Meet Tamsin Knowles: Corteva's CRM and Digital Intern
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I have a background in Agri-Food Marketing with Business, having graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Haper Adams University in Shropshire in 2023. During my year in industry as part of my four-year degree, I first learnt about the MDS graduate scheme while working at Greenyard Fresh in South Lincolnshire. Following a six-month period spent traveling and gaining additional work experience in New Zealand and Australia, I was fortunate to be accepted onto the MDS graduate scheme in April 2024.
Having grown up on my family’s dairy farm in Cornwall, I have always been passionate about the agricultural sector. My placement at Corteva represents my third secondment with MDS. Previously, I gained practical experience working for Birdseye as an Assistant Agricultural Field Operative, and at Double H Plant Nurseries as an E-Commerce and Operations Assistant. This journey has been both engaging and rewarding, providing a diverse range of experiences within the agricultural and horticultural industry.
What does a typical day as a CRM and Digital Intern at Corteva look like?
As part of the Marketing Communications team, my internship provides a valuable opportunity to gain experience in both Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Digital Marketing. This dual focus allows me to combine creative marketing responsibilities with data-driven tasks on a daily basis.
Within the CRM function, I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy and quality of our customer data. On the digital side, my role involves compiling monthly newsletters for the UK and Ireland, delivering seasonally relevant technical insights for agronomists and growers. I also help develop content for Corteva’s websites and monitor the performance of our digital activities to continually refine our approach. This varied position keeps me engaged and learning new transferable skills!
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through my involvement in a running club and a netball club in Cambridge. Regular exercise not only helps me maintain my energy levels but also plays an important role in supporting my mental wellbeing. I also value spending time on the family farm and in the countryside, where I can reconnect with nature and my roots.
Beyond this, I have a passion for travel and enjoy exploring new destinations and cultures around the world. I am also enthusiastic about food—whether baking at home or discovering new restaurants and cafés across Cambridge. These activities allow me to maintain a healthy work-life balance, while keeping me motivated and inspired in both my personal and professional life.
How has this internship shaped your career goals or helped clarify your next steps?
During my time at Corteva Agriscience, both the company and my role have provided a positive and supportive environment that has helped me build confidence on both a professional and personal level—something for which I am extremely grateful. Corteva fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, where individual ideas and perspectives are genuinely valued.
I also feel fortunate to have been with the company during the tenure of Will Corrigan as UK and Ireland Country Leader. His inspirational leadership, encouragement, and genuine interest in my career aspirations have been truly motivating.
In addition to my day-to-day responsibilities, I have been able to take part in a variety of opportunities, including attending Cereals Event at Heath Farm in Lincolnshire where I helped deliver a fantastic experience for visitors to the Corteva stand. I also attended engaging breakfast meetings designed to connect interns from Corteva’s global offices.
I am fortunate to be part of a supportive team that has actively encouraged my development from the very beginning. This has enabled me to contribute to a wide range of projects, broadening my knowledge and providing valuable exposure to different business functions within the company. The experience has been both rewarding and enriching, with each day presenting new opportunities to learn and grow. I would strongly recommend this internship to anyone with a passion for contributing to the future of agriculture.
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.
