Life at Corteva with Robert Tambudze
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Across Corteva we are fortunate to have interns, like Robert Tambudze, providing a fresh perspective and learning what #LifeAtCorteva is like, working to support farmers and enrich lives.
Robert joined the Corteva Field Science Team in Wellesbourne on the 3rd of April 2023 for a 6-month internship. In this article we hear more about Robert’s experience working at Corteva UK & Ireland.
What can you tell us about yourself?
I am an agricultural scientist with a passion for making a positive impact on people's lives. I come from Zimbabwe, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. This inspired me to pursue a career in agriculture, and I have since obtained a degree in Crop Science and a Masters in Post-harvest Science. I have also had extensive experience in the agricultural fraternity, holding technical advisory, research, agribusiness, and livelihoods revitalisation roles.
In my career, I have seen how wide and diverse agriculture is, and how it has the power to shape people's lives. I believe that agriculture is the key to feeding the world's growing population and to creating sustainable livelihoods for millions of people.
I am excited to be working in the UK agricultural sector, and I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a real difference. I am also eager to learn from others and to continue developing my skills.
What inspired you to apply for the internship at Corteva?
I was inspired to apply for the internship at Corteva because I was passionate about agriculture and wanted to gain experience in the UK agricultural sector. I had recently moved to the UK, and I was struggling to find a job in my field without any UK experience. The Corteva internship was a great opportunity for me to learn about the UK agro-systems and to develop the skills and knowledge I needed to be successful.
I was also inspired by the company's mission to provide innovative solutions to the challenges facing agriculture today. I believe that agriculture is essential to feeding the world's growing population, and I wanted to be a part of a company that is making a difference.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects related to crop protection. I also had the chance to work with some of the leading experts in the field. I learned a great deal during my internship, and I developed the skills and knowledge that I needed to be successful in the UK or even global agricultural industry.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have interned at Corteva. It was a truly rewarding experience, and I am confident that the skills and knowledge I gained there will help me to succeed in my future career.
What has a typical day at Corteva been like for you?
A typical day at Corteva was a dynamic blend of field and lab work, with a focus on planning and proactiveness. I might start the day with a coffee and a review of my to-do list, which could include anything from attending meetings to servicing machinery to assessing the efficacy of new chemicals in the field. No matter what the day brought, I always had to be prepared to adapt and make changes as needed.
One of the things I loved most about my job was the variety. I never knew what to expect, and that kept things exciting. One day I might be deep in the mud, drilling seeds into the ground or pegging, and the next I might be in the lab, analysing data from our latest experiments. I also enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with other scientists from all over the world. Together, we were working to develop innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today.
Of course, there were also challenges. Sometimes the weather didn't cooperate, or an experiment didn't go as planned. But I always learned from my mistakes, and I was grateful for the support of my colleagues and mentors.
Overall, my time at Corteva was an incredibly rewarding experience. I learned a great deal about the agricultural industry and the science behind it. I also made lifelong friends and had the opportunity to make a real difference in the world.
What have been your highlights of this role?
As a Corteva intern, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects across multiple disciplines. I also had the chance to meet and network with leading experts in the field during field tours who would inspire me by their level of technical aptitude and impressive knowledge towards the trials.
One of the highlights of my role was seeing the direct impact that my work was having on the agricultural industry. I knew that I was helping farmers to protect their crops and produce more food, which is a truly rewarding feeling.
Another highlight was the inclusive and supportive work culture at Corteva. I felt valued and respected by my colleagues, and I always felt comfortable asking for help or sharing my ideas.
Overall, my internship at Corteva was an incredibly rewarding experience. I learned a great deal about the agricultural industry and the latest advances in crop protection. I also developed my professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked at Corteva, and I am confident that the skills and knowledge I gained there will help me to succeed in my future career.
Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the agricultural sector?
I don’t think there’s a more satisfying industry than agriculture.
- Be passionate about agriculture. The agricultural sector is a challenging but rewarding industry, and it's important to be passionate about the work in order to succeed.
- Get an education in a related field. A formal education in agriculture will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in the industry.
- Gain experience. Internships, volunteer work, and part-time jobs are all great ways to gain experience in the agricultural sector. This experience will help you learn about the different aspects of the industry and develop the skills needed to be successful.
- Network with people in the agricultural sector. Networking can help you to learn about job opportunities and to get your foot in the door.
- Be adaptable and willing to learn new things. The agricultural sector is constantly changing, so it's important to be adaptable and willing to learn new things.
- Be willing to work hard. Agriculture is a demanding industry, and it requires hard work and dedication to be successful.
- Be a team player. Agriculture is a collaborative industry, and it's important to be able to work well with others.
Robert Tambudze
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Robert Tambudze
If you are looking for an internship with a difference, Corteva is the right choice, providing valuable learning experiences. Find out more about our careers and internships at Corteva and join our talent network here.