Ashley’s Journey Through Purina’s MDA Program

Stepping into a new career can feel both exciting and uncertain, especially when you’re exploring an industry or environment outside your academic background. For Ashley, an Accounting Management Development Associate, that uncertainty quickly transformed into opportunity. Drawn to Purina’s Management Development Associate Program (MDA) and its unique blend of hands-on learning, factory immersion, and professional development, Ashley discovered a path that challenged her, supported her, and connected her with a community committed to her growth.

Continue reading to learn how the MDA program broadened her skills, deepened her understanding of the business, and helped her build meaningful relationships across the Purina network.

What attracted you to the Management Development Associate Program at Purina? More specifically, why did you choose a rotational program in manufacturing with your background in accounting?

When I graduated from college, I was really looking for a job that would not only allow me to grow but also offer a supportive learning environment. That's when I came across the MDA Program at Purina, and it seemed like the perfect fit for me. The program is full of growth opportunities, and I love that it encourages continuous learning. What really drew me to the MDA program, especially in manufacturing, is the chance to learn the business from the ground up, which intrigued me. Being out on the factory floor alongside operators and team leaders has been an incredible experience. I didn’t need prior manufacturing knowledge, which made it even more appealing.

This hands-on approach has not only helped me understand the various processes but also allowed me to share insights and perspective with my accounting team, many whom have not had the chance to work directly with operators. Overall, this rotational program has given me a deeper understanding of both the business and the products, and it has opened my eyes to many opportunities within the organization.

How does Purina support your continuous learning and professional development?

Purina truly lives up to its promise of supporting my continuous learning and professional development. Since I started, I've had the opportunity to dive into a new industry in a relatively short time, thanks to the encouraging learning environment that Purina fosters. It’s great to be part of a culture that welcomes questions and promotes exploration, making it easier to step out of my comfort zone and learn new processes. The first phase of the MDA Program is all about understanding factory operations and building connections with the people who are the heartbeat of our operations. This experience not only helped me gain respect for their work but also equipped me with valuable skills that I can carry forward in my career at Purina.

What I love most about the program is that it encourages continuous growth. Even after completing the first phase, I find myself constantly learning new tasks and skills that enhance my professional journey. Everyone at Purina is there to challenge and motivate you, and with every challenge I feel myself growing and developing even more.

In what ways do you feel connected to your MDA peers, MDA cohort, and larger Purina community?

When I first arrived at the Davenport Purina factory, I didn’t know anyone, but the program helped me build relationships with so many amazing people. My MDA cohort and I have formed a strong bond as we navigate the same processes and learned together. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences, which makes it very beneficial to help each other understand various concepts and processes within the factory. One of the great things about the program is the connections you make with former MDA program participants. They truly understand what we are experiencing and are eager to help us succeed, taking the time to share their insights and support us along the way.

I learned a lot from operators, team leaders, and other team members in the factory. These interactions led to lifelong connections and friendships. Everyone here genuinely wants you to succeed, and it’s inspiring to see how much pride they take in sharing their knowledge and experiences to help you grow. As I move to different factories, I look forward to making even more connections and building these relationships.

Ready to chart your own journey of growth, connection, and hands-on learning? Explore current MDA openings at Purina and take the first step toward a career built from the ground up.