By Christine Imbs
These days few would dispute that
interest in science and technology is at critically low levels among students in the United States. And when it comes to young women, those levels drop even further.
“It’s true. Young women often don’t go into these fields,” says Jan Holloway, senior vice president and chief of staff to the CEO of Monsanto. “That’s why I spend time talking with young women whenever I can, to encourage them to pursue degrees in technology and science, and to connect them with businesses so they can see the career possibilities. It’s something I’m very passionate about.”
Holloway herself has a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Augusta College in Georgia, as well as a Masters of Science degree in computer science from Washington University. She even worked as a staff research associate at Washington University’s Center for Air Pollution Impact and Trend Analysis while working on her degree. She joined Monsanto as a programmer, developing applications for research and agriculture. Then as opportunities presented themselves, Holloway accepted various IT positions within different areas of the company, including the commercial organization, research, manufacturing and engineering.
That’s one of the great things about IT,” she says. “You get to work with virtually every single person in the company. I’ve been here 25 years now, and I’ve not only been able to build on previous opportunities, but I’ve also built a lot of strong networks and great relationships.”
Holloway says her success is due in part to stepping out of her comfort zone, something she stresses to young women, or anyone wishing to succeed in business.
“It’s all about change. If you’re not willing to change, you become stagnant,” she explains. “But when you take that big step, you get a burst of new energy. I was able to take on a lot of roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone. This helped me to become broader in my knowledge and relationships. And it’s allowed me to follow some new passions.”
She says those passions include helping Monsanto become a great place to work and a company that makes a difference. In fact, she says she’s personally proud that in 2008, Working Mothers Magazine named Monsanto as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” nationally.
“We have a strong commitment here to provide flexible work arrangements and to support people,” she says. “And I’ve always been a strong proponent of part-time roles. The right role at the right time for the right person can be very effective both for the company, as well as for the individual. And so many women are able to work full-time, start a family, work part-time for a while, and then come back to work full-time again. It creates some really great working arrangements and contributions to the company, as well as great loyalties.”
Holloway also says Monsanto’s commitment to sustainability in agriculture is a particular source of pride not only for her, but the company as well.
“We’re developing some exiting new products that will help double yields in our core crops and help meet the food demands of people around the world, while requiring fewer resources from our environment. You know, many more of our customers than people would guess are farmers in developing countries. What we’re doing will help them not only grow enough food to feed their families, but some extra to sell, so they can send their children to school and enhance their lifestyles. It’s something we’re all very committed to and proud of here. And it makes you really feel good about getting up in the morning to come to work.”
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TalkingPOINTS
FROM: Edwardsville, Ill.
FAMILY: Husband, Jim, and two children
FAVORITE BOOKS: Good mysteries
FAVORITE MUSIC: Mostly 70s rock
HOBBIES: Hiking and the outdoors
PHILOSOPHY: “Embrace change.”
BEST ADVICE: “Step out of your
comfort zone.”
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