Crop Insurance Today Third Quarter 2022 - 30

While Thomas and Gray both have experiences
in agriculture, both acknowledge that
before the internship, they had not given crop
insurance any thought or did not know it existed.
" I have only known the ranching side of the
agriculture industry, " Gray explained. " I did not
have a clue what crop insurance was. I had heard
of it a couple times but never bothered to learn
what it was. When I heard of this internship opportunity,
I took it right away. I knew it would be
a good chance to broaden my horizons and start
looking at what I might want to do for a job in
the future. "
Each week the interns met with NCIS staff to
learn about the distinct functions NCIS serves
and the variety of jobs within the company.
During the first week, the interns got a basic
understanding of crop-hail and multi-peril crop
insurance (MPCI). They also read about the
Fundamental Assumptions and Principles of Insurance
from the Crop Adjuster Proficiency Program
(CAPP) study guide.
In the following weeks, they learned about the
types of damage loss adjusters look for when assessing
the loss. They also learned about various
crops, emergence types, and the growth stages.
During the second week of the internship, Essel
participated in the Missouri Crop-Hail Corn,
Soybean, & Wheat Loss Adjustment School at the
research farm in Columbia, Missouri.
" I really enjoyed this experience as I got an
in-depth look at how loss adjusters do their
job, " said Essel. " I also got the opportunity to
speak with many loss adjusters, both experienced
and new. "
They also learned about the Federal Crop
Insurance Program (FCIP), Risk Management
Agency (RMA), and took a CAPP adjuster exam.
By taking the exam, they learned what adjusters
must know and apply in their daily jobs. During
week five, they were introduced to the NCIS Underwriting
and Operations Committee. From
this experience they were able to learn about the
process of policy changes.
The fifth week was one of Thomas' favorites.
" All the interns were able to create a presentation
or develop questions based on a certain
document, " said Thomas. " I specifically chose
to study the Standard Reinsurance Agreement
(SRA). After reading the SRA, I gained more insight
into the rules and regulations to which AIPS
must adhere. It is fascinating to learn about this
because these guidelines keep these agreements
together. One of the most important things I
learned was how important communication and
understanding are in the agriculture industry. "
During the week of July 11, the interns visitOpportunities!
30
THIRDQUARTER2022
ed Overland Park, Kan., and attended the 2023
NCIS Train-The-Trainer Fall Conference. Trainthe-Trainer
is an annual conference NCIS holds
to update member company trainers on policies,
procedures, and more. Attending Train-theTrainer
was altogether the interns' favorite experience
as they were able to meet each other, NCIS
staff, and other professionals in the industry
face-to-face.
Gray said, " I would have to say my favorite
part of this internship was being able to meet
everyone in person at the Train-the-Trainer conference
in Overland Park. I was fortunate enough
to meet new people within NCIS and AIPs. Everybody
was more than willing to explain their
job duties to us. It was amazing being able to hear
other people's experiences. "
The interns conducted interviews with members
of the NCIS Board of Directors, RMA's Administrator,
Marcia Bunger, and RMA's Chief of
Staff, Toby Cain, during their seventh week.
" I learned from both interviews that crop
insurance is a growing field and is ready for
change, " said Thomas. " I am thankful to have had
these interviews because I gained a personal insight
into the impact crop insurance has on them.
Moreover, seeing females in leadership positions
striving to make a change was incredible. "
Finishing out the internship, one of the focuses
was on Agriculture Policy and Community
Outreach. They learned about the classifications
and components of risk. The five primary sources
of risk are Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal,
and Human. The interns also discussed community
outreach, economics, and research within
NCIS. After the ten weeks ended, the interns
left with a newfound interest and appreciation for
crop insurance.
Thomas said, " I had no prior knowledge
about the importance of any insurance, especially
crop insurance. Being able to work for NCIS this
summer has not only expanded my knowledge
of crop insurance but has motivated me to keep
learning about crop insurance. NCIS showed me
firsthand how broad agriculture can be. "
" I have had an amazing time within this internship, "
said Gray. " It was very educational and
inspiring. I was able to speak to many amazing
professionals about their jobs. I was very thankful
we had homework assignments from everyone
we talked to. It made me feel engaged and
motivated to learn more. I am excited to learn
more within the crop industry and share my
knowledge with others. "
Essel said, " Overall, I would recommend this
internship to anyone, regardless of what career
path they are thinking of pursuing in the future.
The importance of the work here, flexibility, career
opportunities, in addition to the great people
that you get the chance to build a relationship
with makes
second-to-none. "
This is the second year NCIS has offered a
summer intern program. Our staff has enjoyed
working with the students and we look forward
to hosting another class of interns next summer.
this internship opportunity
Crop Insurance Today Third Quarter 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Crop Insurance Today Third Quarter 2022
