College interns refilling coffee cups? Whether that is a thing of the past or I have simply lucked out, my summer internships have far surpassed those low, almost degrading, expectations. Thank you, ISU Extension and Farm Credit Services of America for hiring PAID interns and providing us with meaningful and (mostly) enjoyable work.
This summer, as an incoming junior at Dordt College, I am doing my dream job- learning how to provide valued relationships and financial services to local farmers. In other words, I’m a financial officer intern for Farm Credit Services of America. If you would like to learn more about the company or apply for a line of credit (wink wink), check out their website:
My adventure with Farm Credit Services (FCS) began last fall when I somehow managed to get hired as one of 16 interns out of a pool of 400 applicants. FCS covers a four-state territory. I am stationed in the Red Oak, IA retail office, but I am also spending time in the Harlan, IA office as well as FCS headquarters in Omaha, NE for periodic meetings with the other interns.
Two weeks in, I am learning and loving my internship more every day. Naturally, my inner-English-nerd prods me to write about my experiences and share them with the poor souls still reading this jumble of words I call a blog. My original intentions to blog weekly updates on my internship have already joined my other bucket list failures…who wants to do 10 burpees a day anyway?! Needless to say, I will try to blog as often I can.
Thus, an adventure begins. Hope you’re along for the ride.
Life of a Farm Wife 
I see that this post is from quite some time ago, but for some reason, I stumbled over it. I was wondering if you could give me some feedback on my internship situation. I just finished my freshman year of college and I applied for a summer internship. I did not receive the internship because it was said that I did not have enough experience. I have worked on my family farm my whole life, thus leaving me with little job history. What would be your suggestion to me on how to land an internship with little job history to I’ve me credibility?
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Ella, I understand your frustration! It’s a vicious cycle. Employers always want to see previous experience, but how do you get experience without starting from nowhere? My first “internship” after freshman was with the Iowa State Extension. In Iowa, the extension runs the 4-H program. I grew up doing 4-H in the same county where I got the job, so the people who hired me knew I was a qualified candidate for the job. If you have any previous experience in something like 4-H or FFA, consider finding a job related to either of those organizations, just to get your foot in the door. I got both of my other two internships through a combination of experience and connections. Connections are key. If you or your parents know or do business with someone in your area, talk to them. Even if they can’t offer you a job, chances are they could refer you to someone who can. You always have a better chance of getting hired if they know you or have had a good recommendation for you by someone you know. Hope this helps! Don’t get discouraged. You are young and have plenty of time to find a great internship! 🙂
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Thank you so much for the advice and words of encouragement! 🙂
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