Intern Experience: Lessons Learned by the Next Generation of Ag Leaders
Intern Experience: 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. Thank you interns for a wonderful summer. We cannot wait to see your growth and success in the years to come!
“You can’t learn something new if you are not okay with having to ask questions…”
“I think my biggest take away this summer is to capitalize on every opportunity you are given. Each opportunity is a chance to grow and to learn something new. With each opportunity in life, it teaches you something valuable and to not take it for granted. Also, be okay with stepping out of your comfort zone. You can’t learn something new if you are not okay with having to ask questions to get a better understanding of the how and why. I have learned so much this summer and I am grateful for the opportunity that this internship has provided.” Camden Hill, Lending Intern
“I was able to learn about the industry from the farmers themselves.”
“Throughout this summer AgSouth has taught me about the Farm Credit system, lending, crop insurance, and agriculture. I enjoyed the agricultural guide we developed for our group project because I was able to learn about the industry from the farmers themselves. This internship has been a great experience to learn what I do and do not have an interest in since I was able to see what every job offers. Everyone I have met at AgSouth has been very kind and super helpful. I am excited to take all the information I have learned this summer and carry it with me to my senior year and future career.” - Sydney Spurrier, Lending Intern
“My biggest takeaway is how important it is to connect with the people who you work with.”
“Out of all the experiences I’ve had throughout this internship, my biggest takeaway is how important it is to connect with the people who you work with. Throughout this summer I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the greatest, most down to earth people I know. One thing I noticed was how my work got easier as the summer moved along. This wasn’t because I had less work to do. In fact, the longer I was with AgSouth the more work I had. The factor that made my job so easy was having a group of co-workers that I could bounce ideas off and who would bounce ideas off me. This give and take relationship along with the personal relationships we were able to develop over the summer made work something I enjoyed entirely. On top of the relationships I developed with my co-workers, I was motivated by the way I was treated as an employee. It was very helpful to us as interns to be given full reigns on what we did within the boundaries of our project. This freedom to be constructive without restriction allowed me to push my limits of leadership, creativity, and productivity.” - Charlie McGhee, Lending Intern
“I learned that everyone here is family.”
You will never go without when you’re with them, especially if you are hungry. Seeing the different departments and traveling to various states was a little scary at first. Once I met the other interns, and employees at AgSouth I felt at home. This truly is the best experience I have ever had as an intern.” - DeLisa Milbourne, Lending Intern
“I’ve seen how important the relationships between the farmers and loan officers really are.”
“I have really enjoyed getting to learn the ins and outs of Farm Credit this summer. In my time here at Agsouth I’ve seen how important the relationships between the farmers and loan officers really are. I’ve had some great mentors in our office here in Madison and I would like to thank them for taking the time to teach me in depth about the different financial ratios that go along with approving loans, showing me how they go about closing loans, and getting to watch them deal with customers to show me what good customer service looks like.
Growing up on a farm and working for farmers has really built the passion and respect I have for farmers and all that they do for us. Being able to continue working with farmers has always been something I’ve wanted to do as a career after college. This internship has really been great for me in many aspects.” - Tanner Gheesling, Lending Intern
“I loved seeing how this welcoming attitude translated to every customer who walked in the branch.”
“I couldn’t have asked for a better office to work in because everyone was welcoming and excited for me to be a part of their team for the summer. I met no stranger everywhere I went at AgSouth. From farm visits, trips to Statesboro and trips to Columbia, every AgSouth employee I met had a welcoming smile on their face. I loved seeing how this welcoming attitude translated to every customer who walked in to the branch. The customers and employees were always eager to answer my questions and give me advice to carry through life. I am so grateful for the opportunities this internship has provided for me and the relationships I have built along the way.” - Abby Keller, Lending Intern
“The focus on family is unparalleled.”
Working as an intern for AgSouth has been a great experience. I’ve learned skills this summer that I can take with me throughout my career. As an intern, you are given every opportunity to pursue your career interests and there is a great focus by the company on how they can develop you as an intern and prepare you for a career. My biggest take away from the internship would be the company’s atmosphere. The focus on family is unparalleled in comparison to any other lender and definitely contributes to Farm Credit’s legacy of service.” - Trevor Douthit, Lending Intern
“This experience has not only broadened my knowledge but also significantly contributed to my future career in the industry!”
“Working with AgSouth this summer has been such an invaluable experience. My mentor showed me the importance of a thorough financial analysis as well as helping me understand the various factors needed for loan approvals, the products that are offered, and building relationships with customers. Working alongside helpful and kind people who demonstrate integrity and genuine care for customers along with what they do was a phenomenal work environment to be a part of. This experience has not only broadened my knowledge but also significantly contributed to my future career in the industry!” - Talea Parker, Lending Intern