Summer internship combines passion for agribusiness and accounting

MOUNT OLIVE — University of Mount Olive senior Ryan Hare is making the most of his summer by interning at the Mt. Olive Pickle Company. With a passion for agribusiness and accounting, Hare’s internship is providing a valuable opportunity to combine his academic interests with real-world experience.

He is an agribusiness major and accounting minor. “It combines two things I love. Agribusiness allows me to explore my passion for the agricultural industry, while accounting gives me the financial skills necessary to thrive in this field.”

Beyond his academic pursuits, Hare is deeply rooted in his faith and community. He attends Love Memorial Baptist Church, where he leads a small group for college-aged students. He attributes his faith as the driving force behind his resilience and perseverance during challenging times.

“As a 2020 Southern Wayne High School graduate, my first struggle was graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic. That time molded me and taught me how to persevere. With the help of the Lord, I have been blessed in many ways throughout college. God has been the biggest influence in my life, guiding me and reminding me that the only way I can succeed is through Him.”

Raised in a supportive and loving family, Hare credits his parents, Michael and Marilyn Hare, for instilling strong values and a work ethic that propels him toward his goals. He said their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in his academic and personal achievements.

At UMO, Hare is actively involved in campus life. He participates in Campus Ministry, as he engages in spiritual growth and fosters community among students. Additionally, Hare is a member of the Collegiate Future Farmers of America, where he explores his passion for agriculture and hones his skills in agribusiness.

Through his internship, Hare is a part of the Mt. Olive Pickle Inc. accounts payable team. His responsibilities include handling payments for raw materials such as cucumbers, peppers and okra. On a typical work day, Hare visits the scale house to collect weight tickets from incoming trucks. He then prints the necessary invoices, codes them and enters them into the company’s system.

Hare credits his accounting classes at UMO for equipping him with the necessary Excel skills that prove invaluable in his internship. Additionally, Hare acknowledges the importance of the on-the-job social skills he acquired at UMO, emphasizing how the university prepares its students to excel in professional work environments.

Reflecting on his internship experience, Hare expresses his eagerness to learn something new daily. “My biggest takeaway from this internship is that you always learn something new,” he said. “It’s a continuous learning process, and I embrace the opportunity to grow and develop personally and professionally.”

Hare also said he recognizes the role that UMO faculty members play in guiding students toward internship opportunities. In particular, he credits Professor Ryan Douglas for helping him secure his internship.

As he gains valuable experience through his internship, Hare said his passion for agribusiness and accounting continues to grow, solidifying his path toward a rewarding career. With graduation on the horizon, Hare noted he has plans to further his education by pursuing his master’s degree to enhance his knowledge and skills even further.

— From University of Mount Olive Public Relations