Advance

Hi, I’m Lamajah, a 1:12 Associate studying Business Marketing. I chose to intern at MBF because their core values aligned with mine, particularly their commitment to advancing the gospel, which is a mission I share.

The internship structure at MBF included meetings on Mondays where Neil and Shelly would pray over us, followed by Neil discussing a core business structure. Tuesdays were dedicated to development meetings, which, while lengthy, were highly informative. Throughout the week, we worked on various projects, providing a hands-on experience.

One key skill I developed during my internship was proficiency in design. Initially, I felt limited in my design skills, but this internship expanded my capabilities. I also learned the importance of marketing; a business’s success is largely dependent on how well it is promoted. Effective marketing ensures that people are aware of and can benefit from what the business offers.

A highlight was working on Facebook posts and scholarship marketing. Being involved in these behind-the-scenes activities was enjoyable and aligned with my interests in marketing.

The leadership at MBF is exceptional. Shelly, for example, is very personable and genuinely cares about the staff, often taking the time to ask about our weekends and well-being. The leadership is committed to ensuring that all team members are a good fit for the company, fostering a truthful and supportive environment. Their actions are driven by love and a dedication to advancing the gospel, making MBF unique compared to other workplaces.

I am grateful to the MBF staff for their support and dedication. They went out of their way to assist us interns, showing kindness and patience throughout our internship. I extend my heartfelt thanks to them for their commitment to our growth and development.

In summary, my internship at MBF was a rewarding experience that reinforced my passion for marketing and my commitment to advancing the gospel. The skills I gained and the supportive environment made it an invaluable part of my professional and personal journey.

Hi, I’m Dylan, a 1:12 Associate pursuing a dual degree in Finance & Banking and Real Estate. I chose to intern at MBF because it aligned with both my academic pursuits and my faith values, setting it apart from other opportunities I considered.

MBF structures its internship around eight pillars, covering all aspects of the company, including finance, marketing, accounting, client services, corporate operations, and leadership. Each pillar is explored in a dedicated week during the eight-week internship.

One of the key learning experiences in finance was understanding risk and returns. We often discuss these concepts in class, but witnessing their real-world application provided a different perspective. For instance, analyzing portfolio performance during market fluctuations revealed how MBF’s conservative approach led to less volatility compared to the S&P 500.

A highlight of my internship was a project evaluating our trust services department. This involved meeting with other banks to compare trust services and estate planning strategies, assessing potential improvements for our systems. It was an engaging and educational experience, consuming a significant portion of my time.

Additionally, we visited a nonprofit client of MBF. Observing how they utilized entrusted funds to serve the community was inspiring and highlighted MBF’s mission in action.

I enjoyed being part of the Development team, where we discussed current and potential services, and strategies for improvement. These meetings were insightful and enjoyable.

Unexpectedly, I had frequent interactions with the CEO, sometimes spending 4-5 hours a week in meetings. This level of access was surprising but provided valuable insights into the company’s leadership and decision-making processes.

Balancing professionalism with empathy was a crucial skill I developed, especially when communicating complex financial concepts to clients who may not fully understand them. It’s important to be professional without coming across as condescending, ensuring clients feel supported and informed.

What I appreciate most about MBF is its faith-driven mission. Unlike many financial institutions, MBF is dedicated to advancing the Gospel, partnering with clients who share this mission. This unique aspect of the company is something I find truly valuable.

In summary, my internship at MBF showed me that financial management can indeed be done for the glory of God, combining professional excellence with a commitment to faith-based values.

Hi, I’m Jackson, a 1:12 associate at MBF. I’m currently pursuing my master’s in accounting at Mizzou. I discovered MBF at a fall career fair when I noticed the word “Baptist” on a sign, which caught my attention. After a meaningful conversation with Neil, I realized I could use my talents to serve the gospel, a possibility I hadn’t considered before.

Our internship is unique because, although we come from different majors and work on different projects, we unite weekly to focus on a different pillar of MBF’s operations. These pillars cover leadership, corporate functions, accounting, marketing, and client services, among others, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

One significant lesson I’ve learned is that accounting in a nonprofit organization differs greatly from the for-profit accounting I studied in school. Here, the focus is not just on profits but on advancing the gospel for a greater purpose, which I find much more fulfilling. Working with Ashley and Morgan has also exposed me to various accounting software tools that I have used in school and will likely use in my future career.

A memorable part of my internship was a field trip to a smaller church utilizing MBF’s services to reach out to their community and advance the gospel. It was inspiring to see our work in action at the grassroots level.

Shadowing Morgan on day-to-day tasks and learning from Ashley on larger projects like taxes and auditing has been incredibly educational. Morgan has allowed me to take the lead on many tasks, providing hands-on experience that I value highly.

One small yet impactful aspect of my internship has been the stand-up meetings on Monday mornings. These meetings are a great way to kick off the week, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready to collaborate. It’s a time for accounting and client services to come together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

A consistent theme throughout my experience at MBF is the focus on the gospel, especially evident in development and pillar meetings. Seeing how Neil and Shelly integrate this mission into everything we do has been inspiring. While making a profit is necessary, it’s clear that the main objective is to spread the gospel.

 There’s a profound sense of fulfillment in spreading the gospel, which transcends the goal of merely making a profit.

In summary, my internship at MBF has shown me that accounting can serve a higher purpose. The skills I’ve gained, the supportive environment, and the gospel-centered mission have made this an invaluable experience in both my professional and personal growth.