Being turned down the first time didn’t stop Scott Weisse from pursuing the career he wanted.
Instead, having the right skills and a little trust helped Weisse get the job at Northwest Farm Credit Services, where he works today.
However, his path was a little different than most in the agriculture industry.
Weisse grew up not knowing much about agriculture besides the little knowledge he gained from visiting his great-uncle’s dairy farm.
But, the real impetus to his interest stems from his participation in the National FFA Organization in high school, which focuses on student agricultural education.
From there he knew he wanted to have a career in agriculture and knew Washington State University had a good program, however, he also knew farming was too expensive for someone who doesn’t come from a farming background.
“It was unrealistic,” he said.
So he studied Agricultural Economics and Food Business Economics, which he said was a cross between an agriculture and an economics major.
He first gained interest in Northwest Farm Credit Services when he talked to his friend, and fellow coug, who had an internship with them previously. His friend had talked highly of the position which sparked Weisse to speak with them at the career fair that fall.
Unfortunately, he was denied the position later in November.
However, a month later, Weisse was called in again for an interview for a different position and then ended up getting the position he originally applied for.
He trained in Pascobefore eventually being placed in Spokane.Weisse is now a Credit Officer in the Specialized Lending portfolio, where he handles the day-to-day credit analysis of customers and helps them to grow their business.
Connecting with others is important to him, which is a large reason why he got the job and why he now participates in career fairs as an employer where he helps recruits and hires interns and college graduates.
In general, he said when looking for a new employee he looks for someone with a healthy blend of soft and hard skills who has a passion for agriculture.
Not only was it obvious that Weisse had gained the experience in agriculture, but he had soft skills as well. He served as a Cougar Connector and CAHNRS ambassador in college, allowing him to grow his relations among customers.
“Hard skills get you in the door,” he said. “But, you have to be able to express yourself in ways that communicate well with the customer.”
You can apply to be an intern for Northwest Farm Credit Services here.