Written by: Donnyqua Stewart
Hello, my name is Donni, and I’m an oncoming senior at North Carolina A&T State University. I’m an agribusiness student, and passionate about natural resources and sustaining the environment. My experience with Farm Credit has been one of the most fulfilling, enlightening experiences I’ve had with an employer.
Over the last couple months, I have gained so much insight into lending services, and more significantly, how to build promising relationships with clients. My first few weeks were spent shadowing my mentor’s loan officer position. I learned the basics of loan inquiries and garnered enough skill to begin processing applications on my own. I was even able to speak to customers first-hand about their financing needs and offer information on service parameters. Although aspects of the Loan Officer position were challenging, I believe they were valuable in further developing my attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
In addition to the loan officer role, I shadowed other positions in the office, including Branch Office Coordinator and Loan Processor. Together, we counted daily money and organized and verified client portfolios. I was able to learn about the fine detailed aspects of processing a loan after it passes the loan officer, such as mailing legal disclosures. While the majority of my internship was spent indoors due to COVID-19 restrictions, I accompanied my mentor and other employees on farm visits, loan closings, construction inspections, and general client visits.
Aside from my rigorous weekly schedule, I worked amongst some of the brightest interns collegiate North Carolina has to offer. Together, we completed and presented two intern presentations. We composed one educational presentation covering various aspects of finances, and a personal presentation of our collective experiences. We worked as a team and produced educational mini-lessons, as well as a brief personal summary of our roles and experiences at Farm Credit. I think one of the most impactful experiences throughout my time here was witnessing the inviting service relationships formed between staff and client. On many occasions, clients relayed their appreciation for the services and staff at Farm Credit, several of them being decades long patrons. It was a positive illustration of the companies impact to its servicing communities.
My time at Farm Credit has reshaped my perspective of financial lenders and the credit lending industry; I’ve grown a greater appreciation for complex problem solving and teamwork. I have accumulated skills to help me grow both as a professional and person. I appreciate the opportunities I was able to participate in with such supportive people.