Meet Grace Isaacs: Technical Services Assistant at Corteva
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I recently joined Corteva Agriscience after completing an MSc in Food Security at the University of Glasgow, following a BSc in Biological Sciences from Durham University. My research focused on crop resilience to drought and cold stress, which sparked my interest in sustainable agriculture.
As a Technical Services Assistant, I support the team by preparing technical literature, managing trials logistics, and contributing to digital tools like the Corteva Arable App.
What inspired you to apply for the internship at Corteva, and what drew you to the company?
I’ve always been interested in plant physiology, molecular biology, and how crops respond to stress. I wanted to work somewhere that not only researches these areas, but also shows how they’re applied in real-world farming. Corteva stood out because of its focus on sustainability, innovation, and helping farmers enhance productivity in a changing climate - all through a strong, customer-focused approach.
Do you have any connections to agriculture outside of your work at Corteva?
Not originally! Growing up in suburban Belgium, I had very little exposure to farming or where food came from. It wasn’t until I took a module on crop growth in changing climates during my undergraduate degree that I began thinking seriously about agriculture. That led me to my master’s in Food Security, where I explored both crop and livestock systems — including visiting a farm and an abattoir for the first time.
Whilst many people at Corteva have farming backgrounds, my path into agriculture has been entirely academic. I’ve found that curiosity and an eagerness to learn are just as important as experience, and so far, my time here has given me meaningful, hands-on insight into the industry.
How has your role evolved since you first started?
A lot! I originally started on a one-year internship in April 2024 and have felt priviledged to have my contract extended, along with a job title change and increased responsibilities. I started out by proofreading technical sheets and ordering products for trials, but now I’m writing those sheets myself, managing logistics and payments, and contributing to digital platforms like our Arable App and website. Even as my responsibilities have evolved, one thing that’s remained consistent is the opportunity to learn directly in the field — visiting trials and farms has been invaluable in helping me connect the technical work with real-world practice.
What does a typical day look like for you in your current position?
No two days are the same. Some days I’m out in the field visiting biological trials or supporting our Corteva Innovation Platform events. Other days, I'm in the office writing technical literature and managing trial payments. Working with several crop teams brings real variety to my role and keeps each day interesting and engaging.
Which skills or experiences have been most valuable to you so far?
The most valuable part of my role has been deepening my agronomy knowledge. Crop walking and completing the BASIS Foundation Award have worked hand in hand to build my technical expertise. At the same time, managing trial logistics has given me a clearer view of the processes involved in bringing new products to market.
What have been some of the standout moments or highlights in your role?
One of the highlights has been supporting the launch of our new clover-safe herbicide, ProClova® XL, across the UK. I saw the product in trials ahead of launch and later helped with events as it came to market. It was a great opportunity to see how trial work directly supports commercial activity. Additionally, sitting in on the Corteva Hotline with my colleagues has also given me valuable insight into how customers are using our products in the field and the ways in which we offer technical advice and support.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a career in agriculture?
Go for it! You don’t need to come from a farming background to succeed in agriculture. A genuine interest and willingness to learn are more than enough.
What aspects of Corteva’s culture do you find most supportive or motivating?
Corteva has a very collaborative and welcoming culture. Everyone is always happy to share their knowledge and help you learn. I’ve felt supported from day one — not just through formal training like the BASIS Foundation Award, but also through informal opportunities like trial visits, field walks, and regular check-ins with colleagues.
In what ways has Corteva helped you grow, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I’ve gained a huge amount of technical knowledge and confidence — from understanding agronomy principles to learning how we run trials across the UK and Ireland. Personally, I’ve developed stronger communication and project management skills, which have helped me work more effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Would you recommend Corteva as a place to work? What makes it special to you?
Absolutely. What makes Corteva special are the people—it’s a friendly, supportive environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow. The culture encourages you to get involved in a variety of projects and make the most of your time here.
Finally, is there a fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?
I really enjoy reading, especially fantasy novels, and once set myself the challenge of reading 100 books in a year!
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.
