Young Alum Of The Month June 2013

Janelle Buxton

Title and Company: Product Marketing Communications Manager at Du Pont Pioneer, Des Moines

Hometown: Creston, Iowa

Major and Graduation Date: Agricultural Communications, Agronomy Minor, May 2005

Favorite ISU Organization: National Agri-Marketing Association- “Great organization, great people involved and leading it,” says Janelle, “NAMA could help land your job and further your career.”

Major Job/Position Responsibilities: Janelle’s primary responsibilities include developing and implementing strategy and tactics for corn product communications in North America.  When she begins developing a grassroots campaign for a product, she first asks herself, “How do we convey the Pioneer brand to North America?  How do we want our customers to feel and perceive our brand?”  Janelle describes herself as being a steward for the Pioneer brand.  She thinks strategically about product messaging including: the attributes, purpose and the profitability.  She describes her position as being the middleman.  “I work with scientists, business teams, and marketing firms and I am the middle person that makes the sense between the two groups,” says Janelle.

What you like most about your job/position? Janelle enjoys her position at Pioneer.  “The people you work with can make all the difference in your career,” she says.  Janelle describes her coworkers as being hardworking, smart individuals that make her work enjoyable.  “Always work for a place that demands you to be better.” She enjoys the creative side of marketing because it is a side of agriculture most people don’t think.

What other agricultural organizations are you involved in? Janelle is involved in the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Nationals Career Committee.  On this committee, she helps plan the student NAMA competitions.

In 2012, Janelle, along with Amanda Taylor (Iowa Corn Growers), and Claire Masker (Pioneer) founded Young Professionals in Agriculture, a group allowing individuals in agricultural industry in Iowa to connect and network. “It has been scary because we have seen great success to network, and then there also lies a unknown future,” she says.  The group has experienced great success and demonstrated considerable growth during its first year.

What advice would you give to current students pursuing a career in Agriculture and Life Sciences? “Don’t be afraid to take risks.  Keep your eyes wide open to clearly make connections, which is going to be key for your career path,” she says, “Keep connections with fellow students.  You still might get to work with them.”