Program Feedback

Towards the end of the summer intern program, AgBank and AgVantis distributed electronic surveys to each supervisor/mentor as well as to each individual student. The surveys were utilized to measure the overall performance (quality and effectiveness) of the Intern Program.

Supervisors and mentors were asked to evaluate the overall performance of each student - while also providing feedback regarding any professional or personal growth opportunities regarding each student.

Students were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with the intern program and also, what changes, if any, could be made in the future. Students were also given an opportunity to provide specific feedback regarding their overall impressions of the program.

The overall ratings provided by supervisors and mentors was "outstanding" - meaning that supervisors and mentors believe each student "met" or "exceeded" their expectations regarding quality and effectiveness. Students unanimously agreed that the overall program was "outstanding" - in fact, every student rated the overall program with a PERFECT SCORE (4 out of 4).

Supervisor / Mentor Feedback:

Supervisors and mentors had much to say about their individual intern’s strengths. The strengths of the interns varied, but below are a few quotes from supervisors and mentors.

“He is definitely more mature and professional than you would expect of an intern. He has the ability to work independently, but is not afraid to ask questions and recognizes when he needs further guidance. It shows that he is focused on quality work and enjoys digging into a problem and figuring it out.” –Kyle C., Accounting Supervisor

“She excels in her organizational abilities and works very well on her own. This is critical since I am in Sacramento and/or travel a great deal. She also understands the importance of good customer service, even in a corporate environment.” –Jeana H., Legislative Services Supervisor

“Yes. I hope to stay in touch with her. She is the kind of team player we look for at AgVantis. We are planning for 2010 to see if we will have any new positions at AgVantis. If we will, I would definitely recommend hiring her after she graduates. Her initiative and drive as well as her ability to learn by example or by self-development will take her far in her career.” –Adam P., Mentor

“He has shown very strong work ethic, self-driven initiative and also followed up project work with detailed and supporting documentation. He has also familiarized himself with Farm Credit via two summer intern positions with U.S. AgBank and is starting his second round of intern work with Frontier Farm Credit while attending KSU.” –Kendal P., Internal Audit Supervisor

Student Feedback:

Overall, the students felt that the intern program was an excellent educational experience, the experience was relevant to career goals, and they received proper job orientation. Students thought there was support throughout both AgBank and AgVantis and the salary was appropriate for their job resposibilities.

“I have learned several technical skills because of this experience which will help me in my future career. Also I have gained a better idea about how the real world job setting works and what it takes to be successful in my future job. I believe I have grown as an individual and have better prepared myself for the next step in my career.” -Danielle Pettera

“In the short-term, this internship has made me a more marketable candidate in my upcoming job hunt. It has also helped me to refine some of my career aspirations and criteria for future employment. In the long run I know this program will remain relevant because it truly allowed me a "first job" experience with the structure and safety net that usually doesn't exist.” -Andrew Conner

“They stopped by everyday to chat with me about what was going on in my life. It wasn't just about work all the time. They were genuinely interested in my well-being and life outside of the office. They also did an awesome job of asking me time and again if I needed help.” –Prema Chandrasekharan

“I've had a number of jobs, and a number of supervisors and co-workers. AgBank has far surpassed my perception of the ideal working environment. I've had a tremendous learning experience this summer and can only hope to, in the future, work for U.S. AgBank or another company of the same caliber.” –Rick Schoof

"My work has contributed to my professional development. It has helped me in gaining more expertise in my field, increasing my presentation and communication skills, giving me an idea of what to expect in my future, preparing me in every way possible for successful interviews and first full time jobs, and last but not least, helping me in my decision on what kind of accounting I want to go into. It has opened so many doors for me and cleared many of my doubts about my field." –Prema Chandrasekharan

"The internship is very relevant to short and long term interests. I feel like it has helped me gain a better understanding of not only the financial work environment but also many financial processes that are sure to help me both in my MBA classes as well as my future job prospects. It has helped me discover talents and abilities that I can now use to better myself and provide value for any company I work in." –Prema Chandrasekharan