From Intern to Relationship Manager: Evan Shannon’s Journey with Capital Farm Credit

My name is Evan Shannon, and I’m an agribusiness major at Texas Tech University. This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a lending intern with Capital Farm Credit (CFC) in Katy. Over the course of 10 transformative weeks, I immersed myself in the world of agricultural finance, gaining hands-on experience, traveling across the state, and learning the inner workings of nearly every role within the organization.

I first discovered the internship opportunity at the Davis College Career Fair in Lubbock. What began as a simple conversation quickly turned into one of the most impactful experiences of my academic and professional journey.

From Projects to Purpose

One of the highlights of the internship was the chance to work on a capstone project that we presented to members of CFC’s executive management team. My project focused on the importance of relationship-building in land lending—a theme that resonated deeply throughout my time at CFC. I explored how different forms of communication play a vital role in understanding borrower needs and fostering long-term trust.

Throughout the internship, I developed essential skills that directly applied to real-world finance and agriculture. I learned how to engage with a wide variety of borrowers, identify key factors in the lending process, and confidently reach out to colleagues for guidance. These skills weren’t just theoretical—they became part of my daily responsibilities, helping me contribute meaningfully to the team and better serve our customers.

Learning Beyond the Lending Desk

CFC’s commitment to intern development was evident in the diverse learning opportunities we were given. I didn’t just shadow lenders—I spent time with credit analysts, loan administrators, insurance agents, regional vice presidents and market presidents. This holistic exposure helped me understand how interconnected every role is within the association and reinforced the importance of teamwork in delivering exceptional service.

We also participated in association meetings, financial calls and training sessions that covered everything from CFC’s mission to the rollout of new loan application systems. One of the most fascinating experiences was witnessing the development and launch of these systems, gaining insight into how innovation supports our customers.

My biggest “aha” moment came when I saw just how deeply CFC employees care about their borrowers. The level of involvement and genuine care for customer success was inspiring and helped me understand why so many people speak so highly of CFC.

Connecting with Customers in the Field

Our field trips were another unforgettable part of the internship. We visited a variety of customer operations, including row crop farms, cotton gins and timber processing plants. These visits gave me a firsthand look at how CFC supports agricultural businesses across Texas and the strong relationships built over time.

Meeting these customers was eye-opening. Many shared stories of how CFC had helped them through tough times or supported their growth. Their gratitude and loyalty underscored the importance of relationship lending and the impact it can have on real lives and communities.

Culture, Mentorship, and Support

The culture at CFC is something truly special. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported—not just as an intern, but as a valued member of the team. Leaders across the association took time to mentor me, offer advice, and help me grow both professionally and personally.

I want to especially thank Mike Tippit, Katy Roach and Darcy Greenier in the Katy office for their daily guidance and support. I’m also incredibly grateful to Trey Brooks, Braden Bowers, Travis Thorne, Amanda Blum, Elissa Nabozny and Jason Hoff, among many others, who took time out of their busy schedules to share their wisdom and encouragement. Their mentorship has left a lasting impression on me.

From Intern to Full Time

Thanks to the internship, I was able to transition directly into a full-time role as a Relationship Manager Associate at CFC. The experiences, conversations and relationships I built over the summer played a huge role in making that possible.

What excites me most about staying with CFC long-term is the company’s genuine commitment to serving the agricultural community. I’ve seen firsthand how passionate and dedicated our team is, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that truly makes a difference.

Final Thoughts and Advice

To any student considering the CFC internship: if you’re even slightly curious about agricultural lending or want to explore a career in finance, take the leap. This summer gave me invaluable experiences, lifelong friendships, and a career path I’m excited to pursue. And yes, landing a job at the end was a pretty great bonus!

The internship wasn’t just a summer job—it was a gateway into a community of people who care deeply about agriculture and each other. I’m grateful to be part of that community now, and I look forward to growing with CFC for years to come.

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At Capital Farm Credit, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Our internship program offers hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience in agricultural finance and rural lending.

Applications are now open for our Summer 2026 internship program – learn more and apply today by visiting capitalfarmcredit.com/careers/internships.

SUMMER 2026 INTERNSHIPS