Debt is a lot like a spam phone call – you never expect that first ring. The nonsense callers sneak up on you and the debt keeps piling up. Making the decision to answer or decline a phone call is simple, however, there is no option to decline debt.

     For many borrowers, debt collectors are like the surprising phone calls that never stop coming. They always call back and are completely unavoidable. But for some, like Keaton Sturgeon, debt collecting can be exciting and enticing.

    NHS senior Sturgeon had the opportunity to choose any internship that NHS offers as an off campus class. Sturgeon chose debt collecting, where he can shadow at his father’s place of work. Steve Sturgeon is the Chief Operating Officer at Reliant, a debt collection agency. Keaton gets to learn what it’s truly like to be a collections agent by observing other employees

       “I enjoy being in the landscape with money, dealing with numbers and being around stats because I’m a very literal guy,” Keaton said. 

      Numbers and stats are a very important detail of the debt collecting process, according to Steve. While Keaton is new to the process, Steve said the internship allows himself and his family to adjust accordingly .

      “I’ve been working in this career since before Keaton was born and we’ve had to move states more times than I can count,” Steve said.

     While Steve was building a career, he also had to adapt to the constant changes. Adjusting to the changing environment includes many tasks on a day to day basis according to Steve.

     “As of right now I’m currently setting up monitors and other hardware for the company,” Keaton said. 

     While Keaton is still at the beginning of this internship, his role seems to be technical at first glance according to Steve. However, Keaton sees it as the foundation for the business. Although it may be his first taste into the company, Steve has been through the process and calls many times. 

     “I spend most of my time taking calls and talking with people of all ages,” Steve said. 

     According to Steve, this kind of daily interaction is what makes the internship so different from others. He says this human interaction side of debt collecting is shown in daily calls and conversations. 

    One of Steve and Keaton’s coworkers, Andrea Kopaski, was also Keaton’s former manager who speaks highly of his work ethic.

    “Keaton is such a fun person to work with. He interacts well with people and instantly lightens the mood,” Kopanski said.

     In an industry like collections, it can be difficult for an intern learning the ropes. Learning how to communicate with clients and other employees is an essential skill to have for the job, according to Kopanski.

     “It’s somewhat a difficult task,” Keaton said, “but at the end of the day it’s worth it.”