About the position: This is a take-charge position that involves daily customer relationship management, including planning, financing and start-up, and opening doors between businesses and Bank agriculture business specialists. On a daily basis, you'll also keep on top of competitive development, environmental market trends, essential economic conditions, and regulations or policy issues governing the agricultural community. Where you've been: You have an undergraduate degree in agricultural sciences/agriculture business, or in another discipline that's mixed with experience or knowledge of the agriculture business. Experience in financial services works to your advantage.
Where you're going: In this unique position, you'll team with an experienced and knowledgeable Account Manager in Agriculture Services. He or she will be your coach and provide guidance as you take part in an intensive training and development program.
7:30 a.m. I arrive a bit earlier than usual today. I go online to check out how the national news media are reacting to the policy change the Minister of Agriculture announced yesterday. I know many of my customers will be affected. Pick up e-mail. 8:25 a.m. First call of the day. I tell a customer — a young farmer who wants to double the size of his barn — that we have approved his loan application. Good news! 8:30 a.m. Say "Hi" to arriving colleagues as I head out the door. I have an appointment an hour's drive away. A long-time customer is selling his farm to his daughter and her husband. The couple have applied for a loan to buy new equipment and modernize. Their plans are ambitious. Overly so? I'll know better after I inspect the property as part of the due diligence process. 10:30 a.m. I'm impressed with the farm — and the customers. Going to suggest we conduct a full cost/benefit analysis specific to their operations so we can get the information we need to make good decisions. I have time to admire the view. It truly is beautiful country. 11:30 a.m. Return to the branch. There's a message from my boss and mentor. We discuss the latest news from Ottawa and the report on commodity pricing that I am preparing for our upcoming regional team meeting. 1:30 p.m. After a quick bite, I'm back at work. I take time to scan various industry, government and university Internet sites to keep on top of commodity prices and other information that is pertinent to my customers. 2:15 p.m. A meeting with another customer. Not going to be able to give him what he asked for. However, I've put together another financial option that I think will work for his farm business — and his financial situation. 3:00 p.m. Meeting went very well. The customer accepted my alternative proposal. I prepare for the next customer meeting. This time, it's with a beef farmer who wants to expand his herd. Make a note to tell him about the research article I just read. 5:00 p.m. Join a couple of colleagues for a few wings after work. But not too many. After a swim at my club, I'm off home to pack. Leaving for a week-long credit rating course in the morning. It's an area that really interests me. Reminder to self: Get to sleep early tonight — flight leaves at 6:00 a.m.