My Summer at Savant: Real Projects, Real Growth
Jocie Mehren, a senior at the University of Alabama and originally from Oklahoma City, interned with Savant’s Birmingham, Alabama, office this summer. She shares what that experience has meant to her.
Finding the Right Fit
I first learned about Savant at a networking event on campus, where I met Lucy Thompson, one of the associate advisors in the Birmingham office. Our conversation inspired me to research the firm, and the fact that Savant is a fee-only fiduciary immediately drew me in. Knowing that every decision here centers on doing what’s best for the client meant a lot to me. I was looking for a place focused on building trust and long-term relationships, and Savant clearly reflects those values.
Kicking Off the Summer
One of my favorite memories from the summer happened right at the start, with the intern kickoff event in Lincolnshire, Illinois. All of the interns met for two days of panels, team-building exercises, and an introduction to the company. Because I had never been to the Chicago area before, the trip itself was exciting, but the connections I formed with the other interns made it truly special. Those relationships became a great support system throughout the summer and set the tone for everything that followed.
Real Projects, Real Impact
Once I was back in Birmingham, I had the chance to contribute to real projects that made a difference for the team. My two most notable projects were the RMD (Required Minimum Distributions) updates and eMoney data entry.
For the RMD project, I updated the advisors’ spreadsheets with current 2026 data, added qualifying clients, and pulled information from Salesforce and the Schwab advisor portal. It taught me how to work efficiently across multiple systems and reinforced how important accuracy is when dealing with something as significant as a client’s retirement withdrawals.
For eMoney, I entered data into a platform that was completely new to me. What started as a learning curve turned into one of the most rewarding parts of my internship as I became more comfortable and efficient over time.
Growing Beyond Technical Skills
Beyond the technical side, this internship helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I developed stronger professional communication skills, became more confident engaging with the team, and strengthened my time management and adaptability.
In the beginning, I asked a lot of questions and double-checked every step. At some point, though, I noticed I was navigating platforms independently and completing projects more efficiently. Tasks that once felt overwhelming started to feel natural, and I trusted the accuracy of my own work. It wasn’t just about picking up technical skills. It was about growing into the professional environment and trusting myself with real responsibilities. That’s when I realized this internship was more than a learning experience. It was a foundation for the kind of career I want to build.
A Culture Worth Talking About
None of that growth would have been possible without the people at Savant. The culture here is collaborative, supportive, and growth-oriented. From my first day, it was clear that everyone was willing to share their knowledge and answer any questions I had, which made a huge difference for me as an intern.
One tradition that really reflects this culture is Monday Lunch, where once a week the office caters lunch and everyone gets together to eat as a group. It gives everyone a chance to step away from their desks and connect on a more personal level. Small traditions like this show how much Savant values its employees, and it’s one of the many reasons the office feels less like a workplace and more like a community.
Looking Ahead
This experience solidified my interest in pursuing a career in financial advising. Seeing the work happen in real time is completely different from learning about it in class, and it turned my interest into a real passion.
A special thank you to my mentors, financial advisors Tara Ingram and William Hocutt, for their guidance and genuine investment in my education this summer. Their support made a lasting impact on my growth and professional confidence. Thank you as well to the entire Savant team, and especially the Birmingham office, for an unforgettable summer!
This is intended for informational purposes only. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this document serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Savant. Please consult your investment professional regarding your unique situation.
Senior at the University of Alabama