Meet Anna: A Career in Technical Services and Innovation

Discover Anna’s career journey into agricultural sales and technical advice, from studying Agricultural Bioscience and gaining practical farm experience to supporting customers with livestock nutrition. Find out what her role involves, the skills she uses and her advice for building a career without a farming background.

What does a normal day look like in your job?

A mixture of farm visits and nutritional support work for both my own customers and the rest of the sales team.

How did you get into this role?

I obtained a BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Bioscience at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Ayr Campus and worked independent from university on different farm gaining experience.

What skills or qualities matter most in your job?

I think communication skills are vital, as well as a love of solving problems.

Often the scientific solution is not always practical on farm and we need to adjust slightly to suit the farmer.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The people!

I enjoy spending time with different people and learning how they do what they do. No two people are ever the same.

What advice would you give someone thinking about this career?

No two days will ever be the same, don't be put off by not growing up in the industry.

I myself don't originate from farming it is nothing hard work and determination cannot overcome.

You can't be expected to know everything all the time, plus it's always better to make sure you're giving correct information, rather than trying to pretend and looking even more foolish!

In terms of dealing with people, just be yourself, find a common interest to help build connections and remember that we're all human.