Meet Diego Lucini de Ugarte: Corteva's Marketing Communications Intern
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At Corteva, we are fortunate to have interns like Diego, who bring fresh perspectives and fully engage in our mission to support farmers. Diego joined our Marketing Communications team in April 2025 for a 6-month placement, and we're excited to share his journey and insights from his time with us!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I joined Corteva in April 2025 as an intern as part of my second secondment within the MDS graduate scheme. I graduated in 2024 with a BSc in Biotechnology from the University of Edinburgh, where I discovered my passion for agriculture, the environment and food production.
Although I am originally from Spain, I’ve also lived in Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, South Africa and Scotland. Growing up across different countries gave me a global perspective that aligns well with a company like Corteva, whose roots and mission extends far beyond the UK and Ireland, to enrich the lives of farmers and consumers alike for generations to come, with a commitment to sustainability.
I don’t come from a farming background, but I’ve always been fascinated by agriculture. As a child, I dreamed of having my own chickens and vegetable patch, and it wasn’t until moving to Scotland that I truly started appreciating the beauty, effort, and care involved in farming. That experience inspired me to find my way into the industry, and Corteva has been an incredible place to begin!
What does a typical day look like for you as a Marketing Communications Assistant at Corteva?
Honestly, no two days are the same, which is what makes the role so engaging! My work ranges from creating content for our social media channels, designing newsletters/emails for internal and external audiences, and supporting events, to collaborating with my team on campaigns that showcase Corteva as the approachable and innovative company it is.
I’ve particularly enjoyed gaining insight into how media campaigns are planned and executed, whether that’s liaising with external agencies, developing content, or understanding the strategy behind a product launch.
Can you share a project or piece of work you’re especially proud of? What made it meaningful to you?
One highlight has been working on our employee blog series, which shares colleagues’ stories and career journeys. Creating these pieces was not only rewarding but also inspiring, as I got to know my team members on a deeper level.
As someone just starting out in the industry, learning from others’ experiences helps me reflect on my own path and motivates me to keep building my career.
What has stood out to you about the culture or environment at Corteva?
Corteva has a very open and supportive culture. Everyone I’ve met has been approachable, generous with their time, and willing to share advice. It’s the kind of environment that encourages you to be yourself, contribute your ideas, and explore creative ways of doing things differently.
A great example of Corteva’s supportive culture was a recent field visit with Tom Rouse, Area Manager for East of England. His enthusiasm and depth of knowledge made the experience truly engaging and inspiring. As someone without an agricultural background, being able to see the crops up close and talk through real challenges was incredibly valuable. This was the perfect way to connect the dots and understand agronomy in action.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received from a colleague or mentor, and how has it impacted you?
“Get talking to and involved in as much as possible, you never know what a single conversation might lead to.”
This advice has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and take advantage of any opportunity, no matter how big or small.
How has this internship shaped your career goals or helped clarify your next steps?
This role has helped me recognise some of my strengths and shown me how varied careers in agriculture can be. I’ve realised that my degree doesn’t tie me to a lab, as many of my colleagues with scientific backgrounds have built exciting careers in very various roles beyond it, like communications, commercial or regulatory roles.
Being part of different projects and teams at Corteva has opened my eyes to how interconnected agriculture is with global challenges. It has strengthened my motivation to continue working in the sector and to find the path where my skills can make the biggest difference.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the agricultural sector?
Don’t be put off if you don’t come from a farming background. I've learned that agriculture welcomes all kinds of skills and perspectives, and that diversity is what helps the sector adapt to today’s challenges. If you’re passionate about it, go for it! You’ll be surprised at how transferable your skills really are.
Outside of work, where are we most likely to find you or what activities do you enjoy?
You’ll likely find me always on the move! I love to travel with my camera in one hand and my sketchbook in the other, whether I’m hiking up a mountain, foraging in a forest, exploring a coastline or wandering through a new town. I also enjoy cooking, especially sharing meals with friends and family. For me, life is about people, food, and discovering new places, with an appreciation for nature at its core.
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.
