Meet Ellie Sill: Corteva’s CRM and Digital Assistant

Let’s start with you - can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to this internship? 

I'm an MDS Graduate Trainee currently on secondment at Corteva as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and Digital Assistant within the MarComms team.

I grew up in Singapore and Malaysia, before moving to the UK for university. I completed both my undergraduate degree in Sport and Health Sciences and my Master's in Sports Management at the University of Exeter, with a strong focus on nutrition throughout both programmes. I loved my time at Exeter University and I loved living in that part of the UK. My academic background gave me a deep understanding of the relationship between health, wellbeing, and the role food plays in people's lives.

I've always been passionate about health and fitness, and that naturally led me to become interested in where our food comes from and how it is produced. Over time, that passion developed into a curiosity about agriculture and the important role it plays in feeding a growing population while protecting natural resources for future generations. Combining my interests in nutrition, food systems, and sustainability, the MDS graduate scheme was a natural next step and ultimately led me to pursue the first steps of my career in the agricultural industry.

What does a typical day look like for you as a CRM and Digital Assistant at Corteva?

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that no two days are ever the same. My time is split across a variety of marketing, communications, CRM, and digital projects, which means there is always something new to learn.

Recently, a large part of my focus has been supporting the Horizon project. This has involved working with customer data, helping to improve data quality, supporting digital communications, and ensuring information is organised effectively to help teams make informed decisions. I've also had the opportunity to work across different functions, collaborate with colleagues from various teams, and gain insight into how marketing and customer relationship management support the wider business.

I am also responsible for producing the Forage Agronomy newsletter. This involves attending planning meetings, collecting and coordinating contributions, as well as editing and compiling the newsletter before publication.

The variety of work has allowed me to develop both technical and communication skills, while also giving me a broader understanding of how Corteva connects with and supports its customers.

What keeps you motivated and inspired?

I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such intelligent, talented, and supportive women within my team. Seeing their dedication, expertise, and leadership on a daily basis is incredibly motivating, and I have learned so much from their different experiences and perspectives.

I'm also motivated by my friends and family, who have supported me throughout my MDS journey. Whether it's moving to new cities, starting new roles, or navigating the challenges that come with personal and professional growth, their encouragement has been invaluable. 

Can you share more about a project you're especially proud of and what made it meaningful to you?

As mentioned previously, the Horizon project has probably been the most rewarding piece of work I've been involved in during my internship.

What made it particularly meaningful was the opportunity to take ownership of key tasks while working alongside colleagues from different areas of the business. Through the project, I gained hands-on experience working with large datasets, CRM systems, and customer information, while also learning how these processes contribute to wider business objectives.

It was exciting to see how detailed work behind the scenes can have a significant impact on customer engagement and business performance. Being trusted with important responsibilities and seeing the outcomes of my work made the experience especially rewarding.

What has stood out to you about the culture and environment at Corteva?

The people have definitely been the highlight of my experience at Corteva. Everyone is incredibly friendly, approachable, and willing to help, regardless of their role or level of experience.

From my first day, I felt welcomed and encouraged to ask questions and get involved. There is a genuine culture of collaboration, where people are happy to share their knowledge and support each other's development. This has created an environment where learning feels natural and where you feel confident taking on new challenges.

I've also been impressed by how passionate people are about the work they do and the impact it has on farmers and the wider agricultural industry.

What's the most valuable piece of advice you've received from a colleague or mentor, and how has it impacted you?

I would say remembering to stay curious and ask questions!

Coming into a completely new industry, there were many concepts and topics that were unfamiliar to me. Early on, I learned that asking questions wasn't a sign of weakness but rather one of the fastest ways to learn and develop. The colleagues around me were always willing to explain things and share their expertise, which helped me build confidence and expand my understanding of both agriculture and the business.

How has this internship shaped your career goals or helped clarify your next steps?

This internship has given me valuable insight into both agriculture and the wider agribusiness sector.

I've particularly enjoyed the CRM side of my role and learning how to work with large datasets. Developing these analytical skills has shown me how powerful data can be in helping businesses understand and better support their customers.

One of the most memorable experiences has been joining field walks with the Area Managers. Seeing the crops firsthand and speaking directly with those who work closely with farmers helped bring everything together. It gave me a much deeper understanding of the challenges farmers face and how Corteva's products and services help support them.

Overall, this internship has broadened my career interests and shown me how a background outside agriculture can bring valuable perspectives to the industry. It has certainly opened my eyes to the opportunities that exist within agribusiness, marketing, CRM, and customer-focused roles.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the agricultural sector?

Don't be afraid if your background isn't in agriculture. One of the biggest things I've learned is that coming into the industry with a fresh perspective can actually be a real advantage. There is so much to learn, and having no preconceptions allows you to approach challenges with curiosity and an open mind.

Agriculture touches so many different disciplines, from science and technology to marketing, sustainability, data, and communications. There are opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and experiences.

My advice would be to stay curious, ask questions, and take every opportunity to learn from the people around you. The industry is full of knowledgeable individuals who are passionate about what they do and eager to share their expertise.

Outside of work, where are we most likely to find you?

Most likely out running or walking! Cambridge has been a fantastic place to explore, especially during the summer months. In fact, my time here has inspired me to set my sights on completing the Manchester Marathon in 2027.

I'm also a keen football player and spent a season playing for Cambridge City, which was a brilliant way to meet people and stay involved in team sport. Alongside running and football, I regularly compete in HYROX events and have travelled to cities such as Berlin and Katowice to compete.