WILMINGTON, DE — Farmers of Salem is spotlighting the success of Temple University student Avery Prendergast, who recently completed a hands-on summer internship with the regional insurer. Prendergast, a Levittown native and Neshaminy High School graduate, is double-majoring in Legal Studies and Risk Management & Insurance at Temple and is on track to graduate in December 2025.
The internship, part of the broader Intern Delaware initiative, provided Prendergast with practical exposure across departments at Farmers of Salem (FOS), from compliance to underwriting. The company’s rotational approach enabled her to connect classroom concepts to real-world business functions.
“I have had an amazing time working at Farmers of Salem this summer,” Prendergast said. “FOS has a great environment where my voice matters. I’ve been tasked with real projects and meaningful work. It’s helped connect the dots between my legal and insurance studies.”
Her academic interest in risk management began during a foundational course at Temple, which she said closely resembled tort law, a subject she encountered earlier in her paralegal studies at Bucks County Community College. The connection between the two disciplines prompted her to pursue both majors.
Farmers of Salem’s internship model emphasizes immersive, hands-on experience. Rather than passive observation, interns actively contribute to projects alongside seasoned staff. Human Resources Director Elizabeth Dean explained, “The difference with Farmers of Salem’s internship program, compared to other insurance companies, is that we ask interns to roll up their sleeves and get to work alongside our tenured team members.”
The program is designed to offer more than just resume material. According to Jim Reagan, Vice President of Product & Regulatory Compliance, the company’s focus on meaningful engagement has earned strong reviews from participants. “Asking our interns to get down to business and work alongside our valued employees is precisely what sets our internship experience apart,” he said.
Temple University’s Risk Management & Insurance program is one of only a few nationwide housed alongside Actuarial Science under a dedicated department. Dr. Michael Drennan, who chairs the department, is credited with maintaining a rigorous curriculum that equips students for industry success.
Prendergast’s summer experience also included networking opportunities through Intern Delaware, including visits to Legislative Hall and meetings with lawmakers and executives. With one semester remaining, she is now focused on launching her career in the insurance field.
In her downtime, Prendergast enjoys reading fiction, watching movies with friends, and camping with family—balancing a full academic and professional plate with a healthy appreciation for life outside the office.
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