Shane Harris has wanted to work in business for as long as he can remember, but even he has been a little surprised by the success he is enjoying.
Harris, a senior marketing major in the College of Business at Southern Arkansas University, is currently ranked 8th in the nation among interns with Northwestern Mutual. And he is the No. 1 ranked intern in the Southwest Region.
“It’s been a wonderful experience, said Harris. “I’ve worked hard, but I wasn’t expecting this type of success.”
The Northwestern Mutual internship program employs over 10,000 interns across the country and is considered to be a Top 10 Internship Program, according to Nathan Kinard, financial advisor and field director.
“Shane fits our culture. We really value that a lot,” said Kinard. “He’s very much like the type of employs we value: hard working, they have a vision, and they do things the right way.”
Kinard said finishing in the top 10 nationally among interns is a prestigious award.
“That’s a really huge deal. It’s a big honor,” said Kinard.
In addition to ranking in the top 10, Harris has been nominated for other awards at Northwestern Mutual. He was named a Target 20 Award Winner, which recognizes interns who have sold over 20 policies.
“That’s a benchmark. He’s the first one to do that in our office in over five years,” said Kinard.
Harris is the son of Mike and Sharon Harris of El Dorado. He learned to appreciate business from his dad, who owns Install-IT Flooring.
Seeing my dad run the business and seeing him be his own boss was important. He never had to miss any activity I had or my sister had growing up,” said Harris.
Harris, a 2010 graduate of Parkers Chapel High School, attended other universities in the state before finding his niche at the SAU College of Business. Harris said the professors at SAU have made the difference for him.
“One thing I’ve had here that’s different from any other school is that I’ve had teachers take time to help me. The main difference in the College of Business at SAU is that you’ve got teachers who care about you.”
He began the internship that is offered through the College of Business, and has excelled. And so far, it’s been a rewarding experience for Harris, who hopes to continue working for Northwestern Mutual following his graduation in the fall. Currently, he serves as a College Financial Representative and helps customers structure a full financial plan for personal and business needs.
“I always wanted to have a job that would let me help people, to have an impact on people’s lives. And I feel like I do that now. I feel like I make a difference. And that’s the best feeling in the world.”
