Shyan Lorin Krass in front of Stockman Bank

Shyan Lorin Krass

Shyan Lorin Krass spent her summer immersed in the fast-paced world of banking during her co-op with Stockman Bank West in Great Falls. Growing up in Hogeland, Montana, just 70 miles from Havre, Shyan had always been familiar with MSU-Northern, frequently visiting for college games and camps. When she received an offer to play basketball at Northern, it sealed the deal for her. The affordability of the school and the supportive community made her decision to enroll even easier. Shyan is currently pursuing a major in Agriculture Operation Technology and a minor in Small Business Management.

Her summer co-op was an intensive, hands-on experience that spanned 300 hours. Working full-time from 8 AM to 5 PM most days, she was able to dive deep into the operations of the bank, learning everything from customer service to loan processing. Her responsibilities included managing debit cards, handling customer service tasks like fraud disputes and account changes, and even spending time with the ag lender to learn about loan requests and flood certifications. “Every day was different,” Shyan shared, reflecting on how much she learned about the flow of the banking world.

This experience has greatly enhanced her understanding of business and agriculture, especially in her classes. She now feels confident in banking software, customer service processes, and loan documentation, all of which she can apply to her studies. "Instead of hearing things for the first time, I feel like a pro," she said, emphasizing how the co-op has prepared her for her future career.

Although Shyan isn’t 100% sure of her exact path after graduation, she’s keeping her options open. She’s interested in opportunities in banking, farm insurance, or agronomy but ultimately dreams of owning her own business. A lifelong basketball player, Shyan also has her sights set on coaching girls' basketball, ensuring that the sport remains a part of her life long after her playing days at Northern come to an end.

Find out more about the MSUN Agriculture Operations Technology program and Small Business Management minor!