This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Farm Credit of Florida as a Credit Intern in the Alachua office. I chose Farm Credit because it combined two of my passions: my love for numbers and my deep roots in agriculture. In this summer internship, I was able to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from my Food and Resource Economics classes in a real-world setting.
From the very beginning, I was welcomed into a supportive and knowledgeable team that truly believes in Farm Credit’s mission to support agriculture and rural America. During my 10-week internship, I quickly gained insight into the credit and underwriting process, including the analysis of financial statements and the understanding of how lending decisions are made for individuals and businesses in the agricultural sector.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was the opportunity to explore other departments and engage with professionals across the organization. I had meaningful conversations with loan officers and members of the marketing team to understand their roles and how they contribute to Farm Credit’s broader mission. It was inspiring to see how all parts of the organization collaborate to strengthen rural communities.
Another highlight of the internship was the travel experience. I visited the Live Oak and Trenton branch offices, gaining insight into their unique cultures and operations. I also attended Intern Training in Columbia, South Carolina, where I connected with interns from other Farm Credit Associations. Traveling to Clearwater, Florida, for the All-Staff Meeting also gave me a broader perspective on Farm Credit’s statewide impact.
This internship also allowed me to gain and refine a wide range of professional skills. I developed stronger attention to detail, time management, analytical thinking, and critical thinking skills. My role also taught me how to effectively collaborate with a team, contributing to shared goals while learning from others’ experiences and insights.
In addition to technical and professional development, I gained valuable life skills. In my first week, I was introduced to practical topics such as credit scores and tax returns—knowledge that will benefit me far beyond the workplace.
Overall, this summer internship was an amazing experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally. I walked away with a deeper understanding of agricultural finance, an expanded professional network, and a stronger sense of purpose in supporting rural communities. This experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in agricultural finance, and I feel better prepared for future opportunities in this field. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Farm Credit of Florida for making this summer one to remember.
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