Career Services

This is an interview with Jalynn Allen, an intern with Farmers Bank & Trust.

Where did you intern and what was your role?

I have been an intern with Farmers Bank & Trust for about 2.5 years now, where I have worked in loan operations, customer service, card services, and now in the trust department of the bank. 

How did you find out about this internship opportunity?

I was introduced to this internship opportunity at the SAU Career and Internship Fair, where I spoke with bank representatives and applied. 

Did this experience change your career goals or perspective on your field?

While this experience did not change my career goals, it gave me a better understanding of the industry I plan to enter. It helped me see what the day-to-day work looks like and allowed me to recognize the aspects of the field that I enjoy the most.

How did this internship help you grow professionally and personally?

This internship helped me grow professionally by showing me what people in the workforce do every day, what they wear, how they communicate, and the professional expectations of entering the workforce. Personally, this position helped me grow by seeing how much I can handle within my schedule. It was important for me to learn to balance work and school, and this opportunity gave me that ability. With an internship, many companies are flexible with your schedule, so it’s a great way to get your foot in the door while also prioritizing schoolwork. 

Did you have opportunities to network with professionals in your industry?

Most definitely! During my internship, I took every opportunity to expand my network, even with professionals outside of the specific industry I plan to pursue. This experience gave me the chance to connect with many professionals, shake hands, and build relationships with people who knew I was just beginning my career. I found that most of them were very willing to offer advice and support. 

What was the best advice you received from a mentor or supervisor?

The best advice I received from a mentor was that internships are the time to learn as much as possible. They explained that once you begin a full-time job, employers expect you to already understand how to behave professionally and perform your responsibilities. Because of that, they encouraged me to take full advantage of my internship by asking questions, observing others, and gaining as much experience as I could so that I would be better prepared when I start my career.

What advice would you give to students looking for internships?

The advice I would give to other students is exactly what my mentor told me: take the opportunity to learn and observe as much as possible. Even if the internship is not exactly what you plan to do after graduation, it still provides valuable experience. It allows you to learn new skills, see how professionals work, and gain exposure to things you may not have experienced before. If you approach every task and every person as an opportunity to learn and grow, you will eventually look back and be grateful for the experience.

How did SAU Career Services help you with your internship search or preparation?

SAU Career Services helped prepare me for my internship in many ways. They helped me understand what employers are looking for in candidates, how to present myself professionally during interviews, and how to strengthen my resume. They also helped connect students with internship opportunities that align with their majors. I definitely would not have had the same exposure to these opportunities if I had not taken advantage of the services they offer.