By Nicole Deeken, Summer 2022 Intern
Interns Make an Impact on the Future of FCS Financial
FCS Financial began its internship program in 2005. It was created as a way for the company to discover college talent while allowing students to gain an inside perspective on the many facets of a career in the agriculture lending industry.
Interns are provided the ability to gain knowledge and expand their skill set while creating opportunities for the future.
There are currently 11 former interns working full-time at FCS Financial.
Although each intern’s career path has been different, each individual has enjoyed growing their career by learning from a supportive staff of passionate individuals.
Kate Lambert, vice president of marketplace engagement, got accepted into the internship program in the summer of 2008 and began working full-time as an appraiser in September 2008. The people played a huge role in her return to the company.
“It gave me the opportunity to be highly educated, grow, and learn,” she says when explaining the impacts the internship had on her. “The focus is always on the member-owners and that really aligned with my values as a person.”
Since Kate participated in the internship program, the focus has shifted from interns working in a local office all summer to working and traveling throughout the state.
Traveling more allows interns to build valuable connections and experience different sectors of agriculture across the state.
Two of the company’s newest hires, Andi Atkisson and Jacob Johnson, participated in the internship program in the summer of 2021.
Jacob has been working full-time since January as a loan officer trainee with plans of transitioning to his own portfolio by year-end.
“Our sole purpose is to help serve rural Missouri and farmers. Being able to help farmers, every day, reach their goals through helping them financially is what motivates me to come to work every day,” Jacob explains when asked why he wanted to pursue a full-time position at FCS Financial.
The internship helped Jacob gain many valuable skills and gave him clarity about the passion he holds for his role and making a difference in the agricultural community.
Andi joined FCS Financial full-time at the beginning of June as a financial service specialist. She recommends the FCS internship program to college students because of how applicable it is to a career in the agriculture industry.
“It is the best internship that you can get in college. You get lots of hands-on experience and work with people that are willing to give you life advice,” Andi explains.
She has absorbed the lessons provided by employees she’s interacted with during her time at FCS Financial and will continue to carry those lessons into the future.
The FCS Financial internship program has continued to evolve over the years. This is because of the hard work and dedication of the human resources team to provide a meaningful experience for each intern that walks through the door.
Treating the interns with respect has always been a top priority for FCS Financial employees. They strive to provide opportunity and growth for college students, creating a lasting impact as they determine their future career paths with the company or out in the field.
Internship applications are open, with an application deadline of November 4, 2022. Learn more here.
