Syngenta’s Partnership with A2i: Investing in the Future of Agriculture

Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, has long recognized the importance of supporting the next generation of professionals in the industry. Through its partnership with the A2i program at NC State, Syngenta is helping to shape the future workforce, providing graduate students with the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive in their careers. We spoke with Dresden Goldberg, the Global Entry Talent Program Manager, and Kaci Rice, the North America Academic Partnership Program Specialist at Syngenta North America Talent Acquisition, to learn more about the company’s commitment to graduate student career development and its ongoing collaboration with A2i.

Syngenta’s Role in Graduate Career Development

Dresden and Kaci play key roles in Syngenta’s academic partnership program, which aims to foster strong relationships with academic institutions, contribute to local economic development, and build a pipeline of future talent. As part of Syngenta’s strategic focus, the academic partnership program seeks to enhance its involvement with graduate students, especially those at NC State, to support their career development in agriculture.

According to Dresden, “By supporting graduate student career development at NC State, Syngenta invests in the future of agriculture while also benefiting from access to talent and innovative research collaboration.” This collaboration not only strengthens the company’s connections with emerging professionals but also helps address the critical challenges facing the agriculture industry.

Syngenta’s Vision for Supporting Graduate Students

Syngenta’s partnership with A2i is driven by a clear vision: to provide students with valuable real-world industry exposure and facilitate knowledge transfer between academia and the corporate sector. By partnering with programs like A2i, Syngenta is able to engage with top-tier graduate students and foster a deeper understanding of the intersection between academic research and industry needs.

Dresden and Kaci explain that Syngenta’s involvement in initiatives like A2i helps the company build a strong reputation among emerging professionals and develop a talent pool for future hiring. They emphasize the importance of innovation in agriculture, noting that the next generation of leaders will play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable, productive, and resilient food system. 

“Industry-academic partnerships develop the future workforce that will solve these challenges”

Key Skills Syngenta Seeks in Graduate Students

Syngenta looks for candidates who demonstrate a range of valuable skills and experiences, all of which contribute to success in the rapidly evolving agriculture industry. While each position may have specific requirements, there are common attributes Syngenta seeks in graduate student candidates:

• Industry awareness: Understanding the current trends and challenges in agriculture.
• Commitment to responsible innovation and ethical conduct: A strong focus on sustainability and ethical practices.
• Leadership potential: The ability to lead teams, projects, or initiatives.
• Adaptability and learning agility: The capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Collaboration and communication: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Innovation and problem-solving: Addressing complex challenges with creative solutions.
• Technical expertise: Strong skills in data analysis, research, and relevant scientific disciplines.

These competencies, paired with a passion for the industry, make graduate students and postdocs stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

Syngenta’s Career Development Programs for A2i Participants

Syngenta offers a variety of career development opportunities for graduate students, making it an attractive option for A2i participants. One of the most notable initiatives is Syngenta’s internship programs for master’s and PhD students. These internships allow students to gain hands-on experience in the industry while receiving mentorship and specialized training. Not only do these internships provide valuable exposure to the company’s operations, but they also serve as a pathway to full-time employment.

Additionally, Syngenta offers a wide range of career paths across scientific disciplines, including agronomy, research and development, data science, bioinformatics, regulatory science, chemistry, entomology, plant pathology, and soil science. Whether students are interested in research, innovation, or data-driven decision-making, Syngenta’s career paths offer something for everyone.

Beyond internships, Syngenta also supports professional mentoring programs and networking events, providing students with opportunities to connect with professionals in their field. A2i participants are encouraged to reach out to the A2i team for more information on how they can connect with Syngenta’s opportunities.

Looking Ahead: Syngenta’s Future with A2i

As Syngenta continues to collaborate with the A2i program, the company is excited about the future of agriculture and the potential of the students involved. Dresden and Kaci express their enthusiasm about working with NC State’s graduate students, highlighting the innovation and energy they bring to the partnership.

“The future of agriculture looks exceptionally promising, largely due to the skills and dedication of these students,” says Dresden. “We look forward to the meaningful contributions and transformative discoveries that will arise from our partnership with NC State’s graduate students. (And of course, we hope to hire them!)”

With Syngenta’s commitment to fostering industry-academic partnerships, the collaboration with A2i promises to continue benefiting both graduate students and the agricultural industry at large. For students looking to make an impact in the world of agriculture, Syngenta offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to help them succeed in their careers.

For more information on Syngenta’s programs and how to get involved, A2i participants are encouraged to connect with the A2i team. The future of agriculture is bright, and Syngenta is proud to play a key role in shaping that future by supporting the next generation of innovators and leaders.