so excited about the innovative products!
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in MarComms within the agricultural industry?
My advice is to keep up with the latest trends, work on your communication skills, and build a diverse skill set that includes, and is not limited to, content creation, social media management, and event planning. Networking is super important, so make sure to connect with individuals in the industry and attend events. Be adaptable and open to learning since the industry is always changing. Understanding your audience and showing genuine passion for agriculture is important!
What skills and experiences have been most valuable in your position?
Attention to detail has been one of the most valuable skills in my position. This skill ensures that all our communications are accurate, clear, and professional, which is crucial for maintaining our brand's credibility. Whether it's proofreading content, creating social media posts or updating the website, a keen eye for detail helps prevent errors and enhances the quality of our work. It also allows me to effectively coordinate with the wider team, ensuring that every aspect of our marketing efforts is aligned and executed flawlessly.
How do you keep up to date with the latest advancements and trends in agriculture?
As part of my role, I tend to spend quite a bit of time reading industry related magazines, news, attending shows and checking social media so it’s quite easy to stay up to date with the latest advancements. Doing so also ensures that we are producing appropriate communications through the most relevant channels. I also pick up a lot of information from colleagues, whether this is someone within the Marketing Communications team or the wider business.
Why would you recommend Corteva as a great place to work?
I would most definitely recommend Corteva as a great place to work. One of the main reasons I love working at Corteva so much is the people. Everyone is friendly, approachable and always willing to lend a hand, which creates a supportive and collaborative environment. On top of that, there are plenty of opportunities for professional development. Whether it's through training programs, new projects, or new responsibilities, Corteva encourages us to broaden our skills and grow in our careers. It's a place where you feel valued and motivated to do your best.
If you are looking for a role with a difference, Corteva is the right choice, providing valuable learning experiences. Find out more about our talented team here.
