Intern Experience: 8 Lessons Learned by the Next Generation of Ag Leaders

Intern Experience: 8 Lessons Learned by the Next Generation of Ag Leaders

Each summer, AgSouth welcomes a group of students to our organization where they are presented with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Farm Credit culture. The AgSouth Internship Program allows our association to educate and develop the skills of young professionals through hands-on experience catering to each of the intern’s relevant interests. In turn, this internship provides the Association with tremendous value, bringing in fresh knowledge and ideas. 

This year, we were fortunate to have eight interns join our team. Each intern has been hard at work this summer working on projects, conducting farm visits, and getting hands-on Ag and lending experience. As an AgSouth intern, individuals gain experience in a professional setting that align with their current course of study propelling them forward in their career goals. 

On July 27th, National Intern Day, we wanted to recognize these hardworking interns for their efforts this summer. Keep reading to find out more about each of our summer interns.   

“Whatever you are interested in, you have the means to go in that direction. You truly form your own experience.”

The personable and warm company culture at AgSouth Farm Credit has made my intern experience truly unique. I have really appreciated exploring the company and its determination to help the community. AgSouth promised that I would have a great learning experience and they have delivered. There are vast opportunities that you can tap into. Whatever you are interested in, you have the means to go in that direction. You truly form your own experience. I am very pleased with my summer and enjoyed my time here. - Aliana Boyd, Loan Officer/Credit Analyst Intern

“I have learned that Farm Credit is very supportive of their customers and loan officers play a major role in building and nurturing relationships.”

Overall, my internship experience has been rewarding, fun, and informative. I have learned that Farm Credit is very supportive of their customers and loan officers play a major role in building and nurturing relationships. I appreciate the fact that Farm Credit is a respected and appreciated staple in communities. The work that I have done with Farm Credit has given me a better understanding of how vast agriculture is as an industry and how it impacts each of us. - Samaya Brooks, Loan Officer/Credit Analyst Intern

“I truly couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience, AgSouth shows genuine interest in investing in each individual.”

These last 12 weeks with AgSouth have been nothing short of an outstanding experience. I appreciate that they were able to tailor the internship to my interests through personalized projects and hands-on experience. My primary interest was in marketing, so the team allowed me to use my degree to come up with promotional pieces and provide fresh eyes to existing issues. The number one thing I learned this summer was to ask questions, no matter how small, the team at AgSouth is always willing to help. I truly could not have asked for a better internship experience, AgSouth shows genuine interest in investing in each individual. Thank you AgSouth for an amazing summer and all that you provide for agriculture and rural communities. - Chalyn Bryant, Loan Officer/Marketing Intern

“When you do business with AgSouth you get genuinely nice people that believe in what they are doing, and the customers can pick up on that.”

Working with AgSouth has been a great experience with a lot of valuable life and career lessons. What I took away from this internship the most was how to treat people. Not just between business and customer, but with all people in daily life. I think this was the most important take away because I have seen it firsthand. When you do business with AgSouth you get genuinely nice people that believe in what they are doing, and the customers can pick up on that. - Jesse DeJames, Loan Officer/Financial Analyst Intern

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the flexibility of this position as I have been able to see a variety of different jobs within our Association.”

This internship has been a wonderful experience that has furthered my knowledge on the Farm Credit system. I have thoroughly enjoyed the flexibility of this position as I have been able to see a variety of different jobs within our Association. I have gone on numerous farm visits with our loan officers, looked over all kinds of different financials with our analysts, and was also given the opportunity to work on a sales project with our Appraisal team. I have learned a lot about the agriculture industry over the summer and cannot wait to see where I will find myself within the industry in a few years! - Sidney Easters, Loan Officer/Credit Analyst Intern

“I have learned that the people and atmosphere at AgSouth is somewhere that I would want to work being that everyone is so friendly and always willing to help.”

Over the past 12 weeks, I have learned as much as I can about acreage reporting for crop insurance. I also have been shown how to interact with customers. Lastly, I have been taught how important it is to get everything done by the deadlines! I have learned that the people and atmosphere at AgSouth is somewhere that I would want to work being that everyone is so friendly and always willing to help. Overall, I plan to pursue crop insurance once I graduate from ABAC in the fall. Therefore, I have gained valuable knowledge that I will be able to apply to my career. I have also learned how to interact in a professional setting and workplace, and that is something I will always be able to apply in life. I think AgSouth has well equipped me for my career by giving me the opportunity to work for them over this 12-week period in the area that I plan to pursue. - Arleigh-Grace Monroe, Crop Insurance Intern

“I could not have predicted how much I enjoyed being an intern at AgSouth.”

I could not have predicted how much I enjoyed being an intern at AgSouth. It provided me with a unique perspective within the agricultural field. As someone who had only ever been involved with the operational side of the industry, this job has brought to light a new appreciation for the financial side of agriculture. I was given opportunities such as assisting in loan closings, appraising, and an in-depth understanding of the Ag lending system. - Hank Murray, Loan Officer/Credit Analyst Intern

“This internship has made me feel significantly more prepared for the next steps in my career, and my standards have been set high because I felt so cared for here this summer.”

AgSouth has given me such a wonderful opportunity to learn about both agriculture and how to treat customers well. My internship truly felt tailored to my interests, allowing me to visit multiple locations and farms across North Carolina so I could learn the most I possibly could about the agriculture and financial industries alike. I appreciated how everyone I interacted with here at AgSouth was kind and treated both myself and customers with the utmost respect, always devoting time to taking care of personal and work-related relationships. This internship has made me feel significantly more prepared for the next steps in my career, and my standards have been set high because I felt so cared for here this summer. I have been extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn and work here alongside wonderful people who truly make a difference in the world. - Jackson Thornton, Loan Officer/Financial Analyst Intern

Thank you interns for a wonderful summer. We cannot wait to see your growth and success in the years to come!