This year’s class of student interns are well underway in their summer projects here at GreenStone. We are pleased to share their stories and unique perspectives in our intern series. Keep an eye out for more blogs featuring GreenStone’s summer interns!
Ben Littlejohn
After researching GreenStone and learning about the company and its culture through the interview process, I knew I wanted to pursue an internship here. The balance between working financials in the office and getting out visiting farms in the portfolio quickly drew me in. The agricultural industry is so important to everyone’s daily lives, and I was excited to contribute to the industry when I was offered a credit intern role. After being here for a few months now, I am seeing how the work I am doing is actually being used to help service our customers, and that is very exciting to me.
I did not have much experience in agriculture coming into the summer, but that did not have an impact on the time it took me to feel comfortable in my role. I am interning in GreenStone’s Grand Rapids branch, and everyone I work with is friendly and willing to answer any questions I might have. This is important to me as a newcomer with no prior experience in the agricultural industry. The open, inclusive environment made the job much easier to navigate.
The training I received was very hands-on, which was beneficial to me since I am a visual, hands-on learner. The best part is I receive continuous training as my internship progresses. I attended a credit analyst workshop toward the beginning of summer and learned a lot about the methods other credit analysts use on a daily basis, which helped me organize and prioritize tasks throughout each day. Additionally, I have had many opportunities to attend various training sessions and events hosted specifically for interns at the East Lansing corporate office.
I am studying finance at Davenport University. This internship program is allowing me to utilize what I am learning in the classroom, as well as gain more skills and knowledge on how to read and interpret financial statements in order to make smart decisions. My main project this summer is the Greenhouse Peer Comparison project. I am comparing similar greenhouse operations to each other and comparing individual operations to the entire group. This kind of experience comparing data and financials is invaluable as I soon begin my search for full-time opportunities.
The agricultural industry is made up of hard-working farmers and those who support them. I am looking forward to continuing my efforts serving farmers and those in the industry through finance. I could not have asked for a more hands-on internship that is greatly preparing me for my future career.
Ben Littlejohn
After researching GreenStone and learning about the company and its culture through the interview process, I knew I wanted to pursue an internship here. The balance between working financials in the office and getting out visiting farms in the portfolio quickly drew me in. The agricultural industry is so important to everyone’s daily lives, and I was excited to contribute to the industry when I was offered a credit intern role. After being here for a few months now, I am seeing how the work I am doing is actually being used to help service our customers, and that is very exciting to me.
I did not have much experience in agriculture coming into the summer, but that did not have an impact on the time it took me to feel comfortable in my role. I am interning in GreenStone’s Grand Rapids branch, and everyone I work with is friendly and willing to answer any questions I might have. This is important to me as a newcomer with no prior experience in the agricultural industry. The open, inclusive environment made the job much easier to navigate.
The training I received was very hands-on, which was beneficial to me since I am a visual, hands-on learner. The best part is I receive continuous training as my internship progresses. I attended a credit analyst workshop toward the beginning of summer and learned a lot about the methods other credit analysts use on a daily basis, which helped me organize and prioritize tasks throughout each day. Additionally, I have had many opportunities to attend various training sessions and events hosted specifically for interns at the East Lansing corporate office.
I am studying finance at Davenport University. This internship program is allowing me to utilize what I am learning in the classroom, as well as gain more skills and knowledge on how to read and interpret financial statements in order to make smart decisions. My main project this summer is the Greenhouse Peer Comparison project. I am comparing similar greenhouse operations to each other and comparing individual operations to the entire group. This kind of experience comparing data and financials is invaluable as I soon begin my search for full-time opportunities.
The agricultural industry is made up of hard-working farmers and those who support them. I am looking forward to continuing my efforts serving farmers and those in the industry through finance. I could not have asked for a more hands-on internship that is greatly preparing me for my future career.
